Page 6 - Bob Everson News Today

Of all the challenges they faced as council members, both agree none was more difficult than navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pushing the public vote to June 4 sparked strong opposition from council member Marty Barington who said “another eight months of dead time” would increase the likelihood of the loan being defeated.

“If somebody will say no, I’d like to hear what other recommendations they have,” said Joe Kippes, a leader of a local nonprofit that formed to raise money for a future dredging project.

While the city is pushing to advance the mechanical dredging project, a resident has come up with an aeration-focused plan

Three council members say they are against moving forward with dredging at this time, while four are in favor of the project. The council will vote on a 30-year loan application on June 20.

Typically, the Corn Palace Festival shows have already been announced and tickets should be on sale. Corn Palace Director Doug Greenway said it’s been a struggle this year securing acts.

Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson, who was one of the leading proponents for passing the measure, said Tuesday night that the voters’ approval made it “a good day for Lake Mitchell.”

Voters to decide both issues at ballot box

The three candidates seeking to represent Ward 3 on the Mitchell City Council are Jason Bates, Mike Bathke and Kimberly Lofgren.

Voters will decide a number of key Mitchell Board of Education and City Council positions, along with two ballot measures involving the planned Mitchell High School project and Lake Mitchell.