Victoria MN Newspaper

COMMENDATION FOR JOHN GIERE

QUICK ACTING FOR CHOKING CHILD

"John Giere drives kids to and from the Victoria Elementary School," reported Victoria Fire Chief Andrew Heger, at the February 9th meeting of the Victoria City Council. "He recently had a choking child on the bus. He gave CPR to the child and radioed to the school nurse they were coming in. We feel he should be recognized and receive the Fire Chief's Commendation Award."

Andrew reported that Mr. Giere was nominated for the award by co-worker and Victoria Firefighter Steve Dahl. The Fire Department was not involved in the incident. The certificate recognized Mr. Giere for his actions and stated the following: "Fire Chief's Commendation Awarded awarded to John Giere for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a child that was choking." John is a resident of Jordan. His bus route brings him daily to the Victoria Elementary School.

STILL LOOKING FOR FOUR-LANE HWY 5

AND FUNDING FOR THAT VICTORIA CORRIDOR

Council adopted a resolution February 9th supporting funding for improvements to State Highway 5 that include expansion to four lanes. For the past several years, Victoria City Councils have written letters to legislators and passed resolutions asking for Hwy 5 improvements.

The SouthWest Corridor Transportation Coalition asked the current Victoria City Council to also officially support funding for improving Hwy 5 to four lanes. The City of Victoria is a member of the Coalition, which regularly advocates for state and federal funding for Hwy 5.

Said Carver County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik, who spoke to councilmembers on February 9th. "I am honored to be here. This resolution is what we take to our legislators."

Asked Mayor Tom O'Connor, "You're not asking for money from us?"

"No," replied Commissioner Maluchnik. "Does that surprise you?" He added that past Victoria Mayor Mary Thun was a ramrod for Hwy 5 improvements. "Thanks to her leadership, the past Hwy 5 project got done." He was referring to the long summer of 2012 when turn lanes were constructed along the Hwy 5 corridor through Victoria, plus shoulders were widened and the Hwy 5 bridge just west of downtown Victoria was replaced.

"Is the road at capacity?" asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko.

Replied Lyndon Robjent, Carver County Public Works Director and Engineer, "A two-lane highway can generally accommodate 15,000 vehicles per day/both ways. We're at 20,000 today."

Mr. Robjent spoke about the needed expenditure of millions of dollars including $120 million for Hwy 5 from the west side of Waconia, east to the Hwy 41 intersection. "We like to make sure the legislators know our needs." He spoke of safety concerns on a highway where traffic exceeds its capacity.

Commissioner Maluchnik referred to mounting maintenance problems. He also said that Highway #5 is not considered a main arterial but is second in line for funding right after main arterials.

Stated Councilmember Jim Crowley, "As a parent of a brand new driver who is attending Chanhassen High School, County Road 18 would be a lot safer." County Road 18 has yet to be constructed so Hwy 5 is Victoria's access to Chanhassen.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation hasd identified the need for expanding the State Hwy 5 corridor to a four-lane facility during the 2008-2014 time period. It continues to be identified as a need in its 2008-2030 plan.

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