Winona Daily News: Goodview radium treatment funded
The WDN reports that Federal funds of $3 million approved for Goodview radium treatment plant. The basics:
The word from Washington is in, and it’s good news for Goodview.
A proposed $3 million earmark that would pay most of the cost to build Goodview’s federally required radium water treatment plant passed its final major legislative hurdle Tuesday.
A bill containing the funding could be signed into law by President Bush within a matter of weeks if it passes a floor vote as expected.
“It’s fair to say this is really the last step on the Congressional side,” said Luke Friedrich, spokesman for Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minnesota. . . .
. . .Mayor Jack Weimerskirch said the city’s share of the cost would be paid from its enterprise water fund. The balance in that fund has increased due to recent water-rate increases to prepare for the project, though Weimerskirch hopes no more increases will be necessary.
If Goodview had been stuck with the entire cost, Weimerskirch said residents would have owed roughly $2,000 apiece.
After lobbying for months for help on the radium filtration project, Goodview leaders are cautiously exhaling with relief.
“The president is expected to sign it, and that says somehow, someway, $3 million is coming to the city of Goodview,” Weimerskirch said.
Weimerskirch thanked Coleman, Klobuchar and Rep. Tim Walz for their help, saying they “went well beyond what we expected” in their efforts.
Winona Daily News: op-ed page items
Representative Walz is supportive of organic and sustainable agriculture, since both practices are important in the district. Community columnist Jim Riddle, vice-president of the county's economic development task authority, believes Winona County is fortunate to be part of organic growth. He begins:
I had the pleasure recently of stopping by the Winona Farmers Market for some local organic chicken, fresh fruits and veggies. The number of vendors at the market, many of whom are organic, and the variety of products offered for sale, is astounding.
Next, I was going to stop by the Blue Heron Coffeehouse for a cup of organic coffee, but the place was packed with a Shakespeare “front porch” conversation. Such a problem to have!
I needed some organic milk, cheese, eggs and chips, so I stopped at Bluff Country Co-op to fill my cart with delicious local and organic items. I could have gone to HyVee or Midtown Foods, since they also carry some organic foods, but I didn’t have to re-park my car. What convenience!
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Winona County is in the top five counties statewide for the number of organic farms. We have organic dairy, beef, sheep, goats, poultry, small grains, hay, row crops, vegetables, fruits and orchard crops all raised in Winona County. What abundance!
Go read the rest at the WDN. A local Chamber of Commerce booster provides A positive spin on animal agriculture.
There's yet another pro-Pfeilsticker letter from a colleague this morning. Beth O'Dea writes that Pfeilsticker is the right person:
Linda Pfeilsticker is the right person to represent District 28B. As a fellow educator, I have spoken with her over the years about the progress of students in her classes, and she has consistently given intelligent, honest feedback while listening to my concerns.
Her communication skills with students, staff and parents have been exceptional. As a negotiator, she has used those communication skills to draw people together in an effective way remaining focused on the issues and problem solving for all the parties involved. We have the opportunity for a new voice representing southeastern Minnesota.
Please vote for Linda Pfeilsticker on Aug. 7.
Netroots
Idaho's Larry Rocco says See you Saturday at YearlyKos. He'll be on a "New Leaders" panel with Tim Walz and other on Saturday morning in Chicago. Those who wish to attend the virtual YearlyKos may purchase a $25 ticket here for the online convention; it's likely that the New Leaders panel will be among the stream.
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