246 and Jefferson to get ICE(d)
The City of Northfield will pay for an $85,000 study of the intersection of Hwy 246 and Jefferson Pkwy. According to City engineer, Dave Bennett, it’s necessary to come up with options. That intersection has been the focus of constant frustration for many, as 3 schools and the senior center are all in that area. Bennett explained ICE, Intersection Control Evaluation, the 3 phase study will begin with data collection of vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles at all the intersections including Jefferson Pkwy, Woodley, all school entrances and Jefferson Rd.
They will then build models of what it will look like at capacity for all-way stops, signals, roundabouts and mini roundabouts. Phase three will be a layout, sketches, cost and right-of-ways impacts. MnDot, the School District and the public will be heavily involved. Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha told Council not to forget a possible partnership with the County who may take over Hwy 246 from hwy 3 to Nerstrand Park. The vote was 5 to 1 with Ludescher voting no. The RFP went out immediately, the contract is expected to be awarded May 6th with a kickoff meeting set for May 9th.
Foreign language enrollment falling
The Northfield School Board discussed enrollment in foreign language this week. Specifically, Chinese. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson said they started with 50 to 60 kids. As the program built over the last 10 years, they offered advanced classes 2 and 3. Richardson said they’ve offered Chinese for 10 years. The concern now is that enrollment has dropped to 29 which means class sizes are 11,12 and 6. High School Principal Joel Leer said class size is a big issue with some in the 30’s. He’s looking at that and questioning the sustainability. Richardson said they’ll look at a combining Chinese 2 and 3 and, perhaps, consider phasing out the program altogether. They have the same issue with Spanish 6. It’s highly unusual to have more than 4 years of a foreign language offered. Right now, the number of students is just 8. Richardson added that it’s a process they will be going through to determine further steps.
Latino community meets with City and State officials
Mayor Dana Graham met with members of the local Latino community a few weeks ago. They brought issues to him regarding drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants, profiling, housing issues and wages. Graham then suggested a meeting with Police Chief Monte Nelson. It grew from there and last night, a group of about 50 latinos met with Nelson, Graham, Senator Patricia Torres Ray, the first Hispanic woman to serve at the MN Senate. Senator Kevin Dahle was also there, he’s supportive of Drivers License For All which passed the Senate last year but went no where in the House and is not on the agenda this session. He added that the message that came out loud and clear is how important the Latino community is and give them a little idea of how they can interact and get involved. Mayor Graham said they had a professional interpreter and an Hispanic Mpls city employee emceed the event at Greenvale School where many in the audience shared their stories. Graham challenged them to get involved locally. He said there are lots of Boards and Commission looking for people and also to get the kids involved with the Mayors Youth Council.
Burning ban in effect
Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn instituted a burning ban as of 8 this morning until further notice due to dry, windy conditions. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn issued a burning ban as of 8am today due to dry, windy conditions. The ban is in effect until further notice. All open burning is restricted at this time, including permit burns and recreational fires.
Click below to listen to the 4-15-16 NEWS podcast:
Listen for news updates on-air at 6, 7, 8, Noon, 3 and 5
