Royalton City
Newsletter
City of Royalton Volume 16 Issue 1
January / February
After months of planning
and asking for donations
from the following local
businesses: Platte River
Insurance Agency; Ron
Gertken, SBC Building
Systems, Lund Dock and
Lift, Royalton Lumber and
Hardware, Majaski’s Ma-
chine Shop, Doug Luepke
Trophies, 10 Spot Bar
and Lounge, Scottie’s Log
Bar, American Family
I n s u r a n c e ; S a r a h
Wilczek, Buds to Blos-
soms, Pine Country bank,
Alley Cuts, Royalton Fire
Department and the
Royalton Lions Club, a
new Royalton Tradition
was started. On Decem-
ber 5, 2015, at 6:00
p.m. the lights on a Scotch
Fare For All,
a local food
program cre-
ated to make fresh fruits,
vegetables and frozen
meats more affordable
for local families now has
monthly distribution in both
Little Falls and in St. Jo-
seph. Fare For All is open
to everyone. Fare For All,
sells packages of fresh
produce and frozen meat
at 33 locations throughout
Minnesota. With prices
ranging from $10 to $25
per package. The pro-
gram has no income re-
quirements or forms to
complete. “Many families
have been forced to cut
back on fresh produce and
lean meats because of ever
shrinking food budgets.
The program is designed to
help make affordable,
healthy foods available to
those families-especially
during the holiday season,
“ said Scott Weatherhead,
the Program Manager for
Fare For All. The Little
Falls distribution is the first
Monday of each month
from 3:30 to 5:30 at Be-
thel Lutheran Church, lo-
cated at 901 Broadway
West. Upcoming dates for
this location is February 1,
and March 7. St Joseph
distributes on Mondays as
well, from 3:30 to 5:30 at
the Resurrection Lutheran
Church, located at 610
Cty Rd 2 next to the water
tower. Upcoming dates
for this location are Jan
11, Feb 8, March 14. For
additional dates and a
map of the Fare For All
locations, go to: http://
www.fareforall.org or find
them on Facebook. If you
have questions feel free to
contact Fare For All at
1-800-582-4291.
This article was submitted by
Scott Weatherhead, program
manger
“Fare For All” has new locations
Christmas on the Platte was a Success!
Planning and Zoning
Applicants needed
3
100 Years Ago 5
Library News 6
Pictures needed 7
Parking ordinance 8
Free Throw
contest winners
10
Volleyball
Fundraiser
11
Inside this issue:
Special points of interest:
Jan 18 Dr. Martin Luther King
Day City Offices Closed
Feb 6 Girl Scout Cookies
available
Feb 14 Valentine’s Day
Feb 16 Presidents’ Day
City Offices Closed
This institution is proud
to be an equal
opportunity
Continued on page 4
From the Mayor Thanks to
e v e r y o n e
who came to
the first an-
nual Christ-
mas on the
Platte and a
special thank you to Leah Walberg
for organizing the event. The
weather co-operated allowing over
200 people to gather in the park to
enjoy food, music and visit with
friends.
In December, the Council approved
fire service contracts for Bellevue
and Langola Townships. Our fire
and rescue department cover all of
Bellevue Township and 8 sections of
Langola.
The budget for 2016 was adopted
at our December meeting. Budgets
are guidelines for the city to use to
help plan and prioritize city services.
Each department puts together a
proposed budget and then the en-
tire budget – income and expenses
– is examined line by line until the
council and staff is in agreement on
the numbers. It is a long process, but
it works for us.
2015 was a busy year for the City.
In January we learned that the Min-
nesota Pollution Control Agency re-
quired the city to start its aerated
sewer ponds and in April we re-
ceived bids for well #4 and water
treatment plant. The aerated ponds
use more electricity so that needed
to be included in the 2016 budget.
We bonded to do the well and wa-
ter treatment project and our debt
service payments also needed to be
included.
