Today’s news update

For a full report, listen every day at 6:05 a.m., 7:05 a.m., 8:05 a.m., 12:05 p.m, and 5:05 p.m.

Click to listen!

For the top news briefs,

• Carleton and St. Olaf have both made Kiplinger’s annual list of the 100 best values in private colleges for 2009-2010. Each year the magazine ranks private and liberal-arts colleges that combine economic value with exceptional education. Pomona College tops this year’s list. Carleton ranks number 13 on the list, and St. Olaf ranks 30^th. Other Minnesota schools, Macalester and Gustavus Adolphus also made the list. As did the College of St. Benedict—which made the list for the first time. The rankings will appear in the December edition of the magazine, on newsstands November 10^th.
• The Northfield City Council has unanimously approved a $125,000 inter-fund loan for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The HRA will use the money to purchase three townhomes in foreclosure on Elianna Drive. HRA Program Administrator, Michele Merxbauer says the townhomes are ready to be moved into and will offer family rental opportunities. The HRA currently has $200,000 for the purchase of the units. They’ve offered a purchase price of $100,000 for each unit. The money for the loan will come from the Capital Reserve Fund. Should the HRA sell a unit before the loan is paid off, the funds would be paid back in full with the sale proceeds.
• Northfield Public Library outreach coordinator, Diana Tallent is resigning effective today. She has taken the position of library director at the Lonsdale Public library, which is scheduled to open in early 2010. As a result of Tallent’s resignation, the bookmobile service to day cares and community stops will be temporarily suspended. Library Director Lynne Young says staff will take the next 3 to 5 months before having Booker on the road again.Young says additional funding cuts could potentially affect library services. She says when the Booker program is back up and running she wants to make sure it stays that way.