5/06/2008

Covered Bridge Grew 20 Feet

[photo from MankatoFreePress]
News Scoop, the Holdingford covered bridge has been advertised as being 164 feet long , The covered bridge will actually be 186 feet long when finished. Cool. according to Lt. Hayes from the US Army Reserve's 492nd Engineer Company.Tags:

5/03/2008

Covered Bridge Project Started

Great start on the bridge project, NO SNOW ! 40 degrees and windy but people can deal with that. There are about 40 people planting trees along the trail, another group staining boards for the bridge, that was donated by Valspar, and of course the Army Reserves are doing a great job on the bridge. Pictures with be coming later.

4/30/2008

Minnesota's Longest Covered Bridge

Work to begin in Holdingford on state's longest covered bridge
submitted article
Construction will begin Friday, May 2, on the covering of the bridge on the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail over Two Rivers-River in Holdingford. When completed this will be the longest covered bridge in Minnesota.
The Lake Wobegon Trail is used by bicyclists and walkers during the summer and by snowmobilers in the winter. This is a great attraction for Holdingford. The trail in the area is one of the most beautiful biking and hiking trails in America with many great views, farmland, lakes, creeks, wildlife and hills. The Lions Club members feel that this project will increase tourism to the community and improve our economic development. A cover will also improve the safety and aesthetic appeal of the bridge.
The Holdingford Lions have spearheaded this project with the cooperation of the City of Holdingford, Stearns County Parks, the Lake Wobegon Trail Association and many other organizations. The US Army Reserve's 367th Engineer Battalion will provide the labor for building the cover. For the past several weeks parts have been prefabricated in Mankato. On May 2 the parts will be
shipped to Holdingford and the actual construction will begin. It is estimated that it will take three weekends to complete the work
On May 3,the Holdingford community will hold a community work day. Some people will be planting trees along. the trail south of the bridge. Other people will be staining the cedar siding and still other people will be painting the railroad boxcar at the city's trailhead park. Along with the Lions Club, the Holdingford Garden Club, the Holdingford High School Student Council and FFA, the St. Joseph Society, the Five Parish Youth Group, Helping Hands Outreach and many individuals will work on these projects.
Materials for the bridge cover are being paid by local contributions. Many individuals and organizations have contributed already. Most notable are payments or pledges from the Holdingford, Albany and St. Stephen Lions, Holdingford American Legion, Holdingford Commercial Club, Lake Wobegon Trail Association and individual Lions.
In the near future an entry park will be created. This will provide parking and a handicapped accessible sidewalk a short distance from the bridge. The Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission has awarded the city $3,000 to provide
information at this entry park Cooperating with the city and the Holdingford Lions in creating this park will be the Holdingford Area Historical Society and the Holdingford Garden Club.
The idea of covering the old railroad bridge over Two, Rivers River began at the same time as the railroad was being converted into the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. The City of Holdingford, under the direction of Mayor Rosemary Scepaniak, applied for a grant but was not successful. A brief comment was made to a Lions Club member who mentioned it to the club as a possible project. Another Lion was retiring from the Army and had worked on similar projects in the service. In 2005 the project began to take shape. During 2006 old plans and grant papers were found and evaluated. An architect was hired and discussions began with the Army Reserves. In February of 2007 the Stearns County Board of Commissioners and in March 2007 the US Army Reserves approved the project.

4/06/2008

10 tips to Lower Your Water Bill

10 WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

In the Kitchen

1. Only run the dishwasher when it's full and necessary. Use the 'short' cycle if your machine has that option.
2. Take a break from dishes on the weekend - use paper products instead.
3. Don't use the garbage disposal; toss scraps in the garbage bin instead.
4. Rinse produce with a bowl of water rather than running the faucet. Use leftover water for plants.

