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New Richmond neighborhoods are ready to party. Families and individuals across New Richmond will gather Saturday at several dozen block parties in the community. The parties come on the heels of Mayor David Schnitzler's proclamation designating May 13 as "Get to know your neighbor" Day.
Fun Fest is on the move. The New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce and its executive director Russ Korpela are working on plans to revitalize what they feel is a dying community celebration. At Monday's New Richmond City Council meeting, Korpela outlined some of the proposed changes to the annual mid-July gathering. Korpela reported that Fun Fest is in a "significant life cycle downswing" after 50 years of existence. The celebration, which has been held downtown for many years, lacks cohesiveness, he said.
Soft music plays in the background while the sound of water cascading down a garden sculpture fills the room. The scent of fresh flowers gathers at your nose. In the back, Patti Richardson completes a flower arrangement ordered by a customer. A month into her foray into the flower shop business, Richardson of Somerset is enjoying her new job, yet struggling to educate herself. She purchased Dena's Wildflowers at 250 Paperjack Dr. in New Richmond on April 3. "Right now I'm just trying to drink it all in," she said, admitting that she feels a little overwhelmed at times.
Organizers for this year's Miss Heritage competition are a little nervous. In the second year of the New Richmond royal court's return from oblivion, no candidates have filled out an application to participate in the September pageant. With a May 19 sign-up deadline fast approaching, the volunteer Miss Heritage committee is struggling to find ways to promote the renewed community ambassador concept. At a recent informational meeting after school, only two potential candidates attended. "I know, for a lot of the girls, it's a last minute decision," said Dori Marty, committee member.
New Richmond is preparing for a possible fight over its cable television franchise. The City Council voted unanimously Monday to begin the process of calling for proposals from any cable companies who might want to serve the community. The city has been negotiating with Rapid Cable for months on a new contract, but little progress has been made, according to City Clerk Joe Bjelland. The company's already-extended contract ended in February, and the city demanded a response to contract change requests before May 1. Bjelland said the company's new president personally promised a timely respo
A local service organization is hoping to improve its visibility in the community. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10818 of New Richmond officially organized two years ago. Membership numbers have hovered around 20 ever since. President Stacy Schwan admits getting the word out about the group has been a challenge. "We're trying to boost our numbers," she said.
Two New Richmond High School seniors are a dynamic duo in chemistry. Betty Groboski and Peter Nelson were two of 14 area high school students to earn a spot on the regional Chemistry Olympiad team. The region spans across a huge area of Minnesota and western Wisconsin (37 counties in Minnesota and five counties in Wisconsin). New Richmond has had just two members on the regional team before, Bill Groboski (Betty's brother) and Jake Dalton. "This is the first year we've ever had two go," said proud teacher Neal Ziller.
A local salon owner is one of the world's select few hairstyle trend setters. Boni LaVelle, owner of a' la Mode Salonspa on North Knowles, is a member of Intercoiffure, a prestigious international organization of the best hairdressers and salon owners in the world. The group aims to improve customer service within the salon industry and figure out the newest style trends. "This is 'THE' group that sets the standard for fashion and coming trends in America and around the world," she explains.
The Salvation Army of St. Croix County went ahead with its "Shanty Town" event in River Falls last weekend, despite the rainy and cool conditions. It just helped to prove a point: Homeless people have to deal with all kinds of elements no matter what, so why should an event designed to raise awareness of homelessness wimp out? County Salvation Army director Duana Bremer said about 20 people spent the night in the River Falls Middle School gym, and about 50 people attended the program highlighting the challenges of homelessness. "It was a little disappointing," Bremer said of the numbers.
The City of New Richmond is extending three roads in its industrial park in anticipation of several new industries moving in. Reynolds Transport, Inc. has purchased property in the park to construct a 10,000-square-foot building on Cernohous Avenue next to Federal Foam. Reynolds, which is an official Mayflower Transport agent, employs 18 people out of a temporary home on North Knowles. According to general manager Tim Borgeson, company officials hope to begin construction of the new building this summer.