Each year as part of the budget
process we review the water, sewer
and garbage funds. These funds are
called Enterprise Funds and are like
separate businesses for the city. No
tax dollars are used to cover the
costs incurred to supply these ser-
vices. Starting the aerated ponds
and adding a new well and water
treatment plant increased the cost of
operation and added another debt
service payment. It also means an
increase in water and sewer user
fees. We connected with the Mid-
west Assistance Program to help us
determine the best way to set rates
that were fair and equitable for all
users. The program is a free service
to the city and it provides a rate
study to help us determine the best
model to cover the cost of operation.
I was curious about the cost of bot-
tled water versus the cost of city tap
water and found a website http://
yourwaterfilterguide.com/bottled-
water-vs-tap/ (June 8, 2015) that
answered some of my questions. The
article stated that a 16.9 oz. bottle
of water typically costs over $1.
There are 128 oz. in a gallon, which
equals over $7.50 per gallon. And
that’s just for drinking. Tap water is
for drinking, washing dishes, bath-
ing and doing laundry! Our water
rate is $25.50 up to 2500 gallons
and then $5/1000 gallons above
that. 2016 will be another busy
year for the City and our Council
looks forward to serving you.
Page 2 Royalton City Newsletter
Local Comparison
1 Gal of City Water= $.01
1 20oz Bottle of water $0.99
I Gal of water = $6.34
1 Gal of Unleaded Gas =$1.79
1 20oz bottle of Pepsi=$2.02
1 Gal of 2% Milk= $2.79
If you would like to advertise in the City
Newsletter please con-tact Leah at City Hall 320-584-5900 or
email [email protected] for more information.
Hawthorn Street which passes
along the High School and runs
North. Those two streets are county
roads and they need to be ad-
dressed with the
county and the
state. There will
be a public hear-
ing on February
2, 2016 at
7:15p.m. in the
Royalton City
Hal l Counc i l
chambers to address the concerns
of the public.
There have been a few concerns
coming into the City office about
speeding vehicles within the Royal-
ton city limits. With the direction of
the city council, they are working
with the Planning and Zoning com-
mittee and local law enforcement
to address the speeding ordinance.
The council is looking into changing
the city streets from 30 mph to 25
mph. However, the areas that
have been addressed with the
most concern are Birch Street and
City Council is considering changing the speed limit
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 3
community, such as Ordinance # 52,
Public Parks, this was set up to allow
the patrons of the city to enjoy what
the city has to offer in the many
parks that we have. The Planning
and Zoning Committee will also
work with new businesses that may
come into town and they have
worked with the Royalton School
system to make sure the addition
goes as planned. If you are inter-
ested in learning more about be-
coming a member, please contact
City Hall at 320-584-5900.
Looking for Planning and Zoning Committee Members
The Planning and Zoning Committee
is looking for two new members to
join the team. The Committee is
made up of local residents who
would like to have a chance to help
the City of Royalton develop a safe
community and promote growth
within the city borders. They are the
ones who see things that may need
to change for the better in the town
or they are informed by other resi-
dents who may have concerns as
well. In the past year, these mem-
bers have established many differ-
ent ordinances that have helped the
www.MnTreasureCity.com
letter, and have a chance to win a
bag of prizes. Just call, email, or
drop a note at City Hall of what
page the object is on in this news-
letter. Be sure to include your name
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 4
Christmas on the Platte pine in Memorial Park were lit thanks
to the local residents Andy Dancer,
Russ and Carla Gerads, Nolan and
Wyatt Gerads, and Scott and Leah
Walberg. 3,000 white LED lights pur-
chased from Buckman Hardware were
strung around the tree. On that warm
December night with a little bit of
snow on the ground, almost 200 com-
munity members were able to enjoy
the Hot Dogs provided by the Royal-
ton Lions Club and cookies donated
from the members of the Royalton
Senior Club and sip hot beverages
donated from Creative Catering. The
children were able to enjoy the park
in the evening and dance to the Christ-
mas music provided by Shaggy’s DJ
Service and visit with Santa. With fire
pits located in the park, residents
were able to gather around and enjoy
the warmth of the fire and converse
with their neighbors. “When I envi-
sioned this celebration last December,
I didn’t know what to expect. I
wanted the community to be able to
come together and enjoy the evening
instead of being locked up in the
homes during the cold winter months.
