Hello again! I was just looking at my computer, and I see that the last time I wrote to you was in late August. The reason I have not been able to write is due to medical issues I have been dealing with. These issues resulted in more than two weeks in the hospital in September and then recovery time. 

I want to say a huge THANK YOU! to everyone who sent flowers and baskets, expressed well wishes,  provided great dishes, offered and helped with moving things and doing things which Cathy and I were unable to do for ourselves, and for the many, many prayers that were offered on our behalf. I can truly say that I felt the impact of your prayers. Thank You!

            I have to offer a special thanks to Chief Krahn. At one point when I was unsure why the hospital was keeping me captive, the Chief offered to break me out with a tactical squad and helicopters. That was really touching!

It has taken me some time to get back on my feet again, but I am back. I am still not quite up to speed but am making good progress. I may not be in the office every day like I used to be, but the goal is to get there.

One of the pieces of knowledge that I knew but was strongly reinforced in my absence is just how amazing your City employees and Council Members are. I don’t believe there was a single beat skipped in my absence. Council President Herb Haun stepped in and did a great job checking in regularly and offering his help. The employees went about their jobs in the professional manner that they consistently do. I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate their efforts. You have many reasons to be proud and appreciative of the people working for you!

Well, I guess that is enough time spent letting you know why I have been absent.

Now it’s on to City business. 

            The employees are getting some questions on when the leaf pick up program will start. Typically, the crew starts working on the leaves in the last half of November depending on how the temperature and wind affect the leaves dropping. There will be more on this later. 

The alley cleanup process is in full swing. If I understand correctly the crew is about a third of the way through town at this time. If you do not know about alley clean up, it is a service the City offers to help you with keeping your yard looking neat and attractive. As you work in your yard during the year, you can place the yard waste on the property line next to the alley, but not in the alley, and the City crew will come around in the fall and collect it. It makes it much easier for you than having to make or arrange trips to the dump throughout the year. One more great reason for living in Weiser. 

            Also, I want to remind you that the Electrical Department is still in the process of changing out analogue meters with digital. If you see men in construction vests and hard hats in your yard working on your meter, please be kind. The workers will have City identification to let you know they are there for a legitimate purpose. 

Well, that’s it for this week. It’s nice to be back. These last couple of months have proven to Cathy and me, again, that Weiser is a great place to live, work, and play. THANK YOU!