Northfield police sent out an alert on a man exposing himself. Deputy Chief Mark Dukatz reported that between 7:30 and 7:45 this morning, Police received a report of male in a vehicle exposing himself to people in the area of the 1600 Block of Jefferson Parkway. At this time, there have been no additional reports of similar activity. According to witnesses, the subject was reported to be in a vehicle, described as a black or
dark colored passenger car. The subject was described as a white male, 30-40 years old with short brown hair. Northfield Police are asking anyone with information about these incidents or the suspect, to please call 507-645-4477. If you witness this type of activity, report it Immediately to Northfield Police at 507-645-4475 or 911. Pay attention to suspect description and vehicle identifying information including License Plate Number, make, model, etc. The Northfield School district sent out a notice to all parents.
Unanimous Support for Youth Council
The Northfield Mayor’s Youth Council is a step closer to becoming an Advisory Board or commission. This week the Council unanimously approved the first reading of an amendment that would make that happen. City Clerk Deb Little that the students created the draft ordinance and bylaws and guiding documents. They presented them to staff and worked with Adult Advisor Maleah Follen and the City Attorney on the documents. Once established they would be subject to the same rules as every other Adult Board and Commission. There really wasn’t much discussion, as Councilor Colby put it, “It’s a good idea, let’s do it!”. Follen assured councilors that each member would get all the rules and that the students will sign an agreement and so will their parents if the students are under 18. Follen’s enthusiasm was palpable as she spoke about the program during the Youth First presentation. In just over two years students serving on boards and commissions has grown from 19 in to 81 this year. Of those not graduating, all but 4 are staying on their chosen boards, “it’s a really powerful program for them and they’re really excited to continue to serve. So we love that high return rate. We’ve already received our applications for next year and we had the largest applicants so far”. A 2nd reading will take place at the City Council’s next meeting.
CRWP working with local farmers on cover crops
Cannon River Watershed Partnership Conservation Program Manager, Alan Kraus, says the bright green crop you’re seeing so early on in some farm fields are likely cover crops. Those are annual rye grass, winter (cereal) rye, radish and clovers that are usually planted after fall harvest. These plants keep living cover on the landscape until the following spring’s planting of cash crops. The CRWP and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are in the second year of helping eight farmers in Rice and Goodhue Counties gain hands-on experience planting cover crops into standing corn in June. These crops improve water quality by keeping nutrients in the soil and by keeping the soil in the field. Kraus says this research is to determine if this practice improves the chances for the cover crop to become established and to address whether seeding the cover crop in June reduces the corn yield.. If you would like more information about this project contact the CRWP or your county Soil and Water Conservation District Office.
Woodley Street project underway
The City of Northfield has started the Woodley Street reconstruction project. Concrete crews are on-site to begin warranty work on Phase I between Maple Street and Prairie Street. Crews will concentrate on sidewalk and driveway removals. City Staff will contact properties that will have access affected by these replacements.
Got fabric? Give it up for boomerang bags
Northfield Boomerang Bags is collecting fabric to make book bags available for reuse. If you have fabric (1 yd or more) that would work for library bags please bring it to the library during open hours May 12-20. They also need white sheets or muslin for pockets. On May 19th from 10 to 1 they’ll be preparing “Take & Sew” kits at the Library.