This event turned out better than I had
hoped, with it being the first time the
City of Royalton would see an event
like this. I want to thank everyone for
coming out and enjoying the night. I
am looking forward to
seeing everyone next
year and years to
come. I hope that this
event will grow with
the city and have
families look forward
to it each year.” Leah
320-310-1321 www.BrendasFundraising.com
The Winner Is …Pat Vannurden
and phone number; and you will
be put into the drawing. 320-584
-5900
The Hidden Object for the Jan/Feb
Newsletter is:
Happy New Year!
Pat Vannurden’s name was drawn
out of the many people who found
the poinsettia in the last newsletter.
Find the hidden object in this news-
Nolan Gerads was picked from a hat to turn
the lights on for the first Christmas on the Platte
celebration.
A LOOK BACK AT OUR HOME TOWN
100 years In July 1916 the
Platte Dam and bridge were washed out by heavy rains. They were located on the south end
of town at the end of Driftwood Street South. They were never
rebuilt.
90 years In February of 1926
the Holy Trinity Catholic Church
will purchase 3 acres of land on the north end of town for a new
cemetery. The old cemetery was located on the west side of the rail road tracks. All graves were
moved a few years later. April of 1926 The First National
Bank of Royalton closed due to depleted funds. It will reopen a
year later under a new name and directors. The people will
lose all money they had in the
bieck the son of Frank Bobieck of Bowlus.
25 years In 1991, five acres
was donated to Royalton for the
McGonagle Park and 14 Christ-mas decorations were pur-
chased.
10 years April 2006, Lee
Popp was hired as part time
public works Assistant. At the end of the year he will become
supervisor.
5 years Solar panels will be
installed on the roof of City Hall and the Splash Park shelter will
be completed by the Lions Club.
Page 5 Royalton City Newsletter
50 Years Ago
40 Years Ago
By Barb Gangl
Museum Director
bank.
80 years In February of 1936
the new gymnasium at the school was completed. This is
the gym in the Elementary school now. It was built using
the WPA program. The stage is the original to the project.
75 years In January of 1941
construction started and was completed May 1 when our pub-
lic library was opened. This too was a WPA project with the Royalton Women Study Club
raising all funds. This was lo-cated on the corner by the fire
hall. December 7, 1941 will mark the
75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and it will mark the death anni-
versary of 26 year old James Bo-
Library News
Some folks think that winter in Minnesota is a season to be toler-ated, something to simply en-dure. If you are included in that mindset, the 2016 Winter Read-ing Program is tailor made for you. The 2016 theme is MinneS-NOWta: Read Away the Winter. The program will begin on Janu-ary 2 and continue through Feb-ruary 29, 2016. This program is for adults and teens (6th grade
and up). Once again the highly c o v e t e d G R R L mugs will
be included in the prize list. In-formation about the program can be found on the GRRL web-site or from librarians at any of the GRRL locations. Visit the library to see the 2016 mug de-sign and sign up for the pro-gram.
Do you need creative ideas for your home, your family or for the upcoming holidays? Explore the world of Pinterest. Join li-brarian Ariel Kirst for informa-tion on using Pinterest. For adults and teens. Limit 10. Reg-istration required. This program will be on Wednesday, Febru-ary 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Children are invited to cele-brate Valentine’s Day with sto-ries, a craft and snacks on Thursday, February 11 from 4:00 to 4:45p.m. This story-time is for children ages 3 to 10 years old. There is a limit of 10. Regis-tration is required.
Page 6 Royalton City Newsletter
By Linda Mueller
The library will be CLOSED on Monday, January 18 to ob-serve Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Monday, February 15 to observe Presidents’ Day.
The telephone number for the Royalton Public Library is 320.584.8151. The library is lo-cated at 12 North Birch Street in the city office building. The Great River Regional Library website is www.griver.org.
Don’t Forget to do
something special this year for
your Valentine.
Sunday,
February 14
50 years- November 1966,
we lost Joe Holdvogt while
fighting one of the biggest fires
Royalton has seen. We are
looking for pictures of that fire
but mostly we would like a pic-
ture of Joe.
