A misty rain and refreeze turned to ice on rural roads which led to school buses getting to kids late, up to 40 minutes in some cases. Rice County Deputy Bauer reports several vehicles slid off gravel roads. In one instance a tow truck went in the ditch trying to get a bus out. No injuries have been reported and the County and Townships have been salting and sanding. Dakota County reporting much the same. Use caution with this damp weather and temperatures hovering around freezing. In particular rural roads, ramps and bridge decks can ice up overnight.
Nfld moves forward on Temp Healthcare dwellings
Northfield Council votes to move forward on Temporary Health care dwellings. The Planning Commission thoroughly discussed options and gave their recommendation to Council which included a 6 month license with an option for another 6 months, placement allowed in the driveway and a maximum size of 240 square feet. There are 2 manufacturers that build these units. Administrator Martig commented on who might use them saying, “there might be people with temporary (issues) looking for transitory type of services. Some places there are shortages of the availability of those on a short notice. Some peoples homes are maybe not designed unfortunately to deal with accessibility issues and sometimes those can be pretty costly”. This ordinance allows for more municipal control than Governor Dayton’s legislation. So far there’s been no request from anyone in the community for such a unit. This will come back to council for a second reading. The City of Northfield wants to hear the community’s voice on proposed new City Council meeting times. They’re considering an earlier start. Follow this link to the survey http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/
Nfld Hosp. to participate in Emergency Preparedness drill
Northfield Hospital will participate in a regional drill next Wednesday, the 25th, to test its emergency response procedures. The exercise will take place on the hospital campus from 9:00 am to noon. Hospital services won’t be affected and care will continue as usual in all departments. Patients and visitors may see some activity at the hospital related to the drill. Hospitals in seven counties across the metro will take part in the exercise, with different emergency scenarios for each. This exercise is part of the Federal Healthcare Preparedness Program.
Solar garden event
Solar gardens are huge in southeastern Minnesota. Northfield has seen a lot of growth as have surrounding areas. There are also those resisting, including folks in Greenvale Township. Minnesota Community Solar representative Jake Wanick said we’ll start to see projects that have been developing over the last couple of years, jumping through the various hoops to get them “on the grid” are going to start coming on the grid. He says costs have been driven down. These programs for those who can’t afford or aren’t allowed to put solar panels on their roofs or properties, can subscribe to these solar gardens and lessen their carbon footprint. There is an event tomorrow at the Weitz Center for Creativity from 9 to noon where you can learn much more on solar gardens and panels. It’s a drop in anytime atmosphere.
SPCO to perform for free this evening
Carleton College is pleased to present a free performance by the renowned Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Conducted by Mischa Santora and joined by acclaimed piano soloist Jonathan Biss, the SPCO will perform classic selections by Beethoven and Ravel, along with the world premiere of a newly composed piece by British composer Sally Beamish. The concert is this evening from 8 to 9:30 in the Skinner Memorial Chapel and is open to the public. For more information call (507) 222-4475.
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