The construction of the expanded Birth Center at Nfld Hosp & Clinics is now underway. It’s taken two years of study and planning, but, due mainly to weather and some infrastructure issues, construction is off to a slow start, but getting better. Hospital CEO Steve Underdahl said, “and all of those things have been resolved”. They should be back on track before the end of January. The move to expand was facilitated by a lack of space at the current facility due to increased demand for birthing services. The expansion will also position Northfield Hospital as a
regional leader in this sector of healthcare in the years to come. Underdahl added, “really it lets us expand our capability to be more of a regional presence. There are communities no longer offering birth center services or they’re being diminished”. He said patients are coming from a broader geography than they once did. The new facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2021.
Riverfront Enhancement Committee looks at extending RiverWalk
In 2019 the Northfield Council created a Riverfront Enhancement Advisory Committee. Norm Oberto and Tracy Heisler are co-chairs. Oberto explained, “the committee’s made up of a wide selection of people”. He praised the Mayor for bringing in different people from different sectors to bring ideas. He called the Cannon, the town’s Crown Jewel. The idea is to highlight the river in ways that honor the river as well as enhance economic opportunities. The committee has defined five areas they’d like to work on, including the historic district, adding, “we’ve got a north and south urban area and we’ve got a north and south rural area. And we’ve defined it in those categories because there’s different things that can be done for those different sectors”. Community Development Director, Mitzi Baker, along with other staff and Heisler pored over all the various plans and programs the City already had in files. The Committee is now in the process of looking over all of those. Three members of the National Park Service have been attending their meetings. There are parks along the river, so as part of the whole, it’s important to incorporate them as well as including the City’s Park and Recreation board in some of the conversations. One project they’re looking to develop is extending the RiverWalk under 2nd street. Oberto said, “it brings in the hotel, it brings in the residential just north of 2nd st.”. As for the dam, which is not owned by the City, that would be a discussion for the future. For the full interview go to kymn.net.
95 The One crew ringing the bell at Family Fare on Friday
Tomorrow the KYMN 95 The One crew will be ringing the bell for the Rice County Salvation Army at Family Fare on Division St. Stop by from 11am to 1pm and donate what you can. If you’re of a mind, sign up to ring the bell. The Morning Show’s Jeff Johnson talked with Sheriff Troy Dunn, who is on the Board for the local Salvation Army. Bring your family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors! You can also make donations online. Eighty eight cents of every dollar stays in Rice County and helps to supply those in need with food, warm clothing, school supplies, housing, Christmas gifts and more. The weather is warming up, it’s great time to get festive with friends and family and help ring the bell! sign up Genius where you can pick a date and time and sign up online. Monday is open for all times at Family Fare and Cub Foods in Northfield. Nearly every slot is open in Londsdale to Christmas Eve. Faribault HyVee and Walmarts also have plenty of open time slots.
