Gary Peterson, former Heights mayor, dies
Gary Peterson, former mayor and city council member of Columbia Heights, passed away on March 9 at the age of 87. Peterson was a Columbia Heights City Council member from 1984-99 and served as mayor from 1999-2003 and again from 2005-2017.
Peterson contributed to the construction of the Clock Tower of Peace, the statue outside the Public Safety Building and the Heritage Tower.
During his terms as mayor, the City of Columbia Heights added three new buildings to the community: the Hylander Center, the Public Library and the Public Safety Building. In 2016, the City of Columbia Heights earned the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.
Services were held Friday, March 14. He is survived by daughter Cindy (Mike), sons Jim (Gale), Bob (Mary), Tom and Bill, many grandkids and great-grandkids and brother Charles “Skeets” (Bev).
Johnston promoted to Deputy Chief of Police
Erik Johnston has been promoted to deputy chief of police, a newly created role within the Columbia Heights Police Department. Throughout his 22-year career in law enforcement, Johnston has has served as captain, sergeant, and officer. Johnston will oversee two captains and focus on the department’s daily administration under Chief Markham. Other duties will include managing the budget and professional standards for the department.
Congratulations, graduates
Zoe Eth, Minneapolis, received a Master of Science in kinesiology applied sport psychology during the fall 2024 commencement ceremony at Adams State University, Alamosa, Colo.
Sam Witthoft, also from Minneapolis, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.
On the dean’s list
Cassie Herrmann, Columbia Heights, made the president’s list at St. Cloud Technical & Community College.
The Gustavus Adolphus College dean’s list includes Isaac Becker, Columbia Heights, and Cullen Arneson and Carter Snyder, Minneapolis.