Boyceville makes storm shelter more accessible

BOYCEVILLE — The Village’s Community Center, which is located along Highway 79, was constructed so that it can serve as a storm shelter during bad weather. Over the years it has served that purpose. But when the County 911 Communication Center activates the storm warning system, someone must physically go to the center and unlock the doors if the warning comes after the center closes.

For some time the Village Board has talked about a way to automatically have the doors open when the warning siren is sounded so the doors at the Community Center will be unlocked. The Village Board approved spending some $3,445 to install a system that will unlock the front door of the Center during bad weather.

The board wrestled with the idea of either opening the front door or a side door. The option of the side door was cheaper, but Village President Gib Krueger noted that it makes more sense to have the front door unlocked. The board approved the purchase on a five to one vote.

In other matters the board heard from member Bud Gilbertson about the lot that is the proposed site for the new fire station. Gilbertson presented a map of the lot, which is near the airport. He noted that Cedar Corporation had staked out the four-acre parcel and he encouraged other board members to drive out to the area so they can see the physical size of the lot.

The board discussed the lot and access to it and where they may make room for public utilities to serve the area. They also were informed that they should prepare a drawing to present to the state for approval as the site is near the airport.

During his report to the board, Police Chief Greg Lamkin noted that they had two arrests, along with 34 calls for service in December. “It was the same subject on two different occasions,” he told the board about the arrests. He also noted they assisted the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office with running the K9 through the school. “No contraband was found.”

The chief informed the board that the new body cameras are in and are in use. He also touched on the student that brought a gun to school last week. Board member Bud Gilbertson praised all that were involved for their action, saying, “It was a good job before we became national news.”

In other action the board approved an operator’s license to Shannon Bakken and hired Fred Weber as their state certified building inspector.