Chapel Brewing in Dundas is in a “special use” district. City Administrator John McCarthy explained that there was some confusion around the closing time of 10pm. He explains that part of the discussions with Chapel representatives at the time was the understanding that they are closed for business at 10pm, however, other management involved in the business didn’t understand that it’s a zoning issue not a liquor license issue which allows patrons in the building after they can no longer serve alcohol. In which customers are allowed to be in the building after closing time. The
fact is patrons must be out of the building by 10pm. This is a first for the “special use” district as Dundas moves away from isolated residential areas but a more walkable community, with that comes a learning curve and some growing pains. McCarthy added that, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful”. Chapel Brewing
Relief for Hwy 3 commuters
Good news for those traveling Hwy 3 commuting through Castle Rock. It fully opened Monday afternoon. The road had been closed at Co. Rd. 86 since July to improve the safety of the intersection, which has seen numerous crashes. The $1.5 million project included regrading the curve to improve sight lines, adding turn lanes, replacing guardrails and extending the box culvert on the south side for drainage. Originally, the work was slated to last through October. In created chaos for residents in Waterford Township whose little gravel road carried more traffic than they felt the road could take. Repairs to Danbury Avenue will take place next Spring and are estimated to cost $25,000.
Rice Co. Auditor will be hard to replace but 37 applied to do it
Retired Rice County Auditor/Treasurer Fran Windschitl made an indelible mark on Commissioner Galen Malecha said he knew where every dollar was in every department and where every dollar was invested. Windschitl retired after 26 years with Rice County. The elected position is now an appointed one. Malecha explains that when Windschitl started the county’s budget was $23 million. It’s now $74 million. They had 37 applicants for the newly reconfigured CFO position. The hiring firm chose 6 applicants to forward to the personnel committee, which consists of 2 commissioners, the Administrator and the HR department. They’ve selected 2 candidates to forward to the full Board who will interview them. Malecha said they anticipate announcing a hire at the end of this month.
NAFRS Open House and blood drive
It’s Fire Prevention Week! NAFRS Captain Sean Simonson explained that the firefighters visit about 1200 kids in grades K thru 3rd grade in the area to discuss all things with fire safety including the National campaign called “Every second counts plan 2 ways out”. The idea is that these kids will bring it all home to their parents too. Thursday is NAFRS biennial Open House from 5:30 to 8pm. They have lots of activities and demonstrations planned including fire extinguisher training, an extrication demonstration, North Memorial AirCare will be there and the finale… the extinguishing of the burning Christmas tree on the 5th street bridge. There will be hotdogs and prizes for the kids too. Plus all the trucks will be out! There’s also a blood drive at the Fire station on Thursday from 9am to 3pm. Go to nafrs.org for more information. I have a link on kymn.net. Sean’s full interview is online. redcrossblood.org
ACC looks for Living Treasure nominees
The Arts and Culture Commission invites Northfielders to submit the name of anyone whom they feel is worthy of being considered its 2018 Northfield Living Treasure. The full press release with detailed information is here. ACC LIV TREAS 2018 Press Release.docx