Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn thanked the Rice County Commissioners last week, for their support. For 25 years, his office was unable to hire anyone. But last year, the Commissioners allowed them to hire three additional Deputies and this year, they’ll get two more. They’ll promote someone to a Sergeant’s position later this year to take over the Drug Task Force Commander position. They’ll add an additional deputy at the Courthouse. Dunn said the additions will help them immensely, explaining that, “State Patrol goes off at 2 or 3 in the morning, and then when Faribault or Northfield or Lonsdale needs assistance, they’re calling on the Sheriff’s office and we want to be able to have adequate staffing”. They also take care of the rural districts. Dunn commented that the number of candidates for law enforcement
positions is down considerably from a few years ago. Adding that it takes 3 to 4 months from posting the job to getting them working. That’s due to a background checks, interviews and more. The Sheriff’s department will also be installing a metal detector at the courthouse this year.
Nfld History Collaborative project offers a wealth of history online
A collaboration between the Northfield Historical Society and several partners have created an online digital library of historical materials, pictures and documents that are open to the public. Northfield History Collaborative Project coordinator Stephanie Hess said there are 16 partners, they include the colleges as well as the surrounding townships, businesses and the Rice Co. Historical Society. Which means their scope is much wider than just Northfield proper. Along with the image is information. A search bar will offer up all the infomation and images from the 16 partners. They have multiple topics with the latest on WWI as we commemorated the 100th anniversary. Hess said a big surprise was the Record of Soldiers which is over 2,000 pages. Every solider in Rice Co. who served was given one 2 sided piece of paper which listed their name and “amazing biographical information” such as their parents, their jobs and much more. Go to northfieldhistorycollaborative.org The Soliders Book can also be seen in person at the Rice Co. Historical Society. Hess is the Museum Curator for the Northfield Historical Society.
Frigid weather, sickness causes urgent need for blood
This January, National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage. Severe winter weather has had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year, with more than 150 blood drives forced to cancel causing over 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This is in addition to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributing to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December. You can always go to redcrossblood.org. Red Cross blood shortage prompts urgent call for blood donations
