Formal search for Bohlen suspended, police still seek your help
The formal search for a missing Northfield man has been suspended for now. The family of 39 year old Joshua Ben Bohlen reported him missing on Sunday. State patrol conducted a search by air and found nothing. Authorities from several agencies performed an intense search on Monday when his truck was discovered at Goodhue Avenue and 110th. Deputy Chief Chuck Walerius said late yesterday that after the massive hunt turned up no sign of Bohlen, they suspended the search. They’ve talked with area farmers and asked them to keep an eye out in their fields and wooded areas. While police are not asking for volunteers to search they are asking for any information you may have about Bohlen or his whereabouts. They will follow any leads from citizens. Contact police at 507-645-4475. We will continue to report information as it becomes available.
NDDC struggling but solvent
The Northfield city council had a busy work session with a presentation from NDDC Executive Director, Ross Currier. This is the first time the NDDC has reported directly to council since they took over funding from the EDA. Currier gave a detailed history of the NDDC and then council asked about their financial situation with the issues surrounding the Taste of Northfield, one of their biggest fundraisers. They’re struggling but solvent. Mayor Rossing later asked them if they would organize downtown downtown business owner and building owners for input on parking management. They were very enthusiastic and had already been discussing it. It’s on their agenda at their Board meeting this week.
Taylor says “There’s no conspiracy, no agenda”
Council also heard budget reviews by Public Safety Director Mark Taylor and Fire Chief Gerry Franek. The discussion led to the Fire roadmap and structural changes to the operations of the Fire Department. Councilor Zweifel asked specifically about morale within the fire department and the struggle over changes. Taylor said it’s been difficult but the changes were necessary due to changing liability issues for the city. He sadi that “we need to get over the fact that there’s no agenda here”. He says there are a lot of fire departments throughout the state going through the same thing. The City has a huge amount of liability. They need to take it seriously. He acknowledged the vast changes in a short time but reiterated that there’s no conspiracy, no agenda on his part or City Administrator Tim Madigan. They also discussed what effects the restructuring of the Fire department operations would have on the fire service study group. Madigan said the the study group is discussing governance and finance while the Fire roadmap focuses on operations and is transferable should council decide to become part of a Fire service district. The meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net.
Preliminary levy set
A preliminary property tax levy was set Monday night during the Northfield School Board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson said it’s good news for property owners as the level will only be raised by 1.1 percent for the 2013/14 school year. Richardson says they’ve worked hard to keep the levy increase to a minimum while keeping programs funded. The final levy will be set in December.
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