Akeley City Council

The Akeley City Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Akeley City Hall on 25 Broadway Street. During the Hwy. 34 project tentatively scheduled to start in July, entrance will be by the back door.

Akeley’s mayor is Brian Hitchcock. Council members are Bobbie Wosika, Billy Krotzer, Dan Riggs and Dale Nelson.

The city owns and operates an on- and off-sale municipal liquor store, known by locals as “the muni.” It is located on State city government, call city hall at 218-652-2465 or go to akeleycity.com.

Department Managers

City Clerk/Treasurer ........ Kristi Kath akeleych@arvig.net

Akeley Police Chief .......... Jimmy Hansen 218-652-4440, jimmyz802@yahoo.com

Liquor Store Manager ..... Lacey Hitchcock 218-652-4084, akeleyliquorstore@arvig.net

Akeley city campground

The city-owned campground is one of Akeley’s hidden gems. Located dockside on 11th Crow Wing Lake, reservations are usually made well in advance of the busy summer.

For more information on rates and availability, call the park manager at 218-252-4570 or go to www.akeleycitycampground.com. There is also a public beach, playground, fishing pier and boat access near the campground.

Akeley Emergency Shelter helps victims of domestic violence

The ARCC Emergency Shelter (ARCCES) is a non-profit located in Akeley offering safe shelter and supportive services to those experiencing intimate partner violence and does not discriminate based on gender identity.

The shelter operates on a service model that is victim-centered. They assist with whatever residents determine are the goals and partner with victims as they begin to navigate their new and sometimes uncertain future.

According to ARCCES director Allison Forte, the main goal is usually to secure safe and affordable housing which can be very difficult as there is a shortage of affordable housing in this region.

ARCCES is often in need of diapers, wipes, hygiene products, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, and gift cards for gas and other personal items.

They are continuously raising funds for operating expenses. Anyone who would like to donate or is interested in volunteering may reach out to shelter staff at 218-652-2600.

Checks and gift cards are welcome and may be mailed to ARCC Emergency Shelter, P.O. Box 218, Akeley, MN, 56433. For more information, visit www. arcc-emergencyshelter.com.

Jimmy Hansen serves as Akeley Police Chief

Jimmy Hansen has been Akeley’s Police Chief for more than 10 years. He received his training in Alexandria.

“We have a family-oriented town and try to keep it safe for children,” he said. “Even though the Akeley Police Department is small, we center most of our activity on drug interdiction, on drugs coming through our town. We concentrate on that and have other law enforcement assisting also.”

Hansen and his wife have four children. In his free time, he enjoys collecting classic vehicles.

“I love being in the middle of God’s country,” he said. “I work where everybody from the metro wants to come.”

Hansen said the emergency shelter in the Akeley Regional Community Center is important to the community because it provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

Hansen welcomes community input about issues of concerns to Akeley residents. Call him at the city office 218-652-4440.

Eastern Hubbard County Fire District

The Eastern Hubbard County Fire District serves Akeley and the surrounding area. They also assist the Nevis Fire Department with mutual aid. Troy Hegg is the chief and Billy Krotzer is the assistant chief.

There are currently 18 members in the department. There were 186 calls in 2022. The fire department holds a business meeting on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in joining or who has questions about the department is welcome to attend. A training class for firefighters is held on the third Monday on every month at 6 p.m. Training is sometimes held jointly with the Nevis fire department.

There is also a fire board meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at p.m. with the gaming meeting held right after the board meeting.