City Beat logo with dark blue background
February 28, 2023
Get ready to book it to the Library's Foot Room next week! The Friends of the Library spring book sale starts Wednesday, March 8, for members and is open to the public from Thursday, March 9, to Saturday, March 11. Get great deals any day, or swoop in for Saturday's $2 bag sale. Find sale hours and more here.
Friends of the Library Book Sale with Books
New Digital Red Wing Report Card
Quiz yourself – how many of these Red Wing stats would you get right? One in three of us rents where we live. More than half of our households make $50,000 or more, yet 17% of our kids live in poverty. The number of housing units we need over the next five years to meet demand? 952. You'll find lots more about our community in the new digital Red Wing Report Card. See what surprises you. Demographics, Housing, and the Economy portions are ready. Over the next few weeks, you'll see additional sections like Physical and Mental Health, the Environment, Lifelong Learning, Public Safety, Community Connections, Arts & Culture, and more. Questions? Call Michelle at 651.385.3618.
'Tis the Season for Seasonal Hiring
Are you someone who enjoys working outside instead of in an office? Look no further. The City of Red Wing is hiring seasonal positions to help keep our community beautiful and ready for summer fun, and you can apply right now. Our seasonal positions are great for anyone looking for summertime employment, especially those who like to work outdoors. Check out all the options available here. We'd love to see your application.
Pickleball Possibilities
Pickleball
With its increasing popularity, it's clear many people are passionate about pickleball. After last night's City Council meeting, Red Wing residents showed they're passionate, too. City Council has approved applying for a MN DNR grant that would pay for a large part of building pickleball courts at Colvill Park. Last year, Council asked the local pickleball group to raise $175,000 to cover the rest of the estimated cost. Last night, the pickleball group announced they had succeeded and raised $176,900: $100,000 from an anonymous donor, $43,000 from the Red Wing Area Fund, $5,000 from the Wings Foundation, and $28,900 from the pickleball group members. Having this financial match boosts the City's chances of receiving the grant. Winners will be announced this summer, so stay tuned!
Making the Connection
Have you or someone you know faced discrimination? Do you have a human rights concern? Everyone deserves to be heard, and the Human Rights Resource Connection can help. Our webpage shares information on human rights agencies, advocacy organizations, and other resources. You can learn how to file a discrimination complaint, find free legal aid, and more. You can also call someone directly to talk on the phone (anonymously if you choose) through the Red Wing Human Rights Resource Line: 651.385.5190. Or, send an email to humanrights@ci.red-wing.mn.us. Our Human Rights Liaison will listen to your concern and share resources that can help. Please share the Human Rights Resource Connection with others. Change starts with you. It starts with all of us.
Let's Talk Housing
Three Rivers Community Action visited City Council again Monday night to give an update on the 48-unit housing facility they've been developing with input from community organizations and residents. Council passed a resolution last year to work with Three Rivers on the potential development. Council will now consider a land donation for the project near Walmart at its next meeting on March 13. You can read the staff report here and view Leah Hall's presentation slides to see all the details. Questions? Call 651.385.3697 or 651.385.3618.
Putting on a Showcase
Wanted: young authors, artists, musicians, photographers, and poets. The Sister Cities Commission is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Young Artists and Authors Showcase. This year's theme is "Peace by Piece: Food Security in My Community." Students ages 13 to 18 on April 1, 2023, can apply. Every year brings incredibly creative, thoughtful submissions, and this year is certain to be no exception. Entries in the local contest may be selected to go on to the international contest. Submissions must be received by April 1. Check out complete details on the Young Artists and Authors Showcase here.
First place art in 2022 local contest
by Ellie Clemens
Awarding Excellence in Honoring History
Do you know someone who has invested in preserving the history of Red Wing's structures and places? Now is a great time to nominate them for a Heritage Preservation Commission Award of Merit. Every year during Heritage Preservation Month in May, the commission awards local people and organizations for contributions and efforts they have made to preserve the historical integrity of our community. If you know someone deserving of this honor, nominate them by emailing Steve Kohn.
All in a Day's Work
Randy Decker
If you've visited the Red Wing Public Library, you've probably met Randy Decker. After all, as Public Services Librarian, Randy oversees everything public-facing. From California, Red Wing became Randy's home when a job opportunity for his wife brought them here. Then a stay-at-home dad, Randy's ongoing chapter with the Library began first with schooling and volunteering. The rest is history. He happily helps people find what they're looking for and enjoys sharing all the features of the Library, including lesser-known ones like mobile hotspots and Kanopy, a video streaming service. He particularly enjoys having coworkers who care as deeply about their work as he does. People are the highlight of Randy's life outside of work too. Besides being a husband and father, Randy is thrilled to be a grandfather. His infant grandson is in California, which means he'll likely return there someday, but until then, we're glad he'll be here for Library patrons with a helpful smile.
We'll Save You a Seat
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
Wednesday, March 1, at 5:30 p.m.
Library Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, March 14, at 3:30 p.m.
Port Authority Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m.


City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m.
Arts & Culture Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m.