40 years- Forty years ago,
1976, our country celebrated
our bicentennial and Royalton
had a parade and a carnival
downtown with rides. Does any-
one have pictures of that? We
are trying to remember if there
was a Ferris wheel. There were
posters and advance tickets for
the rides. Do you have any of
those?
Our final project at the mo-
ment is the Splash Park. We are
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 7
THE MUSEUM IS WORKING ON PROJECTS AND WE NEED YOUR HELP
trying to get pictures and sto-
ries of the project from the be-
ginning to the end of the
Splash Park. If you have pic-
tures and/or written accounts
please send them to City Hall
so we can make copies.
First Response
The Royalton First Responder team
is accepting applications for First
Responder positions at City Hall.
Applicants must be at least 18
years of age and live within 3
mile radius of the fire hall. Appli-
cations are available at the
Royalton City Hall, 12 N Birch
Street.
This past month the Royalton First
Response team held elections for
officers. Congratulations to the
following: Karen Dubbin; Presi-
dent, Ted VanHove; Vice Presi-
dent, Becky Yackel; Secretary/
Treasurer, Krisina VanHove; Train-
ing Officer. You will all do a fine
job this coming year.
Valentine’s Day Every Day
For a sweetheart or a friend
There’s just no better way
To show how much you care for
them
Then a gift on Valentine’s Day
It doesn’t have to be expensive
A simple card will do
As long as you put your heart into it
And show that it’s really from you.
Share love with family or with
friends
Tell them in your own way
Let them know you really care
Make every day Valentine’s Day
As the snow continues
to fall, I would like to
remind everyone of Royalton’s
Winter parking restrictions. As
stated in Ordinance #3 section 4:
When snow has accumulated to a
depth that requires plowing and/
or removal; all vehicles including
trailers parked and/or standing on
city streets and alleys in the City of
Royalton shall be towed to an im-
pound lot at owners
expense. As de-
scribed in Ordinance
#3 section 5: Year
round parking, No
vehicle or trailer shall
be parked on City of
Royalton streets or
speed limit is 15 MPH. The driver
yields the right of way to all on
coming traffic which constitutes an
immediate hazard.
For further information regarding
our parking and snowmobile ordi-
nances, or to pick up a Snowmobile
trail map, please feel free to stop
by City Hall or go to the city web-
site www.royaltonmn.com
Lastly slow down take your time
on icy roads and remember
texting while driving is illegal.
From the Royalton Police Department
Page 8 Royalton City Newsletter
alleys for over 48 consecutive
hours. No vehicle shall park on the
wrong side of the street (face
against traffic). Only vehicles ex-
empt from this section are all emer-
gency vehicles, city work vehicles
or delivery vehicles. No vehicle or
trailer shall be parked on the grass
between the street and the resi-
dence. Vehicles in violation of this
order may be towed at owner’s
expense. No vehicle or trailer shall
be left unattended and without
permission on Royalton City prop-
erty for over 48 consecutive hours.
Snowmobiles, just a reminder that
you need to stay on the side of the
road way and not on Sidewalks,
ditches or peoples yards. The
Texting while driving is Illegal.
It has already been a week since the
new year of 2016 has started. In
that first week most people will set a
resolution that they would like to
achieve in this new year. However,
by now the excitement of setting
those goals is starting to wear off. I
know, it happens to the best of us,
but don’t let the excitement of a
“New Year’s Resolution” wear off.
Here are a few ideas and pointers to
help achive your goals. Whatever
you decide to do, make sure you are
happy with yourself and what you
are trying to obtain. If you are not
happy with it, change it, there is noth-
ing worse then having that feeling of
“I have to because..”
Good Luck and Happy
New Year, 2016 will be
Great!
New Year’s Resolutions
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 9
All your favorites are coming back!
Pre-Sale Starts January 25.
Cookies will be available February 6 through
March 19th. Contact Leah at 320-224-2204 or
Gretchen 551-580-1834 if you would like to place an order
Thanks-A Lot, Cranberry Citrus Crisps, Lemon-
ades, Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Pat-
ties, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Sandwich
Accomplish the Incomplete – If you still feel that the resolutions you made last year and abandoned midway are worth a second shot, give it another chance! Realistic Resolutions – Instead of weav-ing dreams in the air, make a resolution that would have significance in and add a meaning to your life.
