Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Vol. 46, No. 47
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Viking Dance Inspirations Hamper Challenge Viking Dance Inspirations felt very inspired by the Viking Royal Purple's article about paying it forward. We as a club decided to do an in-house food drive to donate towards the Christmas hampers. We hope this inspires some other clubs in our community as well! Photo provided.
Deputy Mayor motions to shut down internet service offered by Viking Patricia Harcourt Editor
In a surprise move, Deputy Mayor Cindy Lefsrud made a motion at Viking Council’s Nov. 20 meeting that quickly got the attention of her fellow councillors. The motion directed council to give notice advising that, as of Jan. 1, 2024, “we will no longer provide Internet service from the Town of Viking.” The motion was defeated after other councillors tried to apply the brakes on moving so fast. Councillor Clint Nearing said it was unfair to provide only two months notice.
But Clr. Lefsrud said she has been concerned for the past year about the Internet service being provided. “We’re not getting the bang for the buck,” she said. And Councillor Dana Ewashko said there was more that needed to be considered before making a decision. He pointed out that people getting this service have three-year contracts. “It costs to get out of them,” he said. “There’s more to it than that. Some people may have signed up just two months ago. You have to consider all these things.” Administration told council that anyone leaving the town Internet service is penalized three months of the cost being provided.
“If we’re going to shut it down and give them time to find alternate service, Christmas is not a good time to do that,” said Ewashko. With the motion’s defeat, Nearing tabled the issue pending information such as on how many customers the town has on its Internet service, and other costs that may be involved. “Let’s find out actual numbers and how much it would cost to get out,” said Ewashko. Chief Administrative Officer Doug Lefsrud said administration was set to meet with the town’s provider on Wednesday this week, adding he “would like more of a time extension” to get Continued on Page 5