Rice County Engineer, Dennis Luebbe, discussed the County’s 10 year transportation plan with commissioners. District 2 commissioner, Galen Malecha explained that roads are paid for with the half cent sales tax and the wheelage tax, no levy dollars. That’s worth $3 million a year. Upcoming projects include County Rd 1 from hwys 246 and 3 in Bridgewater Township. The $5.1 million project carries a large price tag. Malecha explained that the it’s not due to the roundabout or
the tunnel for pedestrians and bicyclists, but rather the terrain of the project. The hill will be lowered by 8 to 10 feet. Adding to the complexity is a lot of utility work as well. Malecha said Co. Rd. 46 between Co. Rd. 1 and the Flying J truckstop on hwy 19 will be reclaimed this year. He added that they’d like to upgrade the frontage roads for commercial/industrial use which will mean additional truck traffic. For more information on projects go to the County’s website.
NHS presents 5th year of Hops, Grapes & History
The Northfield Historical Society presents “Hops, Grapes & History” for the 5th year in a row. Local brewers and distillers will be sampling beer, cider, wine and spirits, Friday night from 7 to 9 at The Grand Event Center. Interim Executive Director Cathy Osterman says get your tickets early! Pre-registration is open till Thursday afternoon with tickets at $15 per person or $25 per couple. You can register online at their website or stop on into the museum/store on Division. Local favorite Mark Allen will be playing, there will be games including a wine pull, a raffle for a basket full of gifts from local businesses, and, if you register early, you’ll have a chance to win a large prize from Firehouse Liquor.
Become an Adult Posse member
Osterman added that NHS has opportunities for adult volunteers to become Posse members and give tours at the Museum. Northfield Middle School teacher, Earl Weinmann, teaches the classes, instructing everyone on Jesse James! He’s thorough and a lot of fun. The Adult Posse will train in April with the Junior Posse on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 starting April 4th. Adult Posse typically work weekends guiding tours May through September. For more information call Interim Director Cathy Osterman at 507-645-9268.
Dakota Electric offers new “Outage App” for Severe Thunderstorm season
Severe thunderstorm season will be upon us soon. This year Dakota Electric in Farmington has a new way to your power back on faster. It’s called the “Outage App”. If you’re a customer, this app will eliminate the need to place a call to the cooperative. Director of Public Relations, Joe Miller said, “this app is associated with our members, so when you download the app, we give you a code associated, so we know it’s you. All you have to do is tap I’m out of power. Then we get the message that says John Smith, who lives here is out of power. It comes into us like a phone call but much quicker”. Dakota Electric developed the app with the help of MTS Systems out of Eden Prairie. They’re the first to take advantage of the app. To obtain your code or receive more information call 651-463-6212
