City Beat: 100th Issue, Free Smoke Alarms, and Meeting Face-to-Face!

March 15, 2022

It's a City Beat milestone issue! We've crossed the triple-digit threshold with its 100th issue. Since 2018, we've been providing you with a way to get informed, give your input, and stay connected with your community. What's the best way to help us celebrate 100 issues? Encourage your friends to sign up to receive City Beat in their inboxes.

Election Filing Dates Around the Corner

Do you want to be one of our next City Council members? You’ve got two months to decide if you’re going to throw your name in the hat. Filing dates for all open seats in 2022 are May 17-May 31. An August 9 special election will fill the vacant Ward 2 seat. Then the November election will select one council member for Wards 1 and 2, one for Ward 3, one for Ward 4, and one at-large. Is this your year to run for local government?

Cause for (Smoke) Alarm

When your smoke alarm goes off because your pizza got a little too crispy, it might seem like a nuisance, but having functioning smoke alarms in your home is critical. Did you know you can get them for free? The Red Wing Fire Department has paired up with the American Red Cross to install up to three free smoke alarms at any Red Wing residence. That's right – the smoke alarms and installation are completely free. Request smoke alarms using this form or by calling 651-388-7141. Find more smoke alarm recommendations on this flyer. Getting smoke alarms for your home is free and easy, so take action today. It just might save your life.

Barrels and Bins

Rain barrels and compost bins coming to a yard near you? It could happen – and at a reduced cost to you – if a proposal from the City's Solid Waste and Utilities Divisions goes through. If the program happens, a limited number of rain barrels and compost bins would be offered to Red Wing residents at a subsidized cost during a one-day sale on April 23. Want to learn more about the proposal? Watch this clip from last night's City Council meeting.

Meeting Face-to-Face

It's masks off around City of Red Wing buildings! With COVID-19 cases significantly dropping in our area, City Council voted on Monday to remove the face coverings requirement, making masks optional for all employees and visitors. In-person board, commission, and City Council meetings will resume on March 29. Until then, you can continue to join us for meetings through Webex, cable Channel 6, or our website. We're excited to see you soon!

All in a Day's Work

Tom Bakke has been keeping Red Wing beautiful for 35 years. As a valued member of the Buildings & Grounds Division, Tom's workdays are filled with everything from tree planting to park maintenance, but as an outdoors-oriented person himself, he wouldn't want it any other way. As a matter of fact, even when he's not at work, Tom prefers to be outside and enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. While his two children have grown and moved out of the nest he shares with his wife, Katie, their four-month-old puppy keeps things lively at home. If you see Tom working around town, give him a wave. Congrats on 35 years!