Virginia Kaczmarek, CEO and President of the Northfield YMCA, as well as the driving force behind its’ success is leaving. Yesterday afternoon, the board of Directors announced with a mix of sadness and gratitude that Kaczmarek is leaving effective October 26th. Since 2007, Virginia has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization. Some of her successes include raising over $9.4M, allowing the opening of a brand new facility in 2014. She’s grown the membership to an average of 5,000 members monthly. Kaczmarek, who loves a challenge, was courted by the Rochester YMCA and has taken the Executive Director position there. KYMN will have Virginia on the air with us sometime next week. The Board of Directors will begin conducting a search to find a new CEO for the
Northfield Y. They’ll also be posting soon for an Interim Director to lead during the transition period. If you have any questions or concerns you can reach out to Board Chair Gretchen Ehresmann. jgehresmann@gmail.com.
Nfld council looks for options with DSI contract
Northfield Council voted to move forward in directing Staff to start negotiations with Dick’s Sanitation (DSI). Because it could be another 5 year contract, Mayor Pownell said they asked them to come back to council with different options or more information on composting, more recycling and public education. Administrator Ben Martig said he was surprised that Northfield residents had a higher rate of contamination in their recyclables, meaning items that shouldn’t be in the recycling bin. The Council also wants them to take another look at organics pick-up, yard waste pickup and possibly charging by weight. The contract expires in March of 2019.
Compost site on Armstrong Rd now open
The Northfield Compost Site on Armstrong Road reopened today. The hours will remain 8am to 7pm for now. City Streets & Parks Manager Tim Behrendt said they’ll reassess as storm clean-up wraps up. The temporary rodeo grounds site off Hwy 3 is now closed. The city-wide pickup of debris is Monday, October 8th. Be sure to have your branches and yard debris pulled to the curb. As stated yesterday, the City will pick up stumps and, possibly rootballs another day.
Rice Co. still needs storm cleanup volunteers
Rice County Administrator Sara Folsted said the County is still looking for volunteers to help with storm cleanup again this Saturday, Oct, 6th. If you’re interested call 833-643-7423. You can also register the same day. They need people with chainsaw experience and also general clean up. Volunteers should report to the Rice County Fair Grounds at 1814 2nd Ave NW in the city of Faribault. Volunteers are needed from 8am-4pm. Registration will start at 7:30am. Bring gloves, rakes, shovels and proper clothing and footwear. Expect to clean up mostly tree and brush debris. Transportation will be provided from the fairgrounds to the areas that need assistance. Food and Water will also be provided to volunteers.
Rochester traffic expected due to Trump visit
Motorists in the Rochester area may encounter traffic delays and temporary stoppage of traffic on Hwys 14, 52 and 63 due to the Presidential visit this afternoon and evening, according to MnDot. Electronic message boards will be used to provide motorists with information.
Mincke recognition
Dundas Police Chief Gordon Mincke is retiring after 23 years. You’re invited to stop by a retirement recognition this Friday, Oct 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Memorial Park Pavilion in Dundas.
