Wednesday May 20, 2020 the maintenance staff has been busy around town doing the yearly flush of the fire hydrants. If you notice any discoloration of your water, do not be concerned, all you need to do is turn on your faucet until the water runs clear.
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Basketball team being Conference Champs! 🐾🏀
Mayor Kevin Birkholz attended the 2019 Experienced Officials Leadership Conference held Friday & Saturday, February 1 & 2, 2019, in Plymouth, Minn. Attendees were newly elected & experienced officials.
The conference dealt with learning communication styles for a more effective relationship; how to better communicate with staff, residents, council colleagues & others. He enjoyed having the opportunity to meet officials from other Minnesota cities.
They also received the League of Minnesota Cities 2019 Legislative Priorities. Kevin is most interested in the Local Government Aid Funding, City Street Funding and Housing & Telecommunications. Other 2019 Legislative Priorities are Infrastructure Fees, Local Control, Police & Fire Disability Benefits, Presidential Primary, Sales Tax Exemption on Construction Materials, Urban Forest Management Funding & Water Policy & Funding.
In 1977, the Parkers Prairie Swimming Pool was built with private funds after the Parkers Prairie Commercial Club of business leaders made it a reality by approaching individuals and various organizations for pledges and donations. After purchasing the pre-fab pool kit, local contractors donated materials and labor to construct the pool including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. There were no tax monies used for the construction of the pool or it’s maintenance the first ten years. Before turning the pool over to the city, a committee of Commercial Club members managed the pool, which included hiring staff, management and maintenance. During those ten years, the pool made a profit according to recorded secretary minutes of the Commercial Club. At that time, the Commercial Club ran a very profitable Bingo night which covered the expense of running the pool from the first of June until Labor Day each summer.
The pre-fab pool a junior Olympic size pool was constructed on the North edge of the City park. 82-1/2 feet in length by 45 feet in width, it was constructed of stainless steel panel sides edged with tiles. The bottom of the pool was poured concrete as was the apron or deck surrounding the pool. A pump house was built on the South side of the pool.
A separate round wading pool was added later as was a bathhouse. Various individuals and the Lions Club built the bathhouse as well as the lifeguard chairs.
Mayor Kevin Birkholz and Councilpersons, Sandy Froemming & Greg Larson took their Oath of Office at the first 2019 Parkers Prairie City Council meeting held Tuesday, January 22, in the council chambers.
Parkers Prairie resident, Tony Woodworth was unanimously chosen to fill the two years remaining of Kevin Birkholz’s council seat. Tony was unable to attend the meeting that night. He took his Oath of Office later that week.
In October of 2018 the City of Parkers Prairie’s long-time Police Chief, Doug Whiting, retired from full-time service. Doug served the Parkers Prairie community as Chief of Police for greater than 30 years and was respected and loved by all who knew him. Doug began his career as an officer for the Parkers Prairie Police Department in December of 1985, where he was quickly promoted to Chief. Doug was a member of the Otter Tail County S.W.A.T. team for 15 years, and an Emergency Medical Technician for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed the time he spent teaching young people in the D.A.R.E. program at the Parkers Prairie Elementary School and hosting Bike Rodeos in the spring of each year. Doug will always be remembered as a respected leader and friend among his fellow Officers and members of the community. Since Doug’s retirement, he has been welcomed back to service with the Parkers Prairie Police Department as a part-time Officer.
On October 26, 2019, the role of Police Chief was filled by Officer Chris Barton. Chris has been a member of the Parkers Prairie Police Department since 2006. With over ten years of service as a S.W.A.T team member, E.M.T, and highly-respected full-time Police Officer, he was an obvious choice for the position as Police Chief. Since becoming the Chief of Police, Chris has attended an extensive 2-week training course for the D.A.R.E. program. Chris has welcomed new Officers to his team and is dedicated to continuing the standard of excellence in service set by the former Chief. We congratulate Chris on his new position, and feel proud and honored to have him as our Chief!