A soggy start doesn’t dampen enthusiasm
The first day of school was pretty soggy but it certainly didn’t dampen Northfield’s School Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann’s enthusiasm. He said, “I love the start of the school year because everyone has a chance for a fresh start”. He held the door open for countless students at the Northfield Middle School. He said his favorite t-shirt slogan was, “Spread Kindness Around Like Confetti” and added, “if that doesn’t make you believe in the youth of our future because of
kids, I don’t know what does”. Hillmann also talked about the Strategic Plan. I’ll have more on that tomorrow. I’ve posted his full interview on kymn.net.
Chief comments on first day of classes and gears up for DJJD
Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson said overall it was a good first day with the exception of a few bumps including Benjamin Bus who took a lightening hit that knocked out all their electronics, which they rely heavily on for digital systems that control their bus routes. Nelson said they still did a good job. Adult crossing guards are being used at the new Arbor Street crossing at the Middle School. Nelson also remarked on DJJD, he says, “plan ahead, get a sober ride, use a taxi, do what you need to do. There’s so many people out on foot, on bike, in vehicles, on horses”. There is stepped up enforcement. He also reminds folks of the closure of Woodley street from Division headed east toward Maple due to construction. With the soggy ground, Nelson says be wary of where you park in particular grassy areas. Also, “make sure you’re careful about where you’re driving vehicles and wear appropriate footwear and maybe put on some bug spray”.
Free shuttles will support event movement due to soggy soil
The messy conditions have caused some of the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration events have been moved. DJJD Board member Becca Peterson said they’ve moved the Sundowner Classic Car Show to the northeast of Veterans Park near Millstream Commons. The Rodeo is also affected. It’s still in Babcock Park but they have to do some rearranging with where the livestock will be kept to keep them away from standing water. That means it will take away parking. There will be very limited parking available for handicapped and competitors only. Officials are asking that folks park at Post Consumer Brands and walk over. Ames Park is just too wet for the carnival rides so it is being held in the K-Mart parking lot in Dundas. Look for continuous updates on djjd.org. Free shuttles will be running between the events about every 20 minutes. Maps of the shuttles and stops along with the events are posted on kymn.net.
Northfield ranks among safest college towns
According to Safewise, Northfield ranks among the top 30 safest college towns. Using the most recent FBI crime statistics from 2014, SafeWise calculated the total number of crimes committed in each American town with at least one academic institution of higher education. They then weighted those numbers in relation to population statistics and other important factors. Finally, SafeWise researched relevant safety, health, and educational programs that help make each “Safest College Town” safer and more secure. Northfield ranked 24th. Winona, however, was number one.
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