Volunteers make Dan Patch Day cool

To the editor:

Another great job by all of the volunteers on the Dan Patch committee. All of your meetings and hard work you do all year is much appreciated. Also, to all of the Savage community for helping to make Savage "our little piece of heaven:” We saw many of you all day and all night. Every year you out do yourselves adding new events. The Frisbee Dog Championship and the American Legion pig roast to mention a few.

I hope it worked well that you blocked off the street this year. Seemed to be much safer for the little ones and us old ones.

Many friends and neighbors commented on how clean the bathrooms were. Kudos to them. “Was it Bixby?” Was great you continue to let us bring coolers in. (Although your beer tasted soooooo much better.) Maybe it was all of the people I got to visit with on the way to and from the beer tents.  Ha-ha. 

Peg Ledel

Savage 

Donated school supplies do help

To the editor:

The dog days of summer are upon us and back to school sales are not something I want think about. Alas, the Sunday fliers are full of wonderful prices on rulers, pencils, markers and crayons. Some parents of elementary students may moan that they need to come shopping so soon for school supplies. After all, their paychecks only stretch so far with the rising cost of fuel and food these days. It is expected for the parents to purchase all school supplies: paper, pens, folders, markers, and more. We have all done this for our own children at one time or another. We need to remember that our local school districts’ general fund does not budget for school supplies that are to be provided by the families.It is unfortunate, but true, that a few students arrive without the necessary school supplies on the first day in the fall. It happens in nearly every school, every year, and when kids move during the year, they arrive at their new school with nothing. Poverty continues to lift its ugly head; its’ victims the youngest among us. I seek to rally those in our community who are willing to buy a pack of crayons or pencils or a pair of scissors while they are on sale; then to drop them at the local elementary school. Tell the secretary they are an extra set for when they are needed in the future. This help is so appreciated. Imagine the lift it can give a child.

Cathy Gregg

Burnsville 

How is roundabout a good thing?

To the editor:

I know how bad the intersection of County Road 16 and Lynn Avenue/Glendale Road is. I've heard and seen the accidents and near misses since it is basically in my backyard. However, I don't believe that a roundabout is the answer. While it may reduce the number of serious accidents, save lives, and reduce operating and land acquisition costs, it is going to cause access problems to all whose streets and driveways are in close proximity to that intersection. Why? Because with the roundabout, traffic NEVER stops.

The open house brochure stated that it was an opportunity for residents, business owners, and others interested to learn more about the two options and offer input prior to the selection process. It is painfully obvious that the Scott County and city of Savage officials did not listen to that input. I stayed longer than necessary that night because I wanted to hear what others were thinking about the proposal and what they had to say. I heard them. Everyone else standing around and listening heard them. They have legitimate concerns. So why were they not taken seriously? I have no idea. I don't know how anyone could just sweep that under the rug.

I'm sure the roundabout will come in quite handy in terms of handling the traffic volumes during rush hour times. The traffic will probably continue to move smoothly at these times (provided, drivers know what they are doing). I just have to wonder how any of us will be able to turn off of our streets or driveways and onto CR 16, Lynn, or Glendale during those same times. Here's another scenario to consider. How does anyone stop traffic for a funeral procession from St. John’s Church?

Will those of us living right by the roundabout get used to driving it? I'm sure we will. The question is this: Will we even be able to access it? It will be a challenge, in the least. The first challenge is that there will be no breaks in traffic (a light would provide that). The second challenge is whether or not we can hit our accelerator faster than the person coming out of the roundabout (after all, they have been forced to slow down in the roundabout and will need to make up for lost time).

Somebody please tell me again, how is this a good thing?

Robin M. Grygiel

Savage

Candidate states reasons for running

To the editor:

My name is Chris Olson, and I am running for Scott County Commissioner in District 2. I am 45 years old and have obtained academic degrees in law enforcement, management and public safety administration. I have worked for the city of Prior Lake Police Department since 1987, and I have resided in Spring Lake Township since 1997. My wife and I are raising two children ages 7 and 13, and we are very much invested in the community through our employers, schools and recreational activities.I recently learned that Bob Vogel is not seeking re-election for the county commissioner position he has occupied for two terms. I would like to thank Mr. Vogel for his dedicated service to Scott County.I find a great deal of satisfaction in serving the public and I view Mr. Vogel's vacancy as an opportunity for me to serve the Scott County residents through involvement with the county board. I feel grateful for the professional and personal relationships formed during my time in Scott County. In just over two decades of working in law enforcement here, I have had numerous favorable dealings with a variety of people including police and fire personnel, corrections officials, attorneys, human services employees, county commissioners, city council members, clergy, labor unions, and school district employees.The key issues for me are public safety, land use, transportation and infrastructure, parks, water and natural resources. It is my goal to be a part of a leadership team focused on creative ways to increase efficiency while also limiting expenditures.

We are in difficult economic times. My family has made adjustments due to these economic times. Scott County is facing financial challenges today and in the foreseeable future. I believe with your help we can effectively manage these issues. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope to meet many of you in the coming months. I can be contacted at www.electchrisolson.com.

Chris Olson

Spring Lake Township