For the first time, there will be a Nationwide Emergency wireless text. Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson explained there will be actually two tests, one at 1:18pm central time on wireless devices and the other at 1:20pm via radio and television. He said he believes it’s really important for the government to have a way to reach the Nation in case of emergency as technology changes and not as many people are in front of a television. The Nationwide test today is not voluntary, it’s labeled a Presidential Alert through FEMA and
will read, “Presidential alert. This is a test of the wireless emergency alert system. No action is needed”. Today’s weather could be iffy, so you also need to pay attention to any storm issues that may pop up. The City has an Everbridge system that residents can sign up for to be alerted to emergencies and any number of items.
Storm clean-up Update
Volunteers are still needed for our communities as storm damage clean-up continues. Northfield Shares has updated their online form for those who are willing to volunteer and those who are in need of help. Go to northfieldshares.org. For Volunteers click HERE. For those requesting help click HERE. Chief Nelson said his department and college volunteers were out assessing for the City where the damage is, where people need help, how many homes were damaged and a basic degree of damage so they can report to the county. They only report to the County and State the number of damaged homes and the type of damage for possible inclusion in FEMA dollars. It is not a dollar assessment of your damage. They also assessed where private and public needs were. The City will also be applying for assistance for equipment usage, overtime hours for workers, etc. His full interview is on kymn.net. Public Works Director Dave Bennett reminded folks that October 8th is the day Northfield city workers will be picking up residential debris. He said, they will come back to get stumps, grab the rootballs if they can and come back with topsoil and seed. A contractor is out at the Compost site on Armstrong Rd. grinding trees to make more room out there. Bennett is hoping they’ll be able to open it up later this week.
Northfield Council recognizes Indigenous People’s Day
A number of the Human Rights Commission members spoke in favor of the City of Northfield proclamation regarding the 2nd Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, the same day as Columbus Day, established by the federal government in 1937. Traditionally the area was not a camp but used as hunting grounds for Dakota and Ojibwe. While there were 4 Councilors and the Mayor present. The vote was 4 in favor. Councilor DeLong chose not to vote either way as he had issue with the language of the resolution itself. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig were in studio this morning. Their full interview is on kymn.net.City of Nfld Resolution Indigenous Peoples Day
Northfield Roundtable vision
Over time, there have been about 35 Northfield residents who have been a part of the Northfield RoundTable. Alice Thomas said the focus is long term planning for development and redevelopment. They started as pure visioning meetings and moved to facilitating implementation. Dave Neuger commented they don’t “do the work” but encourage others in their areas of expertise. That means getting other groups involved. One of the initial projects is the Hwy 3 corridor, to integrate the east and west sides. Another big idea is moving the Riverwalk extension north beyond 2nd street. Neuger said the Roundtable mantra is, “Not what should be but what could be”. Working with the City is vital to getting any of these ideas pushed through. Their full interview is on kymn.net. You can also view their Framework of ideas at northfieldroundtable.org.
