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KINGSFORD -- Registrations for a house decorating contest in Kingsford are due Nov. 20 as the city introduces a new event as a part of its annual Christmas tree lighting in December.
This year's tree lighting will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the Kingsford High School gymnasium. Usually the event takes place on a Thursday but there was a scheduling conflict with the school, said organizer Jennifer Castro, the city's administrative assistant/AP clerk.
It will again feature performances by the school band and choirs. There will be cookies and hot chocolate, games, gifts bags for children, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance.
In an update Monday to the city council, Castro said she has mailed out about 45 letters to local businesses and has received donations from several. The council approved a donation of $800 toward the event, which matches previous donations.
New this year, they are holding a house decorating contest, which was the idea of Holly Palmer, city treasurer.
Those who wish to participate must fill out a form available on the city website or at City Hall. Registration is required by Nov. 20.
City council members will view participating houses during the week of Dec. 7-11 and select their first, second and third choices. Winners will be announced at the tree lighting event, although entrants don't have to be present to win.
In other business, the council:
-- Learned from City Manager Mike Stelmaszek that 14 hunters have taken 29 deer in the city's managed archery hunt. He also told the council the recycling cart delivery is expected to take place in April or May and the city will try to find the lowest collection cost possible for residents.
-- Heard from Brady Gustafson, a landlord with several properties in Kingsford, who complained about the new policy that no longer allows utility bills to be in renters' names because the city has had problems collecting money owed for bills. Gustafson told the council he was unaware that his tenant owed money until it was on his tax bill. He was also unaware that the tenant was so far behind on payments and didn't believe he was permitted to check on the bill because it was in the tenant's name. Officials said that with the policy change, landlords can check on accounts that are still in tenants' names.
-- Learned from Jeff DeMuri, department of public works superintendent, that most of the work on the Heights water and sewer project has been completed for the year. They are finishing the last of the blacktopping and there is some touchup work to complete on sidewalks and top soil. Seeding will be completed in the spring. DPW is also continuing with fall garden waste and brush pickups, along with leaf collections.
Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.