City of Lake City

Smith has been a great asset to Lake City

Jun 26, 2024

Like many, I was very surprised at Megan Smith’s resignation from her longtime position as Lake City’s Director of Planning and Community Development. While I am not aware of Megan’s new position, I believe 2 things: 1. Lake City has benefited in several significant ways under her leadership. 2...

Dogs, people turn out for park grand opening

Jun 19, 2024

People may have outnumbered dogs at the grand opening of Lake City’s new dog park on June 12. Located on North 10th Street near the Lake City Public Safety Building and across from Underwood Park, the park has two runs: a small one intended for dogs under 30 pounds, and a larger one for larger...

Mayor won’t seek a third term, three incumbents run for council

May 29, 2024

Lake City will have a new mayor come January. In a letter published on page 4 of this issue, Mayor Mark Nichols writes that he has decided not to run for a third term. “Serving as your mayor for the past almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and humbling experiences of my life....

Nichols will not seek third term as mayor

May 29, 2024

After much reflection and discussion with my family, friends, and advisors, I have decided not to seek a third term as the mayor of our beloved town. Serving as your mayor for the past almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and humbling experiences of my life. The trust and...

MnDOT puts lakefront parcel up for sale

May 8, 2024

An unusual piece of lakefront property in Lake City has been put up for sale. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is selling its 1.9 acre property at 2045 S. Oak St. in Lake City by sealed bid. The property is bordered to the north by the Pepin Pointe townhomes, to the south by the...

City could strengthen short-term rental regulations

Apr 24, 2024

Staff at the City of Lake City are drafting an ordinance that would strengthen the city’s short-term rental regulation following a City Council workshop meeting on the topic Monday, April 22. Currently short-term rental operators in Lake City have a one-time registration, City Planning and...

Dog park could to be ready May 1

Apr 24, 2024

Local dogs could have a place to get off-leash and run and play—but not smoke—in about a week. Fencing started to go up last week at the site, which is across 10th Street from Underwood Park near the intersection of 10th Street and Wabasha County Road 5. Travis Dunn, the assistant Public Works...

New pavement management plan focuses on maintenance to delay costly rebuilds

Apr 10, 2024

In an April 8 presentation to the Lake City City Council, Matthew Mohs of city engineering firm Bolton Menk described the decision-making process around street maintenance and construction like this: “There’s a little bit of art, there’s a little bit of magic and there’s some science that’s...

City election filing period is May 21-June 4

Apr 10, 2024

The filing period for people who want to run for city council or mayor in Lake City will be May 21 until June 4 at 5 p.m., according to City Clerk Kari Schreck. Three city council members—Cindy McGrath, Megan Kramer, and Brian Quinn—and Mayor Mark Nichols have terms expiring this year. The Graphic...

Mayor’s state of the city message emphasizes ‘legacy decisions’ of the past and the future

Mar 27, 2024

An annual tradition interrupted by a global pandemic resumed March 14 when Lake City Mayor Mark Nichols and City Administrator Rob Keehn talked about Lake City’s past, present and future at a “State of the City” event organized in collaboration with the Lake City Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of...