Community Notes: Charles City projects wrapping up nicely

By Keith Starr, Charles City Council member

The fall of 2021 appears to be a chance to finish strong. The depot is ready to move to its new home as soon as that home is ready for the depot.

Many thanks to all who contributed, especially James Smith who not only contributed financially but also through the story of what the depot meant to the community. Suddenly many families realized the memories that they had tied to the depot and losing it would be like losing a friend.

When the Charley Western Trail Bridge met its demise, it left a big hole it the walking path. Seeing the trail again connected across the river is a great way to roll into August. If you haven’t had time to walk across the new bridge, fall is a great season to do so.

The highway 18 construction project has given many people, me included a chance to use alternative routes to reach our destinations. It is fun to see parts of town that I don’t usually drive through. Although no completion date has been announced I hope that it will be wrapped by late this fall.

Although I prefer not to think about what happens to the water after it goes down the sink, I am pleased that someone else does. The completion of the wastewater treatment plant appears to be on schedule and beginning to wrap up.

Some celebrations in the city have happened for many years such as Art-A-Fest coming August 21st.

Hats off to the Charles City Rotary Club for working with the former car club members to bring back the car show that had its first appearance nearly 40 years ago. It is anticipated that this will again be an annual event.

As I write this article it has been almost exactly a year since Ellen Bengtson lost her life while riding her bicycle on Shadow Avenue. Ellen worked as an environmental engineer, but her life was not defined just by her work at Cambrex. She touched so many people in Charles City through her quiet quality contributions be it her work in church, music and Rotary just to name a few.

The Rotary Club initiated an annual perpetual scholarship in Ellen’s memory that many people have given to. If you wish to contribute, please contact Randy Heitz or any Rotarian and they will assist you.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve on the City Council.