Drug warrants executed – no arrests
They were looking for drugs. Yesterday afternoon, officers with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force, Northfield and Faribault Police Departments, and the Rice County Sheriff’s Office executed two Search Warrants in the 900 and 1000 blocks of Division St. in Northfield. In a press release, Chief Monte Nelson said No arrests were made, however, Sheriff Dunn said this morning, “a lot of positive things came out of this and I think as the investigation continues you’ll see more happening down the road”. As this is an ongoing Investigation, Dunn could not comment further except to say there may be more warrants forthcoming.
Mayor calls out Hospital – they respond
Mayor Graham called out the Hospital on KYMN Wednesday morning. An item brought up by a Board member during their meeting was to “pull away from the City” and become a 501c3. Hospital Director of Community Relations, Betsy Spethmann explained this morning that an accounting rule change, “affects municipal organizations, and because we’re a municipally owned organization, affects us too”. In a statement, President Steve Underdahl said the change affects their financial reserves and the Board asked administration to do some initial discovery. His complete statement is: An accounting rule change that applies to municipal organizations affected our financial reserves significantly. As we analyze that impact, the board asked the administration to do some initial discovery to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages between being a municipal organization or a private not-for-profit. The intent was to do some homework to determine if a more formal discussion is even needed. We would never proceed in any formal way without the full participation of the City and our employees.
The board agrees (and so do I) with the Mayor about protecting the independence of the hospital. I think it’s the secret sauce that makes this a successful organization, and it’s a big part of why I came to Northfield.
We have a board that is dedicated to the idea that this remain a Northfield-oriented, independent facility for the future.
When Graham ran for Mayor 4 years ago, there was talk from then Mayor Mary Rossing whether the City should sell the Northfield Hospital. At that time he heard from doctors, nurses and citizens who wanted it to stay under the City umbrella. As it is, he added that the Hospital operates, “autonomously and they’re doing very well, they’re very healthy, they’ve done a great job, they’re having a banner year this year”. He said, with their success, it bothers him that there’s been talk without any discussion with the City, “I don’t like it. I want to make sure people understand. Am I trying to get people worked up? You’re darn right I am because I think it’s wrong. And as long as I’m Mayor I will fight to keep that hospital as part of the City”. Underdahl added in his statement that they have a Board dedicated to the idea that this remain a Northfield-oriented, independent facility for the future. NOTE: Steve Underdahl will be in studio with Jeff Johnson next week.
Library will celebrate their Grand Opening
The Northfield Library will hold a grand opening tomorrow. A project that has been decades in the works and months in the construction will end and the doors will open back up to the community. Director Theresa Jensen commented that it will be interesting to see how people use the new spaces such as the patio, the Carnegie porch and the Division St. terrace. A ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 10am with entertainment all day till 5.
Click below to listen to the 5-6-16 NEWS podcast:
Listen for news updates on-air at 6, 7, 8, Noon, 3 and 5
