KIESTER – Residents of Kiester, already proud of their thriving Main Street businesses, watched a few weeks ago as workers tore up the street to begin a complete reconstruction.

Wednesday, June 20, 2001

KIESTER – Residents of Kiester, already proud of their thriving Main Street businesses, watched a few weeks ago as workers tore up the street to begin a complete reconstruction. But according to Kiester Mayor Roger Oldfather, the project is an investment in the town’s future.

&uot;I didn’t have to do much convincing,&uot; Oldfather said. &uot;I think people realize that a redone Main Street will keep it healthy.&uot;

In addition to a new nine-inch blacktop street surface, workers will install a new storm-sewer system, new water mains and ties for each business, along with new electrical connections for street lights. After the street work is finished, new curbs, gutters and sidewalks will be installed.

Oldfather estimates the total cost of the project at about $800,000. About two-thirds of the project will be paid for with county and state assistance, Oldfather said. The rest will come from the city’s coffers.

&uot;We aren’t assessing any of this, so maybe that’s why everyone seems pretty supportive,&uot; he said. &uot;It was our turn for the assistance, and it seemed like a good time to get it done.&uot;

In 28 years as mayor, Oldfather said he can’t remember the last time any major work has been done on Main Street. Even though aging infrastructure seemed to be holding up, the city council decided to tackle a street-replacement project before problems started to occur, he said.

&uot;I think that’s the smart way to do it,&uot; Oldfather said. &uot;Don’t wait for the major problems. The costs go up when the major problems come.&uot;

By Oct. 1, Oldfather hopes to drive his car down a smooth new street and pull into a freshly painted parking spot by city hall. If weather cooperates, he thinks the workers from Sorenson Brothers of Albert Lea, the main contractor, will get the job done quickly.

&uot;We’re really keeping an eye on the weather. With a nice summer, it should go like clockwork,&uot; Oldfather said.

Meanwhile, the Main Street businesses are handling the inconvenience. Side streets and parking lots are full, and the sidewalks will remain clear until the street is finished, Oldfather said.

&uot;People seem to be getting to where they want to go. It doesn’t seem to be creating too many problems,&uot; he said.