City Beat: A Week to Recognize, a Wheel-y Great Time, and the Art of Waiting

May 10, 2022

It's starting to feel like summer, and outdoor events are about to make their comeback in a big way. That includes the free concerts every Wednesday in Central Park, hosted by Red Wing Arts. Food truck vendors will be available before each concert starts at 7 p.m. The series kicks off June 1. See you then!

A Week To Recognize

Thank you Police Emergency Medical Services Public Works

May 15 to 21, 2022

There's not a thank you card big enough for all the work our Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments do every day, but we still want to express our gratitude in whatever way we can. National Police Week, Emergency Medical Services Week, and National Public Works Week are all celebrated May 15 to 21, and each of these groups has more than earned the recognition. They provide essential services to our community every single day, and we appreciate all the work they do to keep our community safe, healthy, and functioning. Watch Mayor Mike Wilson read the proclamations from last night's City Council meeting here.

Let's (Bike) Rodeo

Calling all kids! The annual Red Wing Police Department's Bike Rodeo is back this summer, and you'll want to be there. After all, who wouldn't want a chance to win great prizes, including bikes? Kids will also get the chance to do fun biking activities with police officers, and if a helmet or bike needs a minor adjustment, the officers can help with that too. Join us on Saturday June 4, at the Law Enforcement Center, 430 West Sixth Street. It's bound to be a wheel-y great time!

Bike Rodeo

Saturday, June 4, 9-11 a.m.

Law Enforcement Center

Parking Lot

Open House Tonight

Open Houses Water and Sewer Rate on Water Splash Background

Water and Sewer Fee Changes

Open House for Everyone:

May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Library

Open House for

Landlords and Businesses:

May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Library

Water and sewer rates are changing starting July 1, and if you have questions, we have answers. The first Open House on the rate changes is tonight at 6 p.m. at the public library, and we hope to see you there. Are you a landlord or business owner? We have another Open House specifically for you next week on May 18 at the library at 6 p.m. If you can't make it to our Open Houses, learn all the details on our web page, in our question & answer article, or call and talk with us directly at (651) 385-3647. Get in touch with us now before the rates change.

Help in the Heat of the Moment

Red Wing firefighters will soon have another tool whenever they're on a call. A $10,000 grant from Red Wing's ADM manufacturing plant will allow the department to purchase individual thermal imaging cameras to help firefighters locate potential victims in a number of situations, such as when someone has fallen through the ice or gotten lost in the woods. The cameras will also be useful in grain bin fires and confined space emergencies. The Fire Department currently has four larger cameras, but the new individual ones can be assigned to specific firefighters during their shift. We know we can always count on our firefighters, but in an emergency, every piece of help they get counts, too. Thanks, ADM!

The Art of Waiting

The array of empty pedestals around downtown might look a little lonely now, but don't worry, they won't be for long. The Art in the Heart of Red Wing Art Walk is returning for another season. The Art Walk is a revolving-art program with sculptures that change every year. Last year's sculptures were removed in late April, and the new ones will arrive in early June. Stay tuned to City Beat and we'll let you know when the Art Walk "Class of 2022" has arrived. Three sculptures have generously been gifted to the City by residents, so they are permanent; you'll see them outside the Sheldon Theatre, at Central Park, and on the corner of East & Main. You can visit those beauties anytime.

All in a Day's Work

When Red Wing Police Department Investigator Tom Rikli and his wife fell in love with Minnesota's river towns on a summer trip, Tom started filling out job applications everywhere they stopped. Red Wing gave him a call, and they made the move from Nebraska to Red Wing, fairly close to where Tom had spent his childhood in Pine Island. In the 25 years since Tom first joined the Police Department as Patrol Officer, he's served as a training officer, School Resource Officer, and now an Investigator. The connections Tom and his family have established run deep, and the friends they've made here have also become family. Tom and his wife are also big on traveling, but when he's home, Tom likes to play golf every chance he gets and spend time with his two kids and the family's two cats. We're glad Tom and his family put down roots here. Congratulations on 25 years!