Fire in Olivia

Here's a link to KARE 11 story

http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1833143158001

New technology

One of the first initiatives I began when I became Mayor in Jan. 2011 was to start a Technology Committee to develop an overall plan than would include website, cable, and future digital connectivity with Olivia residents.  As I write this column each week I realize I am continually seeking that communication with people.  I have written a column for this newspaper for many years.  25 years for the library and now over 1.5 years as mayor.  This is a popular, but somewhat one-side mode of conversation, much like a lecture or sermon.  With new technology we can improve on that conversation. 

I realize that some people are very comfortable with these traditional modes of communications but I am a closet geek and if time and money permitted I would have every new tech toy available.  I could get lost in all that new technology and forget the mantra that “all these new tools should work for you not you for them”.  As the city moves toward the optimum methods to connect with residents as conveniently as possible, looking at all options is in our best interests.  Some people use cell phones, not land lines.  More people use the internet for information not necessarily newspapers or television.  How do we reach all these people with timely city information?  The city has to keep up with all these technologies and peoples busy lives. We will be exploring all those options.  The city’s technology committee has been working updating the website and the city council chambers.  All this research takes time.  We look forward to this improved communication soon.  Stay tuned for updates.  

I'm Farming and I Grow It

 Great Video from farm guys,  Enjoy!

Discovery Through eLearning: A Small Collection of Free eLearning Tools

Discovery Through eLearning: A Small Collection of Free eLearning Tools:

'via Blog this'

Corn Capital Days

The old saying about seasons in Minnesota including “road construction” is certainly true this year for Olivia.  Residents have been especially patient and understanding as their streets are torn up, services are relocated and accesses to their homes are temporarily limited.  The city appreciates everyone’s cooperation.  Construction is moving along well and will continue through the summer.  May the good weather continue.

I have been asked about Corn Capital Days and the parade route.  The usual route of the parade is 11^th street but due to the construction, the parade route will be moved this year to 10^th Street.  I am sure there will be proper notification of the change so everyone will be aware of the fact of the change.  This change will be for this year only.  It only a minor change.  The parade route will be change from 11^th Street to 10^th Street from Park Street to Chestnut Street for the 2012 Corn Capital Day Parade. 

Corn Capital Days will be a fun celebration as always.  Many people and community organizations work very hard to showcase our community and it is fun time to see and greet family and friends. Corn Capital Days and its tradition will continue in Olivia.  They are too many people, organizations including the city that value what it adds to our community to allow it to see it go away.   

Olivia, Corn Capital

This Friday I am heading to the Minnesota Mayors’ Conference.  The speakers are excellent but I enjoy talking with other mayor about what is happening in other large and small cities.  A few months ago at the midwinter conference a mayor of a metropolitan suburban city was sharing with me the process and cost they were having in “branding” their city.  That is giving their city an identity.  They need a logo, a phrase, something to be identified with.  It was costing them thousands of dollars.  We chatted a while and then after exchanging businesses cards she said to me, “You are lucky, everyone knows about Olivia and the Corn Capital.  Your city may be small, but you have no branding issue.”  Olivia has no identity problem.  We know exactly who we are and where our strengths lie.  We are fortunate indeed.  No city is without its challenges.  Olivia is an agricultural city and always will be.  It is the Corn Capital because innovators of corn research recognized the area and chose to locate here years ago to advance that research.  It seems the multinational companies followed them.  The legacy continues.  

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Renville County is beginning an effort to create a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program.  This starts with a steering committee of which I am a part.  The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program unites keys areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of meeting the needs at the local level of Servicemembers, Military Families and Employers across Renville County. If you would like to get involved in this project you are invited to a meeting on Thursday, May 10 at 5:00 at the Olivia Armory.  If you would like more information please contact me.

Jayson Rothmeier

Congratulations to Jayson Rothmeier for achieving his Eagle Scout Award on Sunday, April 15, 2012.  Jayson’s project was the Beautification of Flag Park in August, 2011.  He organized over 114 hours of work.  A job well done to Jayson, his parents, Dan and Carol, his mentor, Travis Lubitz and the many others who assisted him in his journey to become an Eagle Scout.  Olivia is certainly honored to be home to the Rothmeiers who now have the unique distinction of being a family with three Eagle Scouts.  Kudos to everyone involved in this effort.

Emergency Phone Alerts

Last Wednesday at 5:00 pm the city tested its new telephone emergency notification system.  If you have a telephone landline you should have received a phone call.  This is another way the city will notify its residents of emergencies.  As we are heading into storm awareness time, it is important to review all these safety issues again.  Sirens are in working order, but are only required to be heard outside of one’s home.  If you are in your home, everyone should have a weather radio and be aware of weather conditions.  

Construction Begins Again

Spring and Easter has arrived and along with it comes construction season.   The construction crews and city are making every effort to keep residents informed as to what is happening in their streets.  The neighborhood meetings will continue as the project continues.  There are construction meetings every Wednesday afternoon at city hall at 1:00 and 3:00 with the contractors and any resident is invited if they have concerns.  I would encourage residents to share their thoughts with foreman on site, if there is some issue that can easily be resolved.  This is a very large project and it will be with us for the entire summer so let us work together as we improve our city.