In the Bathroom
5. Put timers in your family bathrooms to encourage shorter showers. Reducing your time in the shower by one minute will save hundreds of gallons per household each month.
6. Replace older shower heads with new low-flow models. Pre 1992 showerheads 5 gallons of water a minute after 1992, showerheads legally required no more than 2.5 gallons of water can buy showerhead that puts out as little as 1.0 gallons of water per minute and still offers an enjoyable shower). The average person uses a shower for 10 minutes per day
7. Only flush the toilet when necessary.
8. Place a bucket in the shower to collect water while it heats up. Use the water on plants or to flush the toilet.
9. Running water faucets use 2-3 gallons per minute. Men should consider using an electric shaver or turning off the water while they shave. Or grow a beard.
10. Put some food dye in the back of the toilet tank. If the dye appears in the toilet bowl within 15 minutes, your toilet is leaking and should be fixed.

3/24/2008

Music Fun

This video doesn't have any thing to do with Holdingford. I just like it. Hope you do to.

3/16/2008

Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon

The St. Cloud River Runners
are sponsoring the "First Annual Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon" it will start 7:00 a.m. on May 10, 2008 at the Holdingford Trail Head on the Lake Wobegon Trail.

The race is run entirely on the Lake Wobegon Trail. Runners will head north from the Holdingford Trail Head for .86 miles and then back through the town of Holdingford and the towns of Albany, Avon, and St. Joseph. The race finishes at the trail head in St. Joseph.
The trail is primarily rural except as it passes through the four small towns along the route. Many people feel that the trail from Holdingford to St. Joseph is the prettiest portion of the Lake Wobegon Trail.
They were going to limit it to 50 runners but I see that has been raised to 100 and the race field is full.
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2/26/2008

Stearns County Dairy Princess Candidate

Congratulations and good luck to Stearns County Dairy Princess Candidate Alicia Dobis, 18,of Holdingford she is the daughter of Allan and Brenda Dobis of Holdingford. She attends Holdingford High School. Her sponsor is Holdingford Mill Inc.
The Freeport Community Center will be a flurry of activity all day on Saturday as 13 young ladies will vie for Stearns County Dairy Princess titles.

The day will begin early for the candidates, with judging throughout the day. Dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. and coronation will begin around 9 p.m.

This is the 54th Annual Stearns County Dairy Princess Pageant. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
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2/15/2008

June 14 - 2008 Caramel Roll Ride

Start planning those spring bike rides. Here is a big one for the area.
June 14 - 2008 Caramel Roll Ride
This year starting from Holdingford the Route: From the Holdingford covered bridge bikers can go south to Albany or north to the Mississippi River or both.
Some details
Distances: 14, 28, or 47 Miles
Number of Riders expected 300

Prices: $15 Adults - $10 under 16 before May 31, $5 more after May 31.

Description of Ride: The proceeds from this ride will go to cover the costs of building the Holdingford Covered bridge where we will have a 9 am ribbon cutting and party after the ride.
For registering and more information contact

Sponsor: Lake Wobegon Trail Assn
Phone: 1-320-293-9364
Website: www.lakewobegontrails.com

Cliff Borgerding Ride Organizer
Address: 33504 Shorewood Dr
City, State, Zip: Avon, Mn. 56310

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2/12/2008

Open Position City Maintenance Worker

Ad for City Maintenance Worker
City Of Holdingford
2008


The City of Holdingford is seeking to fill the position of City Maintenance Worker. This position is a full time 40 hour per week hourly paid position. Requirements include a high school diploma, a valid CDL (class ‘B’) Minnesota driver’s License, willing to obtain a Class “D” Water Operator’s license, a Class “B” Wastewater Operator’s License, Type IV Bio Solids License, are required. Applicant must agree to and successfully pass a background check. Must pass a physical and drug testing. Responsibilities of this position include the operation and maintenance of the municipal water and wastewater systems, snow removal, maintaining streets, City buildings and parks, operation and maintenance of city vehicles and all other related equipment, physically demanding labor, frequently lifting 70 pounds or more, and any other duties assigned by the City Council. Must possess good public relations skills. Must have a flexible schedule and be willing to be on call to work some evenings, early mornings, and weekends. Response time: 15 minutes. Competitive wage dependent upon qualifications; health insurance and PERA program benefits available. For a job description and job application call the Holdingford City Clerk’s Office at 320-746-2966 or email at clerk@holdingfordmn.us . Completed Resumes and Job Applications are being accepted until March 15, 2008. The City of Holdingford is an equal opportunity employer.
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