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There were 23 Rotarians present for Noon Rotary with no visiting Rotarians, Keith and Cody joined us on Zoom, and Krysten Foster was present to give our program for the day. President Katie led us today from the podium, and Deb Martins gave our invocation. We also had our favorite piano player Keith with us, so we had a chance to sing the national anthems and Mary Pettit led us in song. (For Bob’s records, we used numbers 5, 58, 69, 46, and of course #3.) And a special Happy Birthday was also sung for our own Mary P. Wally Cole was at the greeter table today, and also presented a Past Presidents' badge to Zach S. Some general announcements included the reminder of our Club Social to be held on Wednesday, September 25th starting at 5:30 at the Rotary Shelter at Broadway Park; please bring a side to pass. We were very sad to learn that Kathy A.'s mother passed away this past week. Kathy was able to spend some quality time with her mother three weeks ago and was heading off to the funeral (which was held on the 7th). Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and her entire family at this loss. We also learned that Pete Wasberg has recently been in the hospital and could use our thoughts and prayers as well. Please remember our next Board meeting will be this coming Monday, Sept. 9th at noon and this will be a virtual meeting so feel free to join in on this meeting if you wish. We had two thank you notes that were passed around from two of our scholarship winners from this past school year. Deb M. mentioned special thanks to Lisa M.’s daughter for getting some friends together to welcome our Rotary Exchange Student, Cande Musse, to the High School. And it sounds like Cande was also able to experience a campfire and smores which was a big hit! There was NO Rotary Minute here today with Bob’s absence. Brags and fines were quite numerous and here is a recap. Dave J. reminded us of the gathering in Dalton this weekend so if you get a chance try and attend. Lisa M. missed some meetings but for good reason as she was visiting Glacier National Park; all returned safely. Kathy A. expressed thanks for time recently spent with her mother and the support of our Club. Zach S. has recovered well from surgery and was grateful for the time off, but Wally is thankful that he is back at work. Zach also praised LRHC for tremendous medical work and service to our community. Buzz L. will miss some meetings with plans to vacation in NW Montana. Deb M. is looking forward to the inbound meeting with all of the District Rotary Exchange Students this coming weekend and continues to rest up after hosting five grandkids recently. And last, but certainly not least, our own John M. announced he was becoming a great grandfather by the end of the day. Our program was introduced to us by Mr. Ryan Welle. Krysten Foster works for the Highway Department for Otter Tail County. She is a native of Mountain Iron in northern Minnesota and moved to Fergus Falls with her husband Joe and their adopted daughter Sophia. Krysten reported that one of the main projects for 2024 was a total main street upgrade in Perham. Other projects across Otter Tail County included the repaving of Hwy 24 near Erhard, 103 miles of seal coating for pavement preservation, work on Hwy 47 near St. Olaf Township, and four bridge projects or large culverts located in the northern part of the county. The 2025 project list will include some reconstruction on Hwy 1, 54 miles of seal coating, and the repaving of 35 miles near Dent, 52 miles in east Otter Tail, and 75 miles near Bluffton, and local work involving the new roundabout near the YMCA. Sounds like we were fortunate to receive a state grant for about half the cost of this roundabout. Reasons for a roundabout include high traffic counts, bike and pedestrian needs, traffic delays during rush hours, and general traveler safety. The cost for the roundabout will be approximately two million dollars and it is expected to be built between June and August of 2025. The construction will include a bike trail between the roundabout and Hwy 111. Krysten also shared with us some of the data and process that goes into making all of these road construction decisions. There will be a public meeting on Oct. 22nd from 4 - 6 pm at the FF Public Library if you wish to learn more about what is planned for our roads and bridges in Otter Tail County through 2050. Special thanks to Krysten Foster for a great program here today, and also thanks to the over 50 county employees that make up our Otter Tail County Highway Department!! |
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