2014 The Year in Review

Kellogg shines with commitment to HEROES IN 2014

by Michael Smith
In some ways, it’s good that 2014 wasn’t 2013.
Think about it: You could get there from here in 2014: there wasn’t the major street and highway construction through Wabasha, all the way past Sand Prairie to Kellogg, in 2014 that there was a year earlier. That work disrupted life here for many months in 2013. Wow…that was tough!
And there was much less feuding among County Board members and less concern about City of Wabasha operations in 2014 than there was in 2013.
But…on the other hand, 2014 wasn’t quite the big news making year that 2013 was, either. The Eagle Center didn’t grab the major headlines like it did in ’13 by completing its debt pay off. And there wasn’t six months of street work photo opportunities!
But there was a lot of good news, as well as some difficult news to look back on, as we look back on the year that is wrapping up as you read this.
One of those good things—and one thing we certainly should take note of as 2014 rolls into 2015—is that Kellogg captured the spotlight and deserves many kudos for its Heroes Memorial, a plan that was conceived before the year began but came to fruition in October with its dedication. In the humble opinion of the news team here at the Herald that reviews all of the news of the past 52 weeks and decides on a Top 10, it is deserving of the No. 1 status we are awarding it.
The Kellogg Heroes Memorial will stand for many years as a tribute to all who serve or have served our country and communities in the military, and in the law enforcement, fire fighting and emergency medical response fields. Drive by the Kellogg City Park, look at this beautiful landmark…and pause and give thanks for a moment. Those being honored by this memorial that so many contributed to, deserve as much.
Wabasha also had its outstanding moments, beginning with the continued success of the SeptOberfest. This seven-week long event seems to grow each year and the community takes on a bright, colorful dress throughout, drawing hundreds and thousands of visitors. Local residents, as well, can enjoy the music, fun and FOOD (yes, tasty treats at most of the city’s fine restaurants) that accompany this German-themed celebration.
It was a better year for sports at W-K, though only one team—the Star Dancers—earned a trip to State. But the Cross Country team had its best year EVER; and the spring sports teams, collectively, were often incredible, winning a high percentage of their games and matches. The football and basketball teams improved again and there were several outstanding individual performances.
Why is that “big” news…or even “news” at all? Because we’ve always maintained that in a small town or a smaller school like ours, sports still matter. We still care how our sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters do on the field or court. We still take pride in our school and its teams and we hope the athletes’ endeavors bring with them valuable life lessons…win or lose.
On the flip side, some of our elected officials continued to make news, and not always in such a positive way—though their actions were much less disruptive this year, in that regard. Multiple lawsuits were filed by action groups against county officials, but two of those lawsuits were eventually dismissed. State Rep. Steve Drazkowski, who, state statutes say, was elected to serve his constituents in Wabasha County, as well as in the rest of his district, instead joined in on one of the lawsuits against the county and elected officials. He also attempted to discredit other elected officials such as Sheriff Rodney Bartsh and County Attorney Jim Nordstrom by accusing them of “willfully attempting to break the law” in their handling of the Safe Driving Program, which ultimately was dropped, at least for the foreseeable future, following a judge’s ruling.
While Bartsh apparently didn’t get much respect from Drazkowski, he did from his colleagues throughout Minnesota, by being elected as the President of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association in January; AND from his constituents in the county, by easily being re-elected in November.
County Board proceedings look to be much less controversial and much more functional as 2015 gets underway with Commissioners Deb Roschen and Dave Harms choosing not to run and being defeated in the primary election, respectively—if for no other reason than their replacements have vowed to “work cohesively with the rest of the board” in the new year “to restore the board’s image and effectiveness.”
Wabasha’s Interstate Bridge was re-named this year and a very touching ceremony culminated that effort to honor a local Vietnam veteran…and in a greater sense, all veterans.
City government in Wabasha made some changes and one major employer changed ownership.
Yes, there was much to remember and single out about the year 2014…beside the fact it seemed to fly by faster than ever. But then…don’t they all?!
So, with all that in mind, here are what we feel are the TOP 10 News Stories of 2014, based on community impact, general news value, amount of coverage, and significance as a group or individual accomplishment:

TOP 10 NEWS STORIES
1, KELLOGG HEROES MEMORIAL. An announcement in October of 2013 that a Heroes Memorial project was going to be undertaken, with a Memorial Brick Campaign to serve as a fund-raiser, resulted in the dedication one year later of the beautiful landmark that graces the Kellogg City Park today.
2. COUNTY BOARD LEGAL MATTERS. Directly or indirectly, the County Board frequently found itself embroiled in legal matters, from early year debate of the Safe Driving Program, to allegations of misconduct against then-Interim County Attorney Michael Plante, to Data Privacy requests. The latter two of which have since been dismissed.
3. SEPTOBERFEST. This seven-week festival involving weekend concerts and other fun activities, and a complete makeover of the city—continues to grow and amaze…and attract visitors. It has helped make Wabasha an autumnal destination for visitors and an even more fun place for locals to call home.
4. RE-NAMING OF THE INTERSTATE BRIDGE. Anytime an Interstate Bridge gets named, or re-named, it takes, well, if not an act of Congress, at least an act of Legislature…AND a bill signing by Governor Mark Dayton. That happened here and it is a deserving tribute to Wabasha native Michael Clickner, who gave his life serving his country in Vietnam.
5. COMMUNITY EVENT CENTER. Be it by that name, Regional Event Center, or by whatever name it is ultimately called if and when it becomes reality, this proposed multi-purpose facility was a major topic of conversation in the latter months of the year.
6. MEDTRONIC PURCHASES COVIDIEN. While Medtronic agreed to buy rival Covidien, which has a large plant here employing about 100 people, for $42.9 billion in a deal last June, resulting in one large medical supply manufacturer with over 87,000 employees, the affect on Wabasha, at this point, has been minimal.
7. MICHAEL PLANTE NAMED CO. ADMINISTRATOR. The success and mere “survival” of embattled Assistant County Attorney, then Interim County Administrator, then County Administrator, Michael Plante, in 2014 while under much scrutiny from some sources, was a major story of the year.
8. ABIGAIL HALL CHOSEN FOR EUROPEAN TOUR. W-K Senior Abigail Hall was selected to represent Minnesota as a vocalist in the distinguished Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus European concert tour this past summer. “Minnesota.” That’s the entire state!
9. SPRING HIGH WATER—FIVE CRESTS. While no single river crest proved devastating this year–the highest among five being 14.37 feet on June 30th–the river remained above the 10-foot level until mid-July, an incredibly long duration.
10. CITY OUTSOURCES UTILITIES. What is expected to be a seamless transition, took place in April when the City outsourced its Public Utilities duties to a private contractor, PeopleService.
Consideration was also given to the following stories for Top 10 status: Ruling on the Safe Driving Program, W-K FLY renewal, The Cold Winter of 2013-14, Primary and General Elections, and School Levy Extension.

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