Spring 2021 Hometown Messenger

City recognizes 2020 employees of the year The City of Shakopee’s 2020 employees of the year are Human Resources Specialist Patti Kent andWater Resource- Environmental Engineer Kirby Templin.

A LOOK BACK From the 1950s through the early 1980s, many visitors to and residents of Shakopee visited a unique, historical and fun attraction located at the city's eastern border called the StageCoach Museum. Built by Osborne “Ozzie” Klevestad and his wife Maria, the museum came to be when the couple stumbled across the original stagecoach stop, known in the mid-1800s as Gellenbeck Stage Stop or the Four Mile House. While seeking shelter when caught in a rainstorm, the couple discovered the old building. Soon thereafter, they purchased it to display Ozzie’s extensive gun collection. Throughout the years, Ozzie’s collection grew to more than 3,000 guns, which

Above, the StageCoach Museum. At

Kent, who joined the city in 2015, was recognized for her continued flexibility as she manages the city’s payroll process to more than 300 employees. This year, Kent faced new issues and challenges due to COVID-19. “We all know Patti’s most important role is payroll. Her position can be anything but fun at times; it gets really stressful,” said Human Resources Director Alissa Frey.

right, Ozzie and Maria Klevestad. Photos courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

most notably included: Mdewakanton leader � akpe II’s four- barreled revolving rifle; one of Buffalo Bill Cody’s rifles; an Annie Oakley gun; and a revolver owned by Calamity Jane. The StageCoach Museum opened in March 1952, which

Patti Kent

SouthWest Prime crosses the river to Shakopee SouthWest Transit is now providing on-demand transit service in and out of Shakopee. also contained living quarters for the Klevestad family and the StageCoach Restaurant. The Bella Union Opera House, where students from the University of Minnesota would put on summer plays, and Sand Burr Gulch, a recreated old western town, followed. The StageCoach complex was owned and operated by Ozzie and Maria until they retired in 1981. The Klevestads sold the five-acre property to Cal and Cheryl Hotzler. Unfortunately, in 1983 the Bella Union Opera House caught fire and was destroyed. At the same time, public interest in the StageCoach complex had drastically diminished. Eventually, the buildings were abandoned and began to decay. Items were sold and/or dispersed. Financially unable to support their business adventure, the Hotzlers had the remnants of the opera house, as well as Sand Burr Gulch, burnt down by five local fire departments. By 1996 and with the widening of Highway 101, most of the site was demolished. Only the original StageCoach Museum building remains, which is owned and occupied by the Dahlen Sign Co. Online booking is available with the SW Prime App or by calling 952-797-7463. A one-way ride costs $4. Rides are available from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more at swtransit.org/shakopeeswprimeservice . Finance receives highest honor The City of Shakopee received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the GFOA of the US & Canada in recognition of our comprehensive annual financial report for fiscal year 2019. This is the 35th consecutive year Shakopee has received this award, which is the highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting. SW Prime is an on-demand ride service (similar to Lyft/Uber) that operates in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, Victoria and portions of Shakopee.

“However, Patti maintains focus and is able to laugh even when things get messy because we know we’ll always be able to figure them out.” Templin, who joined the city in 2018, advanced several

Kirby Templin

projects in 2020, including the Highway 101 stormwater diversion project, an underground stormwater treatment facility at the Scott County Government Center and the Ridge Creek Park and Prior Lake Outlet Channel realignment. “This award recognizes the hard work and dedication that Kirby brings to the City of Shakopee every day, protecting and improving the city’s environment,” said Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug. “His work emulates what is best for the community.” The employee of the year award recognizes city staff who demonstrate a commitment to excellence; deliver excellence in customer service; reinforce a positive atmosphere; and continuously improve, innovate and work collaboratively.

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