Update from Chief Dienst:
The investigation into the cause of the fire was completed on Sunday April 8. It was determined that the fire started on the deck and wind pushed the fire east on the exterior of the home. Initial ignition was caused by discarded smoking materials.
Quick thinking averted a tragedy. On Saturday morning, the Faribault Fire Department, Police Department, and North Memorial Ambulance responded to a house fire at 301 Sunshine Lane. The back side exterior of the home was fully engulfed when crews arrived. A paid-on-call Faribault firefighter lives nearby and heard the call. He ran over to alert the lone occupant and they were able to exit unharmed. Firefighters made a quick knock down of the fire on the exterior of the home and then performed an interior offensive attack of the fire in the attic. Fire Chief Dustin Dienst said the fire appears to have started on the exterior of the home, extended up into the attic through the soffit. The home suffered extensive smoke, fire and water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. He commented, “The quick thinking of the paid-on-call firefighter that lives nearby kept this incident from possibly being a bigger tragedy”.
Rice Co. Assessor holding property tax meetings today
Got a problem with your property valuation? The Rice County Assessor’s Office is holding Open Book meetings today at the Northfield City Hall from now until 2pm and at the Faribault Government Services Building from 4 – 6pm. These meetings allow property owners to discuss their concerns with the assessor about their classification or estimated market value. You have a right to appeal. Assessor Paul Knutson commented that he’s talked with a number of Northfield downtown business owners who’ve been upset with their taxes. He explained that the 2018 taxes are based on 2017 values. There was a spike in what buildings sell for and he’s obligated to be within 90{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} to 105{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of those numbers.
Severe Weather Awareness Week – all you need to know
It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. This year’s focus is “Are You Ready”. There will be a statewide Tornado Drill on Thursday. Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA weather radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning. Schools, businesses, hosptitals and other organziations are encouraged to practice emergency plans druing the drill which will be at 1:45pm and 6:55pm. Everyone’s encouraged to create a plan, build an emergency kit and practice drills. Find more life saving information at Public Safety, Homeland Security office on Weather Awareness. The site contains information on alerts and warnings on every kind of weather event, along with instructions on how to make a survival kit, developm a plan to shelter or escape and avoid surprises by staying informed of weather conditions. Historically, early springtime is “flood season” in our state. However, a look back on RECENT history and, on July 13, 2013, Rice County received over 8 inches of rain in a short time causing flash flooding conditions and washing roads away. Late September is typically considered a “dry time” – yet in September of 2010 and again in 2017, more than 10 inches of rain inundated southeastern Minnesota, flooding communities. If that wasn’t enough, between March and September of 2010, Minnesota experienced a record 113 tornadoes, (the most in the U.S.) with a total of 48 on a single day in June. I have all this information on kymn.net. Chief Monte Nelson encourages citizens to sign up for Everbridge. Click HERE for a direct link to sign up. Be sure to sign up for what you want (not ALL – you’ll get WAY too many notifications!). You can also choose how you receive the alerts. Emergency Preparedness information : From Tim Isom, the City of Northfield’s Emergency Preparedness Leader_
DJJD Princess for a Day
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassadors will be hosting its 7th annual Princess for a Day & Tea fundraiser. The event is for young girls ages 4 -10 that would like to be pampered and have fun with the royal ambassadors and friends on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 1:00pm-3:30pm at the Northfield Ballroom. The fun afternoon allows girls to spend time playing princess games, making crafts, visiting the Royal Hair Salon in preparation for a “royal tea” with their family. Attendees will receive a tiara, sash, snack and many prizes. Proceeds benefit the DJJD Ambassador Scholarship program. Registration fee is $25 which includes one adult if paid by April 21, 2018 deadline. $30 for registrations after April 21st. Registration forms are available at the Northfield Historical Society Museum and www.djjd.org . For additional information, contact Allie Harmer at (507) 581-9408 or via email nfldpfad@gmail.com
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