The Spalding House in Crosby is taking matters into its own hands to deter problematic pigeons, the Crosby-Ironton Courier reported Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Owners Nadine and Chris Albrecht told the Crosby City Council they purchased spikes to place on the bar’s roof to deter the 50-200 birds from landing there. The presence of the birds and their droppings might deter people from outdoor dining in the city, the Albrechts said, and the birds will likely find someplace new to land once the spikes are installed.

Mayor Jim Hunter said there was nothing the city could do about the pigeons — a topic that’s plagued city officials over multiple city council meetings in recent years. Council member Paul Heglund said when he worked for the city’s public works department, they shot pigeons. But Police Chief Andy Rooney said if pigeons were trapped and removed, they would likely return to their food source in the city.

The chair of the Crosby-Ironton School Board will serve as the president of the Minnesota School Board Association, the Crosby-Ironton Courier reported Feb. 3.

Mike Domin was elected to the position, which carries a two-year term. The Minnesota School Boards Association is a private nonprofit organization supporting the work of public school boards and public education.

Deerwood

The new water tower in Deerwood will bear the colors of the Crosby-Ironton Rangers, the Crosby-Ironton Courier reported Feb. 3.

The Deerwood City Council chose maroon (red oxide) and white to match the Rangers and also to honor the iron ore mining history of the area. The tower will also feature the Deerwood deer.

Isle

Should the municipal liquor store in Isle close permanently?

The Mille Lacs Messenger reported Feb. 3, the council is considering hosting a public hearing on whether to keep the store open after two years of revenue losses in the last three years. The most recent annual report showed a net loss of about $57,000.

Nisswa

A new city council member will fill an open seat in Nisswa, the Echo Journal reported Feb. 3.

Mark Froehle will replace Mike Hoff, who moved out of city limits and resigned. Froehle was selected among four candidates and will serve through the end of 2022.

Upsala

After approving a change to mail ballots during the 2020 election, the Upsala City Council reversed that decision at its Feb. 1 meeting, the Morrison County Record reported.

The May 2020 decision was one made by many local jurisdictions amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Upsala in particular noted election judges tend to be older residents and thus more at risk for the disease caused by the virus.

Seven residents at the meeting said they were in favor of returning to in-person voting in the future. This included one woman who said she understood why there were exceptions for military members overseas or nursing home residents, but she otherwise believed people should vote in person and with an ID.

In actuality, any Minnesotan eligible to vote can do so by mail via absentee ballot, for which there is no excuse or reason required. Minnesota does not require an ID at the ballot box.

— Compiled by Chelsey Perkins, community editor. Perkins may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com . Follow her on Twitter @DispatchChelsey or on Facebook at facebook.com/dispatchchelsey .