HERE IN FARIBAULT, we’re only hours out from a public hearing on proposed rules for data centers.
Nationally, we’re less than a day from the mid-term elections.
I don’t need to tell you that both are important. We are all affected by election results. And all of us are affected by data centers, even if one is not built in our communities.
I’ll start with the data center since I want locals to be aware of the 6 p.m. Monday, November 2, Faribault Planning Commission hearing in the city council chambers. It’s important to attend, even if you opt not to speak.
Comments may also be submitted digitally by noon today at https://www.faribaultmn.gov/FormCenter/General-4/Online-Public-Input-Nov-2-Public-Hearing-128
According to a media release, the planning commission “is considering proposed rules which will better address data centers through enforceable performance standards that are intended to serve as regulatory safeguards for our community.”
You can bet many of us support regulations that will protect our environment, our health, our communities. Think water, air, light, noise, pollution, emissions, utilities, cost, land use…and on and on.
And, yes, it appears likely a data center will be coming to Faribault, despite opposition.
MORE UPCOMING MEETINGS ON DATA CENTERS
The Faribault Planning Commission will forward a recommendation to the City Council, which will discuss the proposal at a 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, work session and then set a date for a vote on the issue.
Additionally, the city’s monthly Council Chat at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, at the city’s public works building will focus on data centers.
In a media release from the city, the event is detailed: “During this community engagement event, staff will have various stations focusing on key ordinances, such as land use, water and sewer, noise, lighting, and other rules of interest. The public will gain a better understanding of the intent of the rules and why they must be legally defensible and enforceable.”
That covers basic information for anyone concerned about data center regulations in Faribault.
VOTE
Now on to the election. Please vote if you haven’t already. In my decades of voting, this ranks as one of the most important, if not the most important, mid-term election in this country.
Every vote matters. Every voice matters. Locally. And nationally.
Be heard. Let your voice rise whether at the ballot box or at a public hearing.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Voting for a scarecrow November 1, 2016
Tags: 100 Ladies & Gentlemen Craft Sale, elections, humor, Kenyon, Minnesota, opinion, political commentary, politics, Scarecrow Contest, scarecrows, voting
WITCH (sic) ONE SHOULD I choose?
Is this one It? Looks like a shady character hiding behind that signature hair style.
This scarecrow stands out in the field. Just look at that perfect, practiced smile and that perfectly pressed plaid.
The artistry here is certainly something to crow about.
I’m struggling to wrap my head around the choices.
Is this unique scarecrow raking in the votes? If only there were exit polls.
I like this scarecrow entourage. But those signs bother me. BEWARE. Of what? And No crows. What’s wrong with crows? Yeah, I know they’re not robins…
On the surface, I thought, how clever to post a campaign sign. But then I reread the words. Turning Green with Envy Needs Money popped out at me. You can’t sway my vote with sympathy, excess advertising, confusing rhetoric or via deflection.
I hope the candidates will accept the outcome, respecting the democratic process that veils our votes in secrecy. No rigged polls here.
There are so many choices. But really, these are just scarecrows. I shouldn’t take this election so seriously. There’s a more important election on November 8.
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FYI: These scarecrows are part of a Scarecrow Contest at the 100 Ladies and Gentlemen Craft Sale. That sale, located at 45986 Highway 56 just off Minnesota Highway 60 in Kenyon, continues from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 3 -6 and November 10 -13. All items are handcrafted.
Disclaimer: There’s nothing political about the craft sale. It’s just that–a craft sale.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling