By Dick Huhta
Cromwell Mayor
Another year has gone by and the start of 2007 has begun.
The January council meeting was a busy one with Phil Lippo, Tom Borglund and I taking the oath of office for re-election to the board. Also, there was the signing of resolutions and accepting the T.I.F. amendments for the expansion of the assisted living for Villa Vista. Construction is planned to begin in April. I know when a person starts these projects there's a lot of paperwork before the ground is broken, but once completed I believe it will be an asset for the community and the people who will move in there.
I attended a watershed meeting where Mel Johnson conducted the meeting of the exploration. Drilling has been done in Aitkin and Carlton County. Len Anderson showed slides of different areas of sulfide mining. Then Jana E. Murphy, environmental manager from the Flambeau Mining Company, spoke. The mine was in operation from 1993 through 1997 and was one of the richest ore bodies in the world. We are concerned with the environmental impact that mining might have in our area, as well as the longterm educational and economic impact. There are 250 native plant species of wildlife, 45 species of birds, 20 species of butterflies. The Flambeau River which lies alongside has been and will be checked with the mine's start-of-the-art water treatment plant is up to par with water going out has a better grade than going in.
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Wouldn't it be great if we were all concerned about treating our lakes, rivers and streams like this mining company has and will be doing in the years to come? The community impact and educational purposes were great, scholarships were given to four schools, a library was built, a visitor center was built, a fire truck was given and in 2001 Flambeau received the Northwest Mining Association 2001 Environmental Excellence Award for superior environmental performance and approach to sustainable development.
Seems funny as the years go by in the early railroad days of the wagon trails Aitkin County sold seed corn to the farmers in Iowa. Now it's exploration "only" for nickel and copper. Looking at the charts I received at the Tamarack watershed meeting Aitkin County has 20 cases with the Kennecott Exploration Company. Carlton County has 27 leases which include 10 with Minerals Processing Company and 17 with Kennecott Exploration Company. This data was given out by the state metallic mineral lessees by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Lands and Minerals, April 1, 2006. So maybe grandpa knew when he homesteaded that the ground would be worth something one day.
At our council meeting in January Ted Dimberio of the United Service Group, which is a consultant of Lake Country Power, informed us of an upgrade to the power lines through the city. This project includes a power line along Railroad Street, taking it from a single phase project and making it three phase along Markusen Road and some underground work. Their study plan shows growth with the city and that brings an interesting item to light with one of the local papers. There is supposed to be up to 1,000 new jobs in Moose Lake. At the present time we have lots with city water and sewer ready to have houses built on them, and both lake, river and land lots on Highway 210, so come to Cromwell to build. Also, we have a good educational and sports program.
In closing, I would like to say "Hi" to Mike and congratulate you in becoming a deputy sheriff. We're proud of you!
Nakemiin
