By Kris Goracke

Reporter

With designs to consider, a potential location chosen, and soil borings taken, the Starbuck City Council is moving closer to replacing the Starbuck Marina Lighthouse. Keeping up with the momentum is the Starbuck VFW Auxiliary as they host a fundraiser for the project.

The fundraiser, a cash party, is an annual event for the Starbuck VFW Auxiliary; however, this year all net proceeds will go to the lighthouse project. “The tickets are $100, which is good for two dinners and a chance to win cash. Thirty percent of all ticket sales will go towards the prizes,” said auxiliary member Gary Swenson.  

The original Starbuck Marina Lighthouse was built and donated to the city in 1982.

Swenson, also the mayor of Starbuck, said the structure was simple with a wood base. 

“Over the years, the base began rotting. Even the telephone poles under the base were rotting. So, when the storm hit last May in 2022, it just couldn’t stand up to the high winds,” said Swenson.

Widseth architects from Alexandria, recently presented designs of what the replacement could look like. The plans offer different features for the city to consider ranging from a simple lighthouse to one that could be open to the public with a spiral staircase. At the February council meeting the city set a construction budget of $100,000.

“At this time, nothing has been decided, but we hope to build the lighthouse on the south side of the marina’s opening,” said Swenson. “The city has checked with the Department of Natural Resources and Pope County Soil and Water Department and we are told no permit is required, but the city must follow the shoreland ordinance.”

Swenson recently attended the Minnewaska Lake Association meeting asking for their support funding the lighthouse. After addressing some questions about the project, MLA offered to help with the cash party fundraiser, “We realize the importance of the lighthouse to the lake and community, and right now, we are willing to support this cause by helping with the sales of the cash party tickets,” said MLA President Mike Stai.  

Tickets available now

The Cash Party is Saturday, April 8, at the Minnewaska House with social hour starting at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and drawings at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from members of the Starbuck Veterans Auxiliary, members of the Minnewaska Lake Association, and at the Starbuck VFW. Interested people can also call Gary Swenson, a member of the auxiliary, for a ticket (715) 220-6589.  You do not need to be present to win.