5-26-20 PM News
The press release was just issued this morning, it’s official, First National Bank of Northfield, started over 150 years ago, is now Merchants Bank. There were a lot of emotions on local social media as an era rich in history ended. First National Bank’s history lives on through the Northfield Historical Society which owns the Scriver Building, the original site of the bank where the Jesse James Gang was defeated in 1876. The computer systems conversion started on May 15th. First National closed at 4:00 p.m. on the 15th and opened as Merchants Bank on the 18th.Tim Viere, President for Merchants Bank-Northfield said, “the same friendly, experienced professionals you worked with at First National Bank now look forward to
serving you as Merchants Bank”. They’re excited to share the benefits of being a Merchants Bank customer including new services, enhanced digital banking tools, 23 branch locations and an ongoing commitment to community.The full press release: First National Bank of Northfield Completes Systems Conversion and Name Change to Merchants Bank
LGA, Taxpayer tolerance will play role in 2021 City budget
The Northfield Council briefly brushed over the initial start to their 2021 budget last week. The pandemic will play a role in the process. Administrator Ben Martig on what they’ll consider, “how might the state aid that we get in 2021 be impacted, how might property taxpayers be feeling the pinch as we go into the budgeting process”. They’re thinking outside the box as they really dive further into the process, Martig said, “doing some scenario planning. Kind of like, hey, if we get hit by some of these cuts, how might we manage that? I think if you can do that earlier, you can be better prepared”. There will be an independent audit coming up in June after which Council will have a kick-off meeting and Martig will start laying out those scenarios.
Nfld City offices gradually opens
Northfield city offices are gradually reopening to the public. The DMV opened last week and is providing full services. The Police Department lobby also opened to the public. Today, the Public Library and the Engineering Department within City Hall opened. Building Inspections staff will provide building and permitting services between 8 and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. Administration, Human Resources and Communications staff are available by appointment. The Rice County office within City Hall remains closed as does the Northfield Ice Arena. Outdoor city fields are open to groups no bigger than 10 people. The city pool is closed for now as City Council and staff are waiting for further direction from the governor, in the meantime, they’re continuing to analyze the situation and develop reopening options and procedures. The Council will discuss pool operations at their June 2 meeting. While in city facilities, employees and the public must maintain 6 ft. physical distance, wear a face mask if you’re closer than 6 ft. and stay home if sick. The City has installed plastic barriers at services counters and has a limited supply of face masks available to those who need one. “The health and safety of the public and city employees is of the utmost importance,” said Ben Martig, city administrator. “We appreciates everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we adjust our services and operations during this pandemic.” City services gradual reopen
Part of Sakatah trail closes
A portion of the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail will close starting today. Contractors will resurface a 6-mile portion of the trail between 5th St. NW in Elysian and South Reed St. in Waterville. All other sections of the trail will remain open. The segment’s closure is expected to last through most of the summer. Please watch the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail’s website for a re-opening date later this summer at http://mndnr.gov/state_trails/sakatah
Nfld Shares grant applications
You have until May 30th to apply for Northfield Shares STRONGER TOGETHER FUND. They are taking applications for grant dollars to support local organizations in relief and recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Funds will be distributed by June 30. The short grant application along with an FAQ can be found on the Northfield Shares website: northfieldshares.org/grants
