Posted: 7/31/07
Locations for proposed radio towers announced
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The rolling hills, steep valleys, and sheer cliffs of Houston County provide for some of the most breath-taking scenery in Minnesota. Unfortunately, this picturesque topography creates a challenge for law enforcement and emergency units trying to communicate with their VHF radio systems.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is trying to improve radio communication throughout the state, and that includes Houston County.
Mike Hogan, communications director with Mn/DOT attended the July 24 county board meeting to inform commissioners of the progress being made.
According to Hogan, radio system designers have come up with four locations in the county to install new towers which they hope will provide reliable radio service for state, county, and local law enforcement and emergency services. Those locations include:
īThe Allen and Beth Klinski residence, 7960 Giblin Drive, Caledonia, about five miles east of Caledonia in Mayville Township;
īThe Lyle and Joan Pohlman residence, 20773 Jefferson Road, Caledonia, about seven miles southeast of Caledonia in Jefferson Township;
īThe Randy and Debra Myhre residence, 655 Myhre Drive, Spring Grove, one mile east of Spring Grove, in Spring Grove Township;
īThe Max and Bev Benson residence, 1911 Christianson Hill Road, Houston, two miles west of Money Creek, in Money Creek Township.
The radio towers will be 330 feet tall, gray galvanized in color, and 30 feet between the legs at the base of the tower. A medium intensity white strobe light at the top of the tower will be used during the day to mark each tower, and a red flashing beacon at the top and at mid-tower will be used at night. A 12 by 30-foot shelter made of concrete with brown stone aggregate exterior will be located at the base of each tower. Each tower facility will be surrounded with a 7-foot tall 75 by 75-foot chain link fence.
Hogan explained Mn/DOT is designing a system that will have at least 90 percent coverage. Once the system is in place, filler towers will be added in hard-to-reach "dead areas."
A public hearing on the proposed sites has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Community Center in Caledonia.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com