KINGSTON – The Lake Francis Lake Association has announced plans for a boat parade to take place Saturday, July 4.

Those interested in participating in the parade may decorate their boats for Independence Day.

Those not wanting to boat that day are welcome to decorate their dock.

Creativity is encouraged.

Boat parade line up will take place at the public beach on the north side of Lake Francis beginning at 1 p.m.  The parade will proceed counter-clockwise around the lake.

In case of rain, the parade will not take place.

Lake Francis has 6.6 miles of shoreline, and a maximum depth of 17 feet.
It borders two counties: 710 acres in Meeker County and 462 acres in Wright County.

The Lake Francis Lake Association reports that fishing is good on the lake.  There are excellent bass and northern populations; also walleye, bluegill, and crappie. The DNR installed fish trap near outlet designed to limit carp and other rough fish from gaining entry to the lake.

COKATO – The Cokato City Swimming Pool will open Monday, June 22.

In order to follow state guidelines regarding COVID-19, the City of Cokato is adjusting pool rules and operations,  and adjustments will be made as needed throughout the season.

Each day will be divided into “blocks” of time.  It will cost $2 per person, per each swim block.

Family and bonus passes are not available this year.  Cash and checks are the forms of accepted payment.

No toys, noodles, or floaties will be allowed.  Swim goggles and life jackets are permitted.

Social distancing of six feet between people will be observed, according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s current guidelines.

Upon pool entrance, patrons will be asked to respond to a short COVID-19 symptoms questionnaire.

The maximum capacity of the pool facility is 40 people.

Safety breaks of 10 minutes will be required hourly.

Swim blocks are divided like this: Monday through Saturday: noon to 1:50; 2 to 3:30; 4 to 5:50; and 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m.

All swimmers must exit the pool facility at the end of their swim block.  Pool area sanitizing will take place during swimming block changes.

After new waiting patrons are allowed to enter, if capacity limits allow, previous swimmers may re-enter once they pay for a second swim block.

DASSEL-COKATO – Dassel-Cokato Community Education has partnered with the Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center to provide an online option for a 55+ driver discount program.

Taking the online classes can renew an existing discount or allow students to start saving 10 percent off their automobile insurance – even while staying home during the pandemic.

The cost of a 4-hour refresher class is $23.95 and the initial 8-hour class costs $27.95.

Students may take the course anytime.  After signing up for the class, students have 60 days to complete the material.  Students can start and stop the course as many times as they require.  Upon completion, students may download and save their certificate to email to their insurance carrier.

People may call 1-888-234-1294 for information.