Late in 2018, Northfield City Staff began the Bike/Pedestrian study. City Engineer Dave Bennett commented that they’re looking the routing of the Mill Towns Trail through the community and updating their map of filling in the gaps. They should have a draft for the public in a week or two. It will then go before a joint Planning Commission and Parks Board meeting in February. Expect public input dates as well. He said they hope to have a final document before the Council in late March or April.
Lippert hits the floor running with legislation on drug repository
20b Representative Todd Lippert is not letting grass grow under his feet as a freshman legislator. He’s already authored a health bill that was heard on the House floor. It’s now been sent to Health and Human Services Policy committee for a hearing. The bill would start a drug repository. Lippert explains that, right now, in long-term care centers and other healthcare settings, if meds change or someone passes away, any of their unused sealed medications are thrown out by law. Iowa and Wyoming have a program (drug repository) wherein these sealed medications can be donated, saving millions of dollars. This would create a location to send those medications and then they could be redistributed for free. It would also allow individuals in certain circumstances with specialty meds related to cancer or heart medication to donate those meds. Those drugs can run up to $40 to 50k a month! That could very quickly eliminate waste and save money. He’s also co-author of a bill on expanding access to MinnesotaCare. Lippert was in studio this morning.
Ruth’s House offers “new beginnings” for those in crisis
Ruth’s House is an emergency transitional shelter in Faribault. Starting their 15th year, they’ve served over 1700 women and children. In addition to their facility there, they have a HUD supported housing program for 10 families, 5 in Faribault and 5 in Northfield. The women seeking assistance from Ruth’s House are coming from traumatic situations. Suzzanne Fox said they offer 24 hr support in case management, “and we walk along side them and help them on their way to new beginnings and we’ve seen many transitions through the years”. Ruth’s House costs about $300,000 a year to operate. They are primarily funded through grants and community help. They’re holding their annual “Hearts Gala” fundraiser on February 9th. It will be held at the American Legion in Faribault. There will be a wine wall raffle, a dessert auction and numerous silent auction items. The live auction items include a Vegas Package (3 night, 4 day stay for 4 with 2 rooms and $1,000 airfare voucher). You can view all the silent and live auction items on their website ruthshousemn.org. Tickets are $60 per person. If you can’t make the gala you’re invited to donate online or volunteer!
Living Treasure, Donna Paulsen, on Art Zany
In December, the Northfield Arts & Culture Commission, in partnership with FiftyNorth, announced the winner of the 2019 Living Treasure Award, Donna Paulsen. In the words of her nominators, “Donna is a multi-talented musician with a long history of service as a teacher, church musician, and artistic/musical leader in our community. Donna was on Art Zany this morning with Paula Granquist. She will be celebrated on Monday at FiftyNorth (doors open at 7 pm; program at 7:30 pm).
