| Donations bring clock renovation much closer |
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By Byron Higgin Mascot Publisher  Three substantial donations to the Restore the Clock fund is bringing the project closer to reality. Donations collected so far have reached $3,130. Following donations of $1,000 each by WalMart and John Noyes of Country Side Auto of Minneota, have been followed by another $605 raised by the Minneota Class of 1984 during their 25th reunion. Councilman Todd Bretschneider, who began the drive to restore the old clock to the State Farm Insurance building said his class raised the $605 during the recent reunion. “It’s our town,” said Bretschneider, adding, “And it’s our clock.” The city council Tuesday night accepted the donations, saying they intend to publically thank those who so generously donated. These donations are enough to begin Phase 1 of the project, which is the general restoration of the clock to working condition. Dave Fahey of Gislason Hardware, an avid supporter and collector of donations for the clock told the council, “We could probably set a date (like April), then do Phase 1 and keep collecting donations for Phase 2 or for maintenance of the clock.” Bretschneider added, “I’d like to have the mechanical chime as well,” but he felt the price quoted for the chiming system may have been for a chime not needed by the city. “We need an old-fashioned chime, not the Cadillac of chimes.” He intends to contact the Sioux City company that submitted the bid to find a less expensive chime. “The chiming system is up in the air,” said Bretschneider. The bid for the chiming system was close to $5,000. Linda Canton of the Historical Society told the council the clock belongs to the Historical Society and because of the society’s tax-exempt status should remain with the society during fundraising. But she said the council would eventually own the clock. Bretschneider said, “People are coming forth to sweeten the pot to do something for the community.” Mayor Paul Larson added, “We want keep this on the front burner.”
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