Contest to attract 1,000 athletes and fans to Frazee

By Robert Williams

Editor

Hornet Track Head Coach Jim Jacobson spoke during the open forum of the Frazee City Council meeting about the upcoming True Team track meet that will be held on Tuesday, May 5. True Team is one of the largest track meets of the season, one that could not have been held in Frazee without the recent field improvements.

The meet will include 16 teams, 500 athletes and approximately as many spectators at the school all day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“It’s a large event for our school and community and we’re proud to showcase our facilities at Frazee high school,” said Jacobson.

The meet comes with a couple “hurdles,” according to Jacobson.

One being since the meet is during the school day, state and federal laws dictate what items can be sold at the concession stand. Water, sports drinks, fruit and granola bars are allowed, but given the length of the meet those items will not suffice.

Jacobson has already reached out to local businesses for assistance to offer items that fall under their own licenses. Mae’s Cafe, Sting Nutrition, Mama’s Pizza N’ Scoops and CornerStone have already made verbal commitments to participate.

Jacobson has also discussed utilizing space near the water tower with Police Chief Tyler Trieglaff and providing water and power for those businesses.

“This vendor-style event is a great way to not only showcase our school facilities, but our food businesses, as well,” Jacobson said. “Since we don’t want athletes wandering around town to visit the brick and mortar establishments and most coaches and spectators only have a few minutes between events to grab a quick bite this seems to be our only option.”

Jacobson’s second request was for the city to waive the $50 fee for a transient food vendor license for each business.

The council approved both requests.

Event Center

Manager Jolene Tappe reported on the continued re-covering of 300 chairs. The project is expected to be completed by March.

Fire

Chief Adam Walker reported a slow month in January with only four calls for service. 

The department is down to 20 firefighters after the resignation of 20-year veteran Jason Kropuenske.

“Jason served his community for 20 years on the fire department. He served as assistant chief, deputy chief, captain and firefighter. Jason’s presence and knowledge will surely be missed,” Walker said in a social media post announcing the resignation in mid-January. “Thank you Jason from all of us on the department and thank you for all your mentorship to so many members over your 20-year career.”

There are two probationary firefighters still completing training prior to potentially joining the department.

Liquor Store

Manager Amanda Young reported that Third Crossing has been added to the Ronald McDonald House Ride, based out of New York Mills. Around 400 bikes and more visitors are expected during the visit.

Police

Frazee Police responded to 85 calls in January, issued one city ordinance violation and responded to one motor vehicle crash. 

Public Works

Water usage has been holding steady at approximately 81,000 to 85,000 gallons per day, according to Supervisor Larry Stephenson. 

“These are good numbers to see,” said Stephenson. “We have seen a couple of  households with frozen water due to cold basements during the cold snap.”

Stephenson also reported on dealing with more blowing snow drifting across the streets more than regular plowing lately.

Rescue

The rescue department responded to 24 calls in January, 12 in the city, five in Burlington Township, three in Erie and two in Silver Leaf and Height of Land. Of the 24 calls, 21 were medical. The other three were an assault, a fire and a motor vehicle crash.

Rescue volunteers will be issued Guardian Angel lights, typically used for general illumination, scene safety, search and rescue, marking doors, etc.

Road reports

District 3 County Commissioner Phil Hansen spoke during the open forum about the county’s new road issues reporting portal at www.co.becker.mn.us/dept/highway.

“You can download pictures and show exactly what the issue is,” said Hansen.

Road issues in Becker County, such as potholes, damaged signs, or plugged culverts, can be reported directly to the Highway Department via the portal, which includes mapping for users to note precise locations.