Update for the week of September 19, 2022
General Election Absentee Voting Opens Friday
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Friday marks not only the Autumnal Equinox, but also the opening of Absentee Balloting for the General Election taking place on November 8. Those interested in voting early are encouraged to ensure their voter registration is up-to-date before visiting City Hall to fill out their ballot, but City Staff will be available to verify voter registration or assist in registration if necessary.
In order to vote early in-person, voters should visit City Hall during normal business hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday) to request their ballot and vote in-person.
Voting by mail is not handled at City Hall. Voters interested in utilizing that method to cast their vote should register online with the Secretary of State. Finally, direct balloting will be available seven days before Election Day (starting November 1).
More information, including a preview of what candidates and races will be on Columbus' ballot, can be found on the Elections and Voting Page on the City's website.
Freedom Fest at Running Aces this Weekend
Under their Freedom Fest banner, Running Aces is hosting three events this Saturday, with all the profits being donated to Invisible Wounds Project. The festivities get started at 8 a.m. with the "Officer Shawn Silvera Memorial 5K" (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.) and a coinciding Pancake Breakfast supplied by the Forest Lake Lions Club from 7:30-11 a.m. Starting at 10 a.m. is Cruise for Heroes, "the biggest combined car, truck and bike cruise," which will travel 50 miles and complimented by a parking lot party. Finally, three acts will perform back at Running Aces, headlined by Rodney Atkins. The first act starts at 5 p.m.
Invisible Wounds Project provides therapy services and resources to Minnesota's military, first responders, frontline medical staff, corrections, dispatch and their families relating to mental health, PTSD and suicide issues.
More information can be found on Running Aces' website.
Happy Sweet 16, Columbus!
It's hard to believe, but this Wednesday marks the 16th anniversary of Columbus' incorporation into a city. The City is celebrating in style by holding its second Planning Commission meeting of the month, which will be hearing an accessory structure setback variance and an Interim Use Permit application for a dog kennel, as well as continuing the Residential Zoned Business and Commercial/Industrial moratoria discussions. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., and attendance is possible both in-person at City Hall or via Zoom.