Today’s news update – Crash kills 2 in Randolph; Study shows largest increase to Northfield economy is through local food establishments; Noise Ordinance on Council agenda

July 19, 2016
12:02 pm

Crash kills 2 in Randolph

A father and his young daughter were killed in a crash just outside of Randolph yesterday. The head-on collision happened at Hwy 56 and 280th street around 11:30 yesterday morning according to the Minnesota State Patrol crash report. A Kia sportage was traveling northbound on 56 when it passed a vehicle, cutting back to the NB lane at the last second. A mini van, traveling southbound moved to the right shoulder and slammed on it’s brakes to avoid the Kia, a semi traveling behind it, hit the brakes, jackknifed and went into the northbound lane striking the Kia’s front drivers side.

Deceased is 31 year old Jason Calderara of Cannon Falls and 1 year old Melody. 26 year old Elizabeth and 9 year old, Nicholas Calderara are in serious condition. The semi driver, 71 year old James Sathre of Faribault suffered minor injuries. The State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No alcohol was detected.

Study shows largest increase to Northfield economy is through local food establishments

The Northfield EDA has partnered with the University of Minnesota Extension Service for a number of years to complete a Retail Trade Analysis. Using Minnesota Department of Revenue sales tax information from 2014, it indicates that Northfield’s largest increase in dollar sales was in the category of eating and drinking businesses, with total sales of $27.8 million [near 28 million]. Local food establishments and bars are also the largest contributors of taxable sales to our economy, with 26 {b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. After viewing the updated report, EDA member Todd Bornhauser commented, “we’re seeing some pretty good growth numbers and kind of bucking the trend statewide”. Community Development Director Chris Heineman noted that Northfield’s Hwy 3 commercial district has actually supplemented our downtown. Northfield’s economy is very different from a regional center, but due to our proximity to the Twin Cities, we’re now what’s called a Micropolitan. Heineman said, “The micropolitan title really focuses on Northfield and it’s sort of an ideal example. Actually Brainerd is another similar community”. The EDA also heard a proposal for a retail recruitment strategy from Buxton. We’ll have more on that later. Click on the link for the report. 2016 Northfield Retail Trade Analysis (1)

Noise Ordinance on Council agenda

The Northfield Council will be addressing the Noise Ordinance tonight during their regular meeting. Mayor Graham has posted a new Minute with the Mayor and he’s asking for the public’s input. Let your councilors, all councilors and the Mayor know your thoughts, “how it affects you and what you think is fair”. Council discussed an 11pm shutdown time on Friday and Saturday nights. Norman Butler, the owner of the Contented Cow has asked for midnight. Staff is proposing an 11:30 shut down for weekend nights. If they agree on a time, then tonight will be the first reading. Mayor Graham will be in studio at 7:20 tomorrow morning a full recap. Here’s a LINK to numbers and emails to all Council members and Mayor Graham.