The Cannon River is an underutilized asset to Northfield. Part of the Council’s strategic plan is to enhance its use. Administrator Ben Martig said the concept is to strengthen our downtown retail and bring more visitors to the community and make our economy stronger. That includes looking at ways our park systems and the RiverWalk might be better taken advantage of. Another option may be encouraging business to orient to the river. He added, the Cannon is designated a
“wild and scenic” river making it great for canoeing and kayaking but it’s not been developed from a tourism standpoint. They’re also looking at dedicating river access both upriver and downriver from the dam and getting funding from the DNR to do that. They want tourists to stop in Northfield, not just pass through. Another thought is to continue to look at a trail connection on the west side of the river behind the new hotel making it an extension of the RiverWalk. There are some hurdles, not the least of which is dollars to do it. Martig said they’ll also look at Ames Park and what might be possible there but they want a consultant, which they’re looking to budget for in 2019. Martig said, in the immediate future, river access points are probably the most practical, saying, “we can get that done reasonably inexpensively with the partnership of the DNR and some of their programs, they just don’t have the funding opening up until 2019. We think that’s a reality”. This will be an ongoing discussion.
Northfield and Dundas have local seats opening
Filing for local offices opens next Tuesday, May 15th. In Northfield there are 3 council seats opening, Wards 1 and 4 and an At-Large position. For information, call City Clerk Deb Little at 507-645-3001. In Dundas, the Mayor’s seat and 2 council member positions will open. For information on filing go to cityofdundas.org. They are also looking for election judges. Primary election day is August 14th, the general election is November 6th. Filing for state offices May 22nd through June 5th. Locally House District 20b and 24b seats are up for election.
Draheim says Dayton’s emergency plea for funding is “crazy to me”
Senator Rich Draheim commented on Governor Dayton’s emergency funding for schools this morning on KYMN, saying, “we’re funding K-12 $18.7 billion, that’s 7.5{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} more than the previous biennium so to come out and say we’re not funding it is just crazy to me”. Dayton is asking for “emergency funding” of $136 million in a non-funding year. Draheim says K-12 education is 43{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of their budget and that doesn’t include local referendums. Representative Bly said yesterday that this is the first education finance bill that does not increase their funding.
Clean up day
It’s city wide clean up day in Northfield and Dundas this Saturday. In Northfield you can take your junk to the Maintenance facility on Riverview Dr. between 7am and 11am. In Dundas, drop your stuff off at the Mill Towns trailhead on Railway St. from 7 to 11. You’ll need proof of residence, either you’re drivers license or a utility bill. For more information click on the links.
