Category: Community Updates

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ITASCA COUNTY LAND USE ZONING SANITATION PERMITS REQUIRED LEGAL NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions of the Minnesota Statutes, Sections 375.51, 394.26 and the Itasca County Zoning Ordinance, the Itasca County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will view the following sites and then hold a public hearing in the County Board Room, Courthouse, in the City of Grand Rapids, MN on WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 P.M. or until the following applications have been addressed. For more information contact the Itasca County Environmental Services Department, Court- house, Grand Rapids MN 55744. PHONE: 218/327-2857; TDD: 218/327-2896.

NOTE: The Planning Commission may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems necessary to protect the public interest and the Board of Adjustment may reverse or affirm wholly or partly or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal was taken and may direct the issuance of a permit.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CONTACT THE ZONING DEPARTMENT 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING, TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE STAFF REPORT ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS:

*** SPECIAL MEETING ***

NOT A PUBLIC HEARING- Minor Subdivision entitled Cedar Wild-Part of Govt. Lot 1, Section 29, Unorganized Township 57-26 (Little Moose, Recreational Development 2 Class) grant a one-year ex- tension to record this previously approved plat (Stephen & Paulette Kutschat)

Variance from Section 3.8.1C.3 of the Zoning Ordinance for construction of a 36’x56′ garage which does not meet the required setback from the centerline of Ladyslipper Lane E 300′ of W 950′ Lyg S of RD Less S 200′, Section 19, Wabana Township 57-25 (Pickerel Lake, Natural Environmental 2 Class) Thomas & Lori Moore

*The Planning Commission/ BOA will view the site (Moore property only) on the same day prior to the hearing and return to the Courthouse and hold the public hearing which will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Dated this 25th day of April 2024 at Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Katie Benes, Environmental Services Director

HR May 1, 2024………… 162920

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June 27-30 – Community Garage Sale @ Town Hall 

  

Hi all, 

Think back to 2021, when Kim Oja spearheaded a Community Garage Sale to raise money for the Recreation Project …. many of you stepped up to help and the sale was a success. This year, we are asking for help with a 2nd Community Fundraising Garage Sale scheduled for June 27-30. Start putting your spring cleaning items in a pile for the sale!  Just as the last sale, all proceeds from items donated will go to support the Recreation Project. Please note the following:

1.    Items accepted:  Items donated should be in good condition. Please price your items with an easy to peel off sticker; this will save a lot of time in setting up the sale, and in bringing unsold items to sites such as the Salvation Army, which will not accept items with price stickers. 

2.    Items not accepted: Clothing…it typically doesn’t sell. Baby cribs, car seats, mattresses, electronics like TV’s & computers; large household appliances like washers, dryers, stoves, etc.; chemicals and paints; sleeper sofas; waterbeds; guns and ammunition.

3.    Drop-off Items. We will collect items starting on Thursday, June 27, from 9:00 AM – 7 PM. You can also bring items Friday or even Saturday; call us if you need to make other arrangements to drop off items.

4.    Hours.  We are thinking the sale will start Friday, June 28 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, June 29 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday, June 30 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM…we are thinking items will be offered on Sunday for ½ price or a free-will donation. 

5.      Clean-up.  We know at the end of the sale we will need to clear out any unsold items. We know the Goodwill and Salvation Army will take some items. Clara’s Cupboard is NOT able to take items this year. We think Itasca Restore will be able to take items.  Do you know any churches that will accept items at the end of June? Any other ideas?, let us know.

6.    Advertising.  We will need signs to place at roadway intersections – anyone willing to help make signs and put them out? We are thinking we should advertise in the Grand Rapids Herald and will do Facebook Garage Sales postings. Any other advertising suggestions?

7.    HELP IS NEEDED – We can’t do this alone, and we know many of you are willing and able to help with set-up on Thursday; sales on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and help to take unsold items to those businesses or churches that can take them. We think everything will need to be cleaned out of town hall by noon Monday. Send us an email or phone or text if you can help. 

More information/updates will be provided in the next Township Newsletter in early June, by email, e-news, and posted on the Township Website.  

We are open to your ideas for this sale – If you have questions or suggestions, please call or email us. Thank you so much!

Tim & Jean Panchyshyn
952-250-6690 (Jean)
952-250-3258 (Tim)
jeanonwabana@gmail.com

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Wabana Recreational Complex Update

Did you ever watch that show as a kid ‘Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago?’  Are you thinking ‘Where in the World is that new Wabana recreational complex?’  Well, my friends, good news is on the horizon.  I know, I know, we’ve been at this for 3 years. Seems like a lifetime ago.  But we are on the cusp of turning a big corner.

After a major pledge drive, several fundraisers, and awarded grants, to date we are over $300,000!  Our complete project goal is $480,000.  The support from the township has been overwhelming. Thank you all so very very much.  The committee members have averaged 10-12 people/meeting and are committed to seeing this project achieve its goals.

See attachment with this article to see the playground diagram.  Yes, that’s a zipline, and a double wide slide!  Not a huge playground but a lot of fun pieces I’m sure the kiddos will enjoy.  A huge thanks to this committee (19 volunteers) and all their hard work.  

We’ve been working with an engineering firm to get the exact details needed so we can obtain estimates for the entire project.  Our plans include moving the playground to where the tennis court is currently. Adding a kiddy rink to the west end of the hockey rink, upgrading the lights around the hockey rink, move the tennis court and separate pickleball courts to the north side of the hockey rink. Add a 30’ x 30’ pad for basketball. And add an ADA accessible walking trail around the entire open field with access walkways to each of these recreational areas. Whew.

We are in the process now of applying (again) for a grant from the DNR. We were told that we were very close to being awarded this grant last year, so we will try one more time.  If we are awarded, then all the above becomes a reality.

So now is even more big news.  Most recently we’ve had an anonymous donor step forward and offer a match up to $15,000. What a gift! $15 turns into $30…  We want to thank everyone that has already pledged or donated.  We would like to use this matching donation to ask for any additional donations or increase your pledge so we can leverage this matching donation.  The donor is even willing to contribute $100 for every person who donates time (volunteers) during the rebuild (kids included!). So, a family of 4 = $400.  Maybe you can rake or swing a hammer, there will be plenty of opportunities to help during the rebuild.  Maybe there are other anonymous people out there who want to invest in Wabana’s recreational future too?

And here’s one last suggestion for us older folks.  One way to contribute to the recreation project is called Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your retirement plan like an IRA or 401(k).  When you reach 70 ½ years of age, the tax law allows you to transfer your distribution yearly to a charity, tax-free.  If you have not contributed to the Wabana Recreation Project, this would be one way of doing it.  If you have contributed already (thank you), then this can be another way to make an additional contribution.  If you are considering this way of contributing, please contact your tax advisor to make sure you are eligible, and the proper procedures are followed. Oh, and if you’ve made a pledge and not paid the pledge yet… now’s the time.

We WILL break ground in August 2024. It’s time to see the complex come together. Whether we get all the funding or not. We have enough money now to get the lion’s share of it done. If we need to scale back, we will go back to the committee and make adjustments. 

Thank you once again for all the support you’ve shown over the years.  Your financial support has been amazing, your volunteerism has been humbling, and your encouragement has been motivating.  We are leaving a legacy to our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

On behalf of the Wabana Community Recreation Committee,

Kim Oja

Playground-diagramDownload