As Pioneer Days quickly approaches, the Ronan City Council, during their latest meeting on Wednesday, July 8, had plenty to discuss and approve before the big event. 

First, an open container permit was approved from 12 p.m. on July 13 until 3 a.m. on Aug. 2. A street closure was also approved between First and Second Avenue during the same times, for the Pioneer Days street dance and activities. 

Another street closure was also granted for the wheelchair races on Main Street between Second and Third Avenue from 2 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 1. 

The council further approved an open container permit for the Ronan Chamber of Commerce's annual crab fest on July 31 at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 4 to 8 p.m. An open container permit was approved for the Pioneer Days beer garden at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Aug. 1 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and on Aug. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. and for the Sunday parade on Main Street on Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Regarding non-Pioneer Days events, they also approved Andreya Konecy’s request for an open container permit for a wedding/reception at the Ronan Community Center on Sept. 12. 

In other business 

The council also had a long discussion on creating a committee to determine strategic questions to move the discussion with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office along. According to previous Leader reporting, there is an ongoing debate between the city and the sheriff’s office over whether the city owns the office for police coverage in Ronan. 

The Internal Government Committee, consisting of Ellen Kaphammer, Larry Hall, and Mark Nelson, will work on the issue.

The council also granted Mission West just over $28,000 from the Adaptive Use Grant. These funds are given to the city and then distributed to Mission West. 

The council further approved a cost-of-living increase for city employees for the 2026-2027 preliminary budget. 

The next council meeting is on July 22 at 6 p.m. at Ronan City Hall.