Cornell City Council; Spirit of Christmas is alive in…August?

Ashley Carothers asked the Cornell City Council for permission to use the council chambers this December, to distribute items through the Spirit of Christmas. Members were happy to fulfill the request and wished her well on the endeavor. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Now in it’s sixth year, in Cornell, the Spirit of Christmas helps make the holidays a little better for those who can use a hand. Last year, about 1,500 kids throughout Chippewa County, received toys and needed items.

To keep the program going, Cornell resident and Spirit of Christmas local coordinator Ashley Carothers requested the use of the Cornell City Council chambers without a fee, in December, for distribution of items through the Spirit of Christmas. The council heard her request at a regular meeting Aug. 3.

“This is something I’ve done every year,” said Carothers. “The city’s been so gracious to let me use here.”

Cornell and Holcombe families in need go to other locations, so there is anonymity, while others travel to Cornell for the pickup.

“This room is completely full,” said Carothers.

Even though the council chambers are stuffed to capacity with items, as well as the adjoining senior center space, Carothers and the other volunteers make it work.

“We could use a little more help,” said mayor Mark Larson, who is “muscle” each year.

Carothers agreed, but said it is completely anonymous and impartial.

“You don’t know that person – even if you know that person,” she said.

During the meeting, city administrator Dave DeJongh had some good news to report, as they closed on Lots 4 and 5 at the Brunet Estates, with building of twin homes expected to commence shortly from the developer who purchased the lots.

However, DeJongh also mentioned that the city is not having any luck finding a third full-time police officer, so they will keep searching. He also reported that police secretary Tracy Beachem took a full-time job, so they posted the opening and Kristine Hemenway was offered the position.

Custodial cleaning of the police department and city hall is also changing, as Ellen Nodolf is stepping back from that role. Rachelle Johnson will now take over that position, while Nodolf will continue cleaning around the city’s signs. “Hopefully, we keep her doing that,” said DeJongh.

Unfortunately, council member Floyd Hickethier had some sad news to impart, with the recent resignation of Cornell Area Ambulance Service director Robin Stender, effective immediately, because of family commitments. Amy Clark, who has been training for the task, has taken over the position.

DeJongh also said that the DNR says Cornell has to update the floodplain ordinance, so the DNR sketched out a draft and the city attorney will review it. Although there’s not much risk for extreme flooding in Cornell, DeJongh said it is required.

“We’re on a river, so we have to have a floodplain ordinance,” he said.

Carothers also wanted to inform the public that a new shipment of naloxone HCl (also known as NARCAN) nasal spray has arrived at the Department of Health.

“If you don’t know how to use it, they will show you,” she said.

NARCAN is not just for someone who uses opioids, because elderly people may accidentally take too much medication or a pet might get ahold of a pill, causing them distress. The nasal spray can even be administered by teenagers and Carothers recommends that everyone have it on-hand.

“You never know where you’re going to be, you never know what the situation is,” said Carothers.

She also reported that Chippewa County Crime Stoppers is going full strength and is helping keep communities safe.

“It’s working and serving its purpose,” she said, adding that the arrests coming from the anonymous tips have been impressive. “Some of them are major crimes."