Being on the tourism committee, how about a quick statement.

--VISIT HOLDINGFORD--

do ya think we need to do some more work on this ?

Holdingford applied for and was accepted in the Initiative Foundation's, Healthy Communities Partnership program along with a $10,000 grant to help implement our visions in 2005. There has been a core group of citizens who went to training sessions last summer . We had a well-attended public Visioning session in the fall, which helped focus the city and township on goals for the future. The committee has set up task forces to began to implement these dreams, with focus groups on economic development, comprehensive plan, social and tourism.

Holdingford's new maintenance shed built this spring. A big improvement from the old one.

What used to be Mary's Restaurant on Main St.is now T.K.'s Restaurant & Lounge. The new owner is converting the back room into a Lounge while the front will be a no smoking family restaurant.

The lake Wobegon Trail section from Holdingford to Albany is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of the trail system. It follows a path of canopied trees and open farm land. The Lake Wobegon Trail was extended 3 miles to the Morrison County line this fall. As I understand it it's name changes to the 'Soo Trail' there and next year will be extended to the east side of the Misissippi River. A beautiful rest area is almost complete on the trail in Holdingford. I will post pictures soon.
Note the links articles about 'Lake Wobegon' one is from the New York Times and the other article by the national Geographic.

A fact not even many people in Holdingford are aware of is that 'The soldiers memorial' across the street from St. Hedwig's Church. Was the first world War II memorial created in the United States, build in 1943. Under the direction of the village priest at the time, Father Kromolicki, it was designed by Rev. Gilbert Winkelman dean of architecture at St. John's University.

The shelter and bathroom at the American Legion Memorial Park recieved a upgrade and new faces this fall. Thanks to the efforts of the the Holdingford Lions Club who provided the labor. The project was funded by the Am. Legion and the City.
The legion also created a memorial to veterans of all the services.

This is the playground at the Elementary School. It's got to be the neatest playground i've ever seen ! This photo is a rare moment when a bunch of kids aren't using it

After many years of different people trying to get high speed internet into Holdingford. Folks will very soon have two choices. A startup co. called Surfsota.com is in the testing stage of providing wireless internet to Holdingford and the surrounding area. They contracted with the City to put a reciever on top of the water tower. I have been told by Jeff Krych they will be up and running in November '05. Starting bandwidth 64kbps for $19.95 with the top end of 1.5mbps $169.95 these rates on a sliding scale depending on bandwidth usage. The other connection will be with U.S.Cable our video provider. They are bringing in fiber lines and use the existing wiring be able to provide a hard line service within the City. Talking to the manager Steve Johnson the lowest speed 128kbps (may be higher) $23.99 a month fastest listed now at 3 mbps for $39.99 he said when they start service the end of January '06 it will probably be 5 or 6mbs for the same price. Contact these companies for more details informatiion. Although my present dialup provider Cloudnetnet.com has been a very friendly & stable Co. to work with over the years I'm going to have to switch.

Local School district residents supported their schools by passing a referendem 589 yes to 442 no's, a good turn out.
The levey will raise $525,000 per year for five years. The cost in tax increase on $100,000 home an additional $37.69 per year. The levy was advertised as to be used for sustaining programs and services. and to stabize finances.
With 5 people running for 3 spots on the board. Two of the incombents were reelected. The top vote getter is a new member on the board.
Matt Skwira 598
Rick Calgaro 571
Ron Schmidt 462
Patrick Meier 420
Chuck Weimen 317