We would like to wish happy retirements to Austin City Clerk Lucy Johnson and Riverland Community College Dean Jan Woller.

Both served the community well for about 32 years.

Woller started as an instructor and played a vital role in the college’s legal secretarial program. Woller would go on to be a leader at the school as dean or liberal arts and sciences. As a teacher then an instructor, Woller had a hand in curriculum and policy, and surely played a vital role in assisting students during their college experience.

Johnson started as the city’s deputy auditor before taking a break to raise her children, and then was hired as the city clerk in 1981.

As city clerk, Johnson managed many tasks. She has administered elections, kept track of business licensing records, done city customer service and a lot of other regular duties.

The vast experience of three decades in a job will difficult to replace in both the city and the college.

Both will surely be missed, and we thank both for their commitment to the community.

 

Congrats to Bruins

Congratulations are in order to former Austin Bruins goalie Eamon McAdam, who was drafted by the NHL’s New York Islanders with the 70th overall pick in the third round of the NHL Draft.

McAdam played for the Bruins in the 2010-2011 season, appearing in nine games with a record of 2-4-2 and a save percentage of 90.4.

Though McAdam’s stay with the Bruins was brief, Austin should be excited to see a former Bruin moving toward the NHL. Other ex-Bruins CJ Smith and Christian Folin playing for Division I University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Brandon Whalin is set to play for UMass. With former players continuing their careers and two straight years in the playoffs, there are many good things going on for the Bruins.

Austin can only hope the trend continues.

 

A successful fest

We’d like to thank the Austin Chamber of Commerce and all the volunteers and organizers who helped make last week’s Freedom Fest a success.

The annual celebration went off without a hitch and brought thousands of people out for the many festivities, like the parade, fireworks and entertainment in the park. Events like the Dan Ulwelling Bike Race, Hog Jog and Kids Fishing contest saw contestants from Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and as far away as Canada.

Austin was also fortunate to enjoy nearly perfect summer weather during the Fourth of July celebrations this year after high temperatures last year.

Regardless of the weather, it’s the volunteers and organizers that make the celebration a success each year.