May 12, 2021
This little guy landed a great catch at Pottery Pond, and you can, too. People of all ages can fish in this fully stocked pond off Levee Road anytime. This fishing favorite is next to the Skate Park, where kids love to roll through the ramps if the fish stop biting. Send us a picture of your adventure and we might post it here!
Young boy holding a rainbow trout he caught in Pottery Pond in Red Wing MN
Put May 20 on Your Calendar
If you want to learn more about the proposed Rental License Program, give feedback and ask questions, mark down May 20 at 6:30 p.m. Tenants, landlords, neighbors, and the whole community is invited. Here's a link to the virtual meeting, and remember, you can always join by telephone, too. To read background and details on the proposed program and see the draft inspection checklist, visit our website page. Questions? Contact Dan Rogness. See you on the 20th!
Citizen Commendation for Saving a Life
close up of hands giving cpr
Mario Ayala is a local hero. April 24 started like any other day for him, but as he was driving home, he noticed a vehicle with the driver slumped over the steering wheel. Instead of continuing his drive, Mario turned his car around and went to check on the driver. He discovered that the driver's heart wasn't beating and he had no pulse. He called 911, pulled the driver from the car and began CPR, not stopping until paramedics arrived to take over. Mario saved a life that day. His selfless, life-saving efforts were recognized during Monday's City Council meeting. He received a citizen commendation from the Red Wing Police & Fire Departments, and a personal thank you from the family who were so grateful for the extra time Mario's efforts earned them with their loved one. Watch the full Council clip here.
Award-Winning Wastewater Crew
Utilities employees City of Red Wing
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is tough. They don't just give awards away, so it's a big deal that the City of Red Wing's Utilities Division earned one from them. The award was in recognition of the department's exceptional compliance with the MPCA's Wastewater Permit and for ongoing efforts to protect the waters of Minnesota in 2020. The award was especially hard-earned since crews had to work with COVID-19 restrictions in place, limiting the number of staff who could be in the building at the same time. We're proud that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, all Public Works services went on without interruption--and provided award-winning service to our community, too.
Young Local Artists Win With Hope
Three Red Wing High School students have earned recognition, and cash prizes, for their inspiring art pieces. Cole Marks, Hannah Beaulieu, and Isabella Goerman were selected as finalists for the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) this year. Sponsored by the Sister Cities Commission of Red Wing and Sister Cities International, this yearly contest gives youth worldwide an opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art and literature. The three finalists' pieces will join other finalists' work across the country, from which national winners will be selected. Fifteen local student submissions were received, all centered on the theme United in Hope. You can view each submission and read the story behind its inspiration on the Sister Cities Facebook page. The contest is just one way the Sister Cities Commission works to engage youth in our community and build relationships worldwide. Sound like something you'd like to be a part of? They have openings for new commissioners; apply today.
Mapping Red Wing's Past
Some of the most intriguing insights into Red Wing’s history is found in fire insurance maps. Yep, you heard that right: fire insurance maps published by The Sanborn Map Company. Thanks to the careful digital curation of GIS Specialist Leanne Knott, the Red Wing Historic Sanborn Maps now provide fascinating insight into Red Wing’s history all the way back to the late 1800s. They're online through the City's website, and ready for you to explore. Learn how in the following video.
1000+ Hydrants, Oh My!
Here's a mid-week trivia question for you. How many hours does it take the Public Works Department to flush our city's fire hydrants? There's over 1,000 of them! They inspect, flush, and repair each hydrant every spring, and it's happening now all over town. Want to know the answer? You've got to watch this episode of City 101 to find out.
Invasive Species Series Alert
Yards, parks, and woods all around town are turning green with spring, but not everything that's sprouting is good for our ecosystem. Erin Augustin, Park Naturalist extraordinaire, tells us about one invasive species that's affecting Red Wing, and what you can do about it.
Sheldon Theatre Opening Its Doors
This summer is sounding better and better. The Sheldon Theatre is bringing back in-person shows; can we get an 'amen!' They've just announced their summer concert series, and it's music to our ears. Guess what else? The Rolling River Music Festival is back, too! Head to the Sheldon's website to scoop up your tickets today.
Farm-Fresh Saturdays Coming Soon
Hooray for May 22! That's the opening day of the Farmer's Market in Red Wing. Market organizers applied to use the LaGrange Parking Ramp again this year (near the Depot off Bush Street). Plans are to follow a similar procedure to last year's market. Council unanimously approved the application during Monday's meeting. Check out the Farmer's Market Facebook page for updates and glimpses of what the vendors are selling each Saturday morning, 8 a.m. to noon this season. Who's ready for farm-fresh veggies, flowers, and meats? We are!
May is a Month to Recognize
National Public Works Week and National Emergency Medical Services Week fall in the month of May, and Mayor Wilson recognized them both with a proclamation during Monday's City Council meeting. Both of these groups provide critical services to our daily lives in Red Wing, and we're grateful for the work they do and the lives they save. How many of our local EMS and Public Works people do you know in the following videos? Watch to find out, and take a moment to thank these workers the next time you see them out in our community. Their work is essential, but often unrecognized.
We'll Save You a Seat (at home)
Sheldon Theatre Board Meeting
Meeting Held Virtually
Tuesday, May 18 at 5:15 p.m.

Youth Commission Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex.
Wednesday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m.
Advisory Planning Commission Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Rental License Program Public Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m.
City Council Workshop on Downtown Partnership
Meeting virtually via Webex
Monday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Monday, May 24 at 6:00 p.m.