It was a grand affair as Family Fare held their grand opening yesterday. After 6 months and over $3 mil in renovations, the former EconoFoods on Division Street, is now formally renamed and revamped. Spartan Nash VP Chris Williamson began the ceremony by thanking the community and with a raising of the flags by the Northfield VFW. Both the American and the Honor and Remember flag which,”is a symbol for those who’ve lost loved ones while in
service to our Nation and let’s them know their sacrifice will not be forgotten”. Chamber President Martha Kasper spoke of their commitment to our community. Mayor Pownell added what an asset it is to have a downtown grocery store for the community and the people it employs. Store Director Jeff Kes added, “our incredible new store is a result of the hard work and commitment of many people, our Associates, Vendors, Suppliers, community partners, Government officials and our neighbors throughout Northfield”. They gave gift baskets to the Northfield Police department and Fire department and gave a full pallet of Family Fare cereal and milk to the Community Action Center. Williamson wrapped it up saying, “thanks for coming out. We truly hope you enjoy OUR new store”. And with that, they cut the ribbon. Kes commented on some of the new amenities including Betty Kaye Smokehouse, a full service meat counter, fresh fish and seafood. The produce department has added 100’s of new items including organic and natural items, fresh cut fruit and “Fastlane”, an online ordering service. The online ordering is pick up only at this point. They’ve opened a new seating area in the front of the store to have a bite and enjoy wifi too.
Northfield levy could be up to 9{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}
The Northfield Council held a work session this week centered around the 2019 budget. By the end of September they must set a preliminary levy. Administrator Ben Martig said the general budget for the City of Northfield is about $12.5 million. Half of that comes from the levy (property taxes), the rest is from revenue sources, which Martig said are down about .6{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. Some reasons include, “our fines and forfeitures, our ice rental fees as it relates to St. Olaf moving into their new facilities”. There’s an increase of 4.9{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} or over $430,000 for 2019. The biggest driver is payroll at a 3.6{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} increase due to a compensation study. If the Council approved 4.9{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}, Martig said that would translate to an $80 a year increase on a $300,000 home. Council is also looking at options all the way up to 9{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} levy as they consider additional staff. Martig’s full interview is on kymn.net and you can also view the meeting on the city’s website. 1- 2019 Budget Update 9.11
Stabbing case is “complex”
Rice County Attorney John Fossum commented on the recent fatal stabbing of a Faribault man. In a case involving drugs, repeated domestic violence and ending with 24 year old Judana Williams in jail and 52 year old Michael Bongers dead with 3 stab wounds. Fossum said, “the claim was this was self defense. The extra wounds kind of argue against self defense, which is why we charged her with murder”. Fossum said the investigation is just a week old, “we have a lot of information yet to collect, a lot of evidence that needs to be tested by the BCA, so this is a case that’s going to be going on for a while”. Fossum said this is a serious, complex case. The real question to be answered is whether it’s self defense.
