Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

Central Square rightfully postponed a popular concert last week because of the funeral service for Pope County Deputy Josh Owen.

As we all know, tragedy struck the weekend before when Josh Owen was killed while responding with two other officers to a domestic dispute in Cyrus.  It was a sad and difficult week for the community, but especially for the Owen family and local law enforcement officers.

In light of that tragedy, the Central Square team postponed the Just for Kix performance and Paul Greene/Renae Brown concert that were planned for the weekend because they felt it important to focus on the solemnity that this moment required and to be able to adapt to any request that may arise for needed space at Central Square.

And the space was needed.

Marie Chan, executive director of Central Square, reached out to Pope County Commissioner Gordy Wagner offering Central Square as a gathering space for any needs that the county and law enforcement community might have.

The Glenwood Police Department and Pope County Sheriff’s Department then requested Central Square host space for a private fellowship dinner to be held Friday night.   This dinner was for Pope County law enforcement officers and their families and included the family of Deputy Josh Owen.  It was a private event.  Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure the success of this important event, and I am very proud of their efforts.

Stacy Gerdes generously donated food for the dinner, and Chan said she and Central Square extend their gratitude to Tom’s Market for donating ice, creamer, and sugar, and to Elden’s in Alexandria for donating bud vase centerpieces for the tables. Central Square staff Jes and Trina worked diligently on outreach and coordinating efforts. Tristan and Reane put in a lot of work on the building.   Gordy Wagner secured flags for the room, and Pastor Kelly Mahoney volunteered to be greeter.

“It has been truly heartwarming to witness so many people come together to put on this event. We are lucky to live and work in such a close-knit and caring community,” Chan said after the event.  “It was our honor and privilege to create a supportive environment for our law enforcement, EMS professionals, and Deputy Owen’s family. I think it did all of our hearts and spirits good!” Chan added.

Overpass could be named

to honor Deputy Josh Owen

It was reported last week that the new overpass north of Glenwood could be named in honor of  Pope County Deputy Josh Owen, who was killed recently in the line of duty.

In the Minnesota Senate last week, an amendment to name the overpass as a means of remembering Josh Owen was added to the transportation budget bill.

Sen. Torrey Westrom said in a news release that his constituents wanted to make sure Josh Owen’s contributions to the Pope County community and as a deputy would be remembered for a long time.   While we have heard some local talk about ways the community could honor Deputy Josh Owen in a permanent way, this could be a real possibility.  We’ll watch the bill and see if the amendment sticks.  The overpass was built recently to take Highway 29 traffic over Highway 55 and the CP Rail line.   It could soon be called “The Deputy Josh Owen Memorial Bridge.”