Monitor Progress – Resolve this year to monitor how far you are holding on to your commitment – it will help you to hang on.
Quit an Addiction – It will not take you anywhere good, trust us. If it does you no good, why stick to it? If needed, seek help of support groups or professionals. If you have the will, you shall find the way.
Back to School – Learning has no age. Pick up where you left off.
Fit in Fitness – Secure a future with fewer trips to the doctor – exercise. Select a regime you can stick to. A group activity may add the element of fun to the routine. Lose some flab. But don’t set any strict target, for then the chances are you may get de-motivated and quit.
Soak up New Skills – Learning some-thing new and interesting is always fun and a value addition too.
Healthy Hogging – Think before you put any morsel in your mouth. Occa-sional indulgence should be there.
Lose the Loan – Pay off any debt you may have and feel light at heart.
Sack Stress – This sounds easier than it actually is, and there is no magic tip. You have to find your own haven.
For more ideas 123NewYear.com
$4 A box
There hasn’t been anything exciting
with the Royalton Fire Department
during these past couple of months,
but when it comes to the fire depart-
ment it is a good thing. Just a re-
minder to everyone, to please make
sure your house number is visible
from the road. It is important to
make it visible for any emergency
personnel who may need to find
your home. It could lead to more
time wasted trying to find you than
being able to help you. Also a re-
minder to help keep the fire hy-
drants clear of snow during these
Free Throw Contest Winners The Holy Trinity Knights
of Columbus Council
#13398 hosted their
annual Free Throw Con-
test on January 3rd. This
is an international contest put on by
the Catholic family fraternity.
The winners for this year’s local con-
test are by age group:
9 yr Girls 1st=Hannah Kruger
10 yr Girls 1st=Marizza Lenz
11yr Girls 1st=Rachel Cekella
12 yr Girls 1st=Aubrey Kruger
13 yr Girls 1st=None
14 yr Girls 1st=Morgan Wagner
9 yr Boys 1st=James Ring
10 yr Boys 1st=Cal Ollman
11 yr Boys 1st=Tyler Swenson
12 yr Boys 1st=Wyatt Koroll
13 yr Boys 1st= Zachary Cekalla
14 yr Boys 1st=None
Each contestant was allowed 15 free
throws in the contests. Ties were set-
tled by successive rounds of 5 free
throws per contestant until a winner
emerged.
Each of these winners will compete in
the district competition to be held in
February with location and times yet
to be determined. These contestants
will have an eye toward moving onto
state and international levels.
winter months.
The Fire Department elections took
place this past month for officers.
Nate Bellefeuille is still currently
your Fire Chief and
Joel Newman is the
Assistant Fire Chief.
The Captains are
Adam Hellickson and
Jake Klosowski .
Sean Flahave is the
training officer while
Bill Tieman is the
Safety officer and
Steven Bishop was
elected as Secretary. Congratula-
tions to them all, you will do a fine
job protecting the city and surround-
ing townships.
Hot Fire Department News
Page 10 Royalton City Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 11
WHO: Co-Ed Volleyball teams of 6 (Will have Upper and Lower Brackets – indicate which bracket on registration form.)
DATE: Saturday March 12th 2016
WHERE: Royalton High School Gym(s)
TIME: 9:00am-?(Will text or email each captain start time)
ENTRY FEE: $100 (50% payout)
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday March 7th
Any questions call or text Carla: (320)360-6490
CO-ED VOLLEYBALL
FUNDRAISER TOURNAMENT
All proceeds go for additional equipment at ROYALTON COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
REGISTRATION FORM
Team Name/Sponsor: __________________________________________________
Upper Bracket: ____________________ Lower Bracket: _____________________
Team Captain: ________________________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________________________
Send registration and payment to (checks can be made payable to Royalton Splash Park):
Carla Gerads
330 North Hickory Street
Royalton MN 56373
Keep this and hang it inside your cupboard!
Page 12 Royalton City Newsletter