Requests at Karlstad City Council
Krista Pietruszewski
Requests: a data request and claim from a resident, a pickup request from the Karlstad Fire department, a snowblower request from the Karlstad City department, and a referral from a request for the Tri-County bus garage addition. There was much for the Karlstad City Council to consider on Monday, the 6th of October. With three members being present, they made a quorum. Missing were Jenny Olson and Markelle Kuznia. First listed under new business was a data request and claim, which were submitted on October 1st and 3rd from LeVander, Gillen & Miller P.A. Attorneys at Law, who represent Troy Peterson of Karlstad. The request pertains to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act concerning the sale of two parcels of land on Cart Way. Mayor Nelson stated that Jeff Hines, the City of Karlstad’s attorney, will be present at the November meeting to go over the claim submitted. Karlstad Fire Chief Jeremy Folland, along with Assistant Chief Andy Barth, discussed the acquisition of a pickup truck available from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Karlstad Fire Department (K.F.D) had requested a vehicle from the DNR six years ago and recently received notification that one was available. The vehicle is a 2015 GMC 1-ton 4x4 Duramax diesel with brand-new tires and a V-boss plow attachment. Folland and Barth highlighted the benefits of having a pickup with a plow for winter emergencies. The total cost is $14,400.00. The department plans to open bids for their current 1-ton pickup to help offset the cost. With a motion from Rob Mickelson and a second from Ryan Anderson, the fire department received permission to purchase the new vehicle and put the old one up for bid. Additionally, Chief Folland mentioned the possibility of upgrading the K.F.D's current ranger and donating it to the Karlstad Garden Club for watering flowers on Main Street and other needs Adam Hanson, the Public Works Supervisor for the City of Karlstad, had quotes for snowblower attachments. After much discussion, Mickelson made a motion, and a second came from Anderson to approve the purchase of a 78” snowblower for $7,780.00. The City of Karlstad Planning, Zoning, and Redevelopment Commission met last Thursday, October 2nd, to go over a land use permit application from Folland Construction. For Tri-County School’s addition to the current bus garage. The commission decided to refer this topic back to the Karlstad City Council because it abuts into the city's right-of-way on the road on Anderson St. S. With a motion of a waiver (as there is no variance), Mickelson made the motion, and a second came from Anderson to approve the land use permit. This does not affect any surrounding property values or physical property lines. The next Karlstad City Council Meeting will be on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at the Karlstad City Office.
East Grand Forks cited as one of the safest cities in minnesota
East Grand Forks has been ranked the 15th safest city in Minnesota in the 2025 SafeWise report on crime rates. The rankings are based on FBI crime statistics for 2023. A total of 135 Minnesota cities qualified for ranking this year. No city reported more than one violent crime per 1,000 residents, and every city in the top 20 reported fewer than seven property crimes per 1,000 people. The state’s 20 safest cities reported zero murders. Montevideo held the top spot for the third consecutive year, reporting no violent crimes or property crimes. West Hennepin, Lonsdale, and St. James also reported no motor vehicle thefts. Hibbing reported zero violent crimes. East Grand Forks, with a population of 8,997, was listed alongside other larger communities such as Rosemount, Chaska, and New Ulm. Notable improvements in this year’s rankings included Lino Lakes, North Branch, and St. James, each moving up significantly from last year’s positions. The SafeWise report uses voluntary FBI data submitted through the Summary Reporting System and National Incident-Based Reporting System. Rankings are based strictly on reported crime rates and do not account for other measures of community safety. The 20 safest cities in Minnesota: #1 Montevideo population-5,247 #2 West Hennepin population-5,245 #3 Corcoran population-8,017 #4 South Lake Minnetonka population-12,150 #5 La Crescent population-5,346 #6 Lonsdale population-5,012 #7 Hibbing population-15,992 #8 Big Lake population-12,749 #9 New Ulm population-13,991 #10 Minnetrista population-10,992 #11 New Prague population-8,336 #12 Rosemount population-27,754 #13 Lino Lakes population-22,228 #14 Dayton population-10,307 #15 East Grand Fork population-8,997 #16 North Branch population-11,851 #17 Buffalo population-16,615 #18 Lake City population-5,335 #19 Chaska population-28,458 #20 St. James population-4,664
Roosevelt Grocery Store Under New Ownership
The grocery store in Roosevelt, formerly known as Knutson’s Grocery, officially transitioned to new ownership on Monday. The store has been renamed Market on Main, reflecting its central location and commitment to serving the Roosevelt community. The new owners, Alyssa and Justin Magnusen, have deep roots in the area. Alyssa was born and raised in Warroad, MN, while Justin, originally from Grand Rapids, MN, has called Roosevelt home since 2014. The couple, who married in 2020, have two sons, Jaxon and Kallan. Market on Main will continue to provide the trusted grocery staples that locals rely on, with plans to expand the fresh meat and sausage selections, they said. “We’re committed to continuing the tradition of quality and variety that the community has cherished over the years, while working to enhance and expand what Market on Main offers as a reliable, everyday resource for Roosevelt families,” Alyssa Magnusen said. She went on to say, “We shop here daily. It’s a vital part of our routine and our town. When the opportunity came up, we knew we couldn’t let the store disappear. The timing felt right, and we’re thrilled to take on this new adventure.” Market on Main aims to ensure that Roosevelt families have access to the groceries and goods they need. And they plan to do that with the personal touch that customers have come to expect under the leadership of Dean and Carol Knutson who owned the store for the past 27 years. Dean and Carol Knutson bought the store in 1998 after moving from Kansas. Dean, who was a service manager at a Kenworth Dealership, decided to purchase the store when Gene and Donna Knutson (Dean’s parents and the previous owners) announced that they wanted to retire. They were looking to return home (both graduated from Warroad High School) and spend more time together as a family. The Knutsons have seen their customers as more than just customers; they have become friends and almost like family, Carol said. Dean’s upcoming retirement and ongoing medical issues led to the decision to sell the store. Dean’s medical issues started several years ago, and he worked through them, even when he didn’t feel his best. “I give him so much credit,” Carol said. She expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers for sticking with them through the years. She said that several community members offered to work in the store at various times so that the Knutsons could make the many trips to Rochester to Mayo. “We are confident that the Magnusen family will continue the tradition of providing a reliable grocery store for the Roosevelt community,” she said.