Fiber and towers promise to bring fast internet speeds to Gilman

Gilman is getting closer to having reliable and fast internet service, as well as increased phone service, it was reported May 11, during a regular village board meeting. Clerk Candice Grunseth says the county is bringing fiber to the village by the end of June, and from there, they will install equipment, as long as the routers are available.

“We will be on the county’s network,” she said, adding it will be at the county’s cost for the village office. “Once that’s done, they’re going to work on the towers in the area.”

With that work, people outside the village will have wireless connectivity by 2024, and AT& T is already committed to buying space on those towers to get cell service improved. Taylor County has sunk $8.9 million tax money into the project, but should gain back $11 million.

Good things are happening in Gilman, as a 20-foot addition to the beer stand is planned at the park, with a concrete slab. The project is funded by the CBA and $10,000 Powerline Grant money that was received from Taylor County.

“That’s why we can do this,” said Fred Romig, coordinator of the addition.

Deanna Bornheimer, village trustee, also brought up an idea some people have had, now that the Gilman Market has closed – to hold a farmers market in one of the village parks. Jane DeStaercke, village president, said interested parties should come before the board with a plan, before the village will approve anything.

“We can certainly consider it,” she said. DeStaercke also said the economic development group wants to look over available spaces in the village, just to get an idea what is available and what can be done to encourage business prospects. She mentioned that there has been no sheriff’s sale of the nursing home, as of yet.

“Which seems to indicate that they have an offer for someone to purchase,” said DeStaercke. “We really don’t know any more than that.”

Trustee Greg Steinbach said he had someone ask about the Revolving Loan Fund through the village and how much money is available.

“Any idea what’s in that?” he asked. Grunseth says there is $179,000 in the fund, and anyone can submit a business plan to apply for the funds, which is reviewed by a committee. The application and more information can be obtained at the village office.

Helping with things for the future, Dan Wundrow, of Rural Water, paid a visit to the village, where he went over what replacing lights and heating systems could do at the treatment plants.

“You would save money in the future, if you follow through with this program,” said public works director Rick Johnson.

While the Rural Water suggestions still have to be considered more carefully, the board did approve the DNR Recycling Compliance Plan, with Resolution 2022-02.

“We need that every year, for the grant,” said Grunseth.

Clean-up happened earlier in the month, but it didn’t go without some “hassle,” as the garbage disposal company messed up on the times of delivery for the roll-off bins and on the sizes. Grunseth said she is trying to get a discount for the inconvenience.

“Not a real big turnout this year,” said Johnson. Johnson has also had his hands full, as he is training new employee Dave Kroeplin, who started May 2, to one day, take over the many responsibilities of the public works department. Kroeplin’s pay will increase with each certification completed, but for now, he is taking things slow and getting to really understand the workings of the village, so he is not overwhelmed.

“I can’t believe I’m a teacher now,” said Johnson. Grunseth also reported that the uniform dwelling code inspector Monte Ahlers has retired, so she reached out to Bob Christenson, who does most of Taylor County. Christenson thought he would submit a proposal to provide the services to the village, but nothing has been received for approval yet.

As a reminder, the monthly regular village meetings are now at 6 p.m., the second Wednesday of each month.

Bornheimer also brought up one more thing, asking police chief Tom Tallier to look into it, that people are using the area by them to dump animal carcasses and other things.

“We have a lot of critters by us now,” said Bornheimer.