We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Since the beginning of April, the City of Chinook has advertised openings for the positions of Swimming Pool Manager and Lifeguard at Chinook City Pool. That they have had no applicants to date is worrisome to Chinook's Mayor, Keith Hanson.
"With the jobless situation what it currently is, I'm surprised that we have received no applications for these vacancies. If we can't get any interest, I'm afraid that we won't be able to open the pool this summer," Hanson said.
Chinook City Pool typically opens in early June and remains operational until late August. Last season, the pool held three sessions of swim lessons and was open for lap swimming and recreational swimming from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday night slots were also available for pool parties and other rental activities. The Lions' Swim Team regularly uses the pool, as well.
While Chinook awaits interested applicants, Harlem City officials reported that they are looking forward to the opening of swim season. Under the direction of Andrew Rasmussen and Alaynee Hawley, two high school sophomores who coached last year, the Harlem Swim Team placed second in Class B.
President of the organization, Kellie Rasmussen expressed pride in that achievement, calling it "not too shabby," while sharing the fact that the two coaches, whom the club hopes to hire again, have both been swimming since Kindergarten.
"Jon Baker might coach, also," Rasmussen reported. "We have in mind a trio of coaches, but we haven't formally hired yet. We just have to make it final."
According to City Clerk and Treasurer, Becky Schroeder, "The City has been approved to advertise for a pool manager and lifeguards, but we're waiting until we learn how this COVID-19 situation plays out before we advertise and then hire anyone."
Although Harlem City Pool has historically opened in the last week of May, pools cannot become operational until Phase Two of Governor Steve Bullock's Phased Approach for Reopening the Big Sky.
Anticipating the arrival of that phase, Harlem's Swim Season hopes to kick off their season on June 6-7 when they host Shelby.
"We have the swim schedule; we're just waiting for the pools to get cleared to open," Rasmussen said.
