“A challenging era” for class of 2016
The Northfield High School Class of 2016 had a nearly picture perfect day for graduation yesterday. Two hundred ninety-eight students received their diplomas, 71 of them were recognized as highest honor students with a grade point average of 3.7 to 4.0. Principal Joel Leer offered opening remarks saying to celebrate what is and what’s to come. Student Kate Geary spoke of nostalgic moments including the “staff flash mob” where they learned “there are some dance moves that can’t be unseen!”. Student Stephen Spaulding got a few laughs when he told his mom he’d rather vote for Trump than to speak at commencement but decided instead to talk about the values his parents taught him including “you can’t score if you don’t shoot”.
The day was also the end of an era for Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson. He told the class, “each of you is stepping into perhaps the most challenging era that the world has ever known”. He said it’s a time when the only thing you can rely on is change. He then wrapped it up with telling the class that they must strive to nurture the traits he believes that all successful people have, including a huge capacity for work, drive, energy and faith. The entire commencement will be posted on kymn.net.
Woodley St. reconstruction now underway
The Woodley Street project got underway today. Engineer Sean Simonson said Phase 1 is from Prairie to Maple Sts. They will be closing down the intersection at Maple after school is out for the summer. The detour utilizes Prairie St., 7th St. and Division all the way around the pool. It will be in effect for the duration. Phase 1 and 2A should be done by the end of July. Contractually, work must be completed before school starts back up again. Phase 2b from Maple to Division street is scheduled for completion in late November. I’ll have more on Hwy 3 projects tomorrow.
Breweries brewing suds and more
Mayor Dana Graham gave updates on 2 breweries coming to Northfield during his Minute with the Mayor last week. A couple from California has purchased the old Creamery next to Holiday gas station on Hwy 3. Their hope is to have a 90 seat restaurant along with the brewery. We’ll have more on Tanzenwald Brewing Company coming up. In the meantime, the Reppes are closing on the Armory August 1st. Imminent Brewing will then buy the garage portion. He added that they would like to work with First National Bank to purchase the drive through area and turn that into an outdoor seating space. Their plan is to open sometime next year. Mayor Graham went on to discuss his hope for a new Ice Arena. You can view the video on the City’s website.
Raingarden Workshop with plant recommendations offered
Northfield is joining with Rice County and surrounding cities to invite the public to a free Raingarden Workshop: Planting for Pollinators on Saturday. There will be an introductory presentation about rain gardens and pollinator-friendly native plants followed by personalized recommendations for each property owner with assistance from area landscape professionals. Workshop is 9:30am-12:30pm at Faribault Public Works building: 1200 Belview Trail in Faribault. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Interested individuals may contact Faribault Public Works Department: pw@ci.faribault.mn.us or 507.333.0361.
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