The question isn’t IF but when. This week, Northfield Council heard a presentation on Emerald Ash Borer. The City has over 1900 Ash trees, the target of EAB. Siri Hoff, a youth intern they hired through Youth First Program put together a presentation with a vast amount of information. Administrator Ben Martig said they talked about preserving trees, slowing the spread of EAB and postponing the mortality rate while trying to reduce the City’s cost. The City has already been removing some of the less desireable ash trees as they come upon them. Hoff
looked at 5 options, sharing them with the EQC. Their recommendation was the 50/50/50 approach, Remove 50{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of the trees, those that are smaller and weaker, replace that 50{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} with a diverse selection of other trees and treat the remaining 50{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} every year. That cost ranges from $125 to 135,000 per year. Hoff added that the chemical they’ll use has no “known” effect on pollinators but she thought that would change. TJ Heinricy added that with the injectable method, there’s less effect on pollinators. Streets and Parks Manager, Tim Behrendt said removal of the trees would take 8 years, replacement would be done over 10 years due to budget constraints. The full presentation is on the City’s website. This will come back to council.
College City wins National award
A local company wins a national award. The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) honored locally-owned, College City Beverage, this week during their 80th annual Convention and Trade show. College City received the Public Affairs Award, recognizing the company’s effective use of communications initiatives. NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser, said, “College City Beverage stands out when it comes to promoting the value that beer distributors deliver to Minnesota’s communities and consumers,”. Family-owned and -operated College City builds brands through creative public relations projects and influential media initiatives. I have a link to their video
Brawn beat youth in NAUW fundraising truck pull
Brawn beat youth last night in the Northfield Area United Way Truck pull on 4th street. Team Tavern beat the youthful Raider cross country ski team by 3 seconds pulling a Dokmo Ford truck across the 4th street bridge in 17 seconds. As part of the NAUW’s celebration of the Power of Pulling Together, teams pulled the truck filled with community leaders. I have pictures online. With a donation to NAUW, several businesses offered discounts. Executive Director, Penny Hilleman noted that while the perception of Northfield is affluent, there are many “under the radar” that are suffering. Community Action Center Director Jim Blaha said the toughest issue right now is affordable housing, saying our homeless population grows each year. [envira-gallery id=”65155″]
NAFRS creates buzz as they douse blaze during Open House
Fifth Street was teeming with children as they climbed all over the fire trucks on display outside NAFRS Fire Hall. Kids lined up to use a fire extinguisher and watched in awe as firefighters extricated people from a crashed vehicle. Hot dogs in hand and fire hats on their heads, everyone stood with rapt attention during the grand finale where firefighters demonstrated their skills at dousing the huge blaze set off in a propane powered Christmas tree. Not once, but twice. Be sure to check out Aramis Wells photos on KYMN’s facebook page. [envira-gallery id=”65164″]
