Student leaders Diana Montero, Keara Cooney and Ann Beimers contacted Principal Joel Leer several weeks ago to discuss today’s walkout. Students stepped out of class for 17 minutes to honor each life killed in the Parkland shootings and to send a message. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann stated before that the District could not endorse the walkout, they do support their right to free speech as highlighted in the First Amendment. Hillmann noted that, “every kid in our school right now was born after Columbine, so their entire school career has been
spent practicing lock down drills, understanding that having an active shooter in your school is a possibility”. Northfield Schools have taken steps to thwart an attack, but Hillmann urges people to pay attention to the Legislature. This is a large conversation that includes multiple disciplines, including mental health. While the students have support from officials, it is still an unexcused absence for walking out of class. Hillmann encouraged media to stay away as the students held their walkout.
A tight race in Erin Township – results
It was down to the wire in Erin Township. Re-elected Clerk, Sharon Kaisershot, reports the unofficial votes stand at 103 for Jim Cihak and 102 for Darrell Turek. They’ll canvas the votes tonight but feel confident of the count. Retiring Northfield Township Clerk, Marjorie Randolph, was recognized last night for her 40 years of service to the community. The Township set their levy at $220,000. With 87 votes, incumbent Supervisor Ron Sommers was re-elected and Diane Lyman was elected Clerk with 81 votes. In Bridgewater Township, Glen Castore was elected Supervisor with 66 votes to Rebecca Grundhoefer’s 3. Greenvale Township reports 265 total voters. Anthony Rowan was elected Supervisor with 150 votes to Victor Volkert’s 111. Linus Langer was re-elected Clerk with 156 votes to Ken Malecha’s 108. Fifity citizens attended the Annual Meeting held after the elections. As for Wheatland Township Incumbent Supervisor Diane Johnson was re-elected with 137 votes to Jim Horesji’s 63. Jim Duban remains Clerk with 173 votes. The rest of the Townships had just one candidate running.
Nfld Council rejects bids, talks City ID and pavement study
As expected, the Northfield Council unanimously approved rejecting the bids on the Fire Facility last night. From here, NAFRS will move to a General Contractor and rebid the project as a whole. The building is owned by the City of Northfield and has the final say, however, as reported yesterday, the Townships will be keeping a close look at the final numbers as they watch their budgets. Martig talked further about the Fire Facility and the process of renovation so far. His full interview is on kymn.net. Council heard from Library and IT Director, Theresa Jensen, on the progress of the City ID card with the design and fees suggested and also heard a Pavement Study. We’ll have more on that tomorrow. The video of the meeting is on the City’s website.
Dundas Council holds hearings on road projects
Dundas Council had 2 public hearings this week on their road projects with no objections from citizens. Stafford Road will undergo a reconditioning. It was originally built by the State while they worked on Hwy 3. Administrator John McCarthy said they’ll coordinate with the County on THAT work as it will be affected by the reconstruction of Co. Rd. 1. McCarthy reiterated that all the businesses will remain accessible throughout any road work, although you can expect backups with flag controlled situations. Cannon Road will also be a mill and overlay, however they will be closing the road completely during the process. The Dundas Dome will not be operating then and the County Shop will be accessed from Co. Rd. 1. The closure is from Co. Rd. 1 to the northern city limits. Cost of the project will be about $326,000. Construction will likely begin in late June and last a couple of weeks.
