Faribault Mayor Says Community Stepped Up in 2020
Kevin Voracek, Mayor of Faribault stopped by KDHL for our annual end of year visit. This has been a tradition dating back to when Chuck Ackmann held the office.
Voracek asked each city department head to give him their top accomplishment in 2020 and says amid the COVID-19 pandemic a lot was accomplished.
He shared Police Chief Andy Bohlen's applauding city residents saying. "The highlight of 2020 was the overwhelming outpouring of genuine community support in a very difficult year due to COVID and civil unrest. Despite nationwide chaos, Faribault was protected and our citizens really supported our department. A grassroots effort even sold lawn signs showing support for the police department. "
Bohlen stated, "Even in a crazy year filled with COVID social distancing parades of police cars, individuals and organizations donated over $20,000 to the department to support the canine program, officer mental health programs, and to purchase essential equipment that keep officers safe. Our officers truly felt blessed to work and serve such a supportive community."
Bohlen also pointed out the department has, "Destroyed over 14,300 pounds of medications and illegal drugs since we joined the Take It To The Box Program."
The Arrival/Departure building at Faribault Municipal Airport Liz Wall Strohfus Field was completed this year following the destruction of the old building by a September 2018 tornado. Despite that, Public Works Department Director Travis Block cited construction of a new water treatment plant to remove iron and manganese from the municipal water supply as the top accomplishment of his department in 2020.
The Library Plaza Project first phase will be completed in the spring of 2021. It will double the area of the plaza and add an accessible ramp, electricity, lighting, USB ports, social seats, steps, trees, and more green space.
The Friends of Buckham Memorial Library and LIbrary Advisory Board are planning to host a celebration of the area at the end of May 2021.
Below is our visit with Mayor Voracek on KDHL:
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