By Teri Knight, News Director
Dundas council held a work session last week. They considered whether to reactivate their Economic Development Authority. Administrator Teppen added that they discussed the sale of the old City Hall and possible development next to the new one down the block. She said, “rather than discuss it as an entire group they decided to send it to a smaller group of the city council, kind of talk through, sets some goals, some expectations and bring those back to the city council as a whole for
discussion”. On the development side, Kwik Trip is moving fast toward opening, Teppen commented, “it is like clockwork, when materials are delivered those materials are used that same day”. They are set to open sometime in August. The Dundas Planning Commission will meet before the Council on June 8th to review the preliminary plat application for the 80 West apartment complex. That will then be brought before council that evening for hopefully their final approvals.
Man with multiple driving offenses charged again
In the midst of the protest in Faribault on Friday, officers were patrolling the area to keep the protesters safe when a vehicle at 2nd Ave. NW and 5th St. NW honked and accelerated enough to make the tires squeal. A short chase ensued when 32 year old Alex Jeffrey Wolters turned into a driveway on the 200 block of 8th St. NW. The officer explained that he was going to be detained. Wolters tried to run. Officers later learned that his driving status was revoked. He’s charged with fleeing an officer, a felony, and three misdemeanors. In 2017, Wolters had 7 Driving after revocation convictions. Bond was set at $2500 with conditions. His court appearance is June 6th.
Ventures has 1st confirmed covid case
The Northfield School District Ventures Childcare Center at Bridgewater has its first lab confirmed case of Covid-19. That person was last there on May 22nd. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann called this morning to inform KYMN that he was given the news last night by the Minnesota Dept. of Health. A letter went out to staff and parents of those children attending the daycare. They also received a phone call. Hillmann said they have been taking the precautions as directed, such as temperature checks by a licensed nurse and a list of questions to answer, sanitizing everything including the playground equipment and staff wear masks. The children are not required to, in fact the CDC has stated that they’re not recommending it as children are always touching their faces. The Childcare Center closes on Friday with the end of the school year. It will reopen for fee-based daycare on June 15th as was planned all along. Hillmann noted that the CDC has a good system in place to help them take care of the facility. Hillmann was not obligated to share the information. The only organizations that are required to make the information public are nursing homes/assisted living facilities. As Rice County Public Health Director, Deb Purfeerst said on KYMN, it’s very difficult to control covid with so many people that are asymptomatic.
Last day to file for City elections
Today is the last day to file for candidacy in your City Elections. Northfield Mayor, Councilor At-Large, and Councilors in Wards 2 and 3. The only incumbent not running for re-election is Erica Zweifel in Ward 3, so far no one has filed for the seat. The only position with opposition is Councilor at Large, Ricky A Livingston filed yesterday. He’ll be running against Brad Ness. Filing is open until 5pm today. Contact City Clerk Deb Little for more information or go to the City’s website. Council will hold a regular meeting tonight. Meetings begin at 6pm and are streamed live on the City’s website as officials meet virtually. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig will be in studio at 7:20 tomorrow morning with a recap.
Enhanced distracted driving thru June 14
The Rice County Sheriff’s Office along with Faribault, Lonsdale and Northfield Police Departments are all participating in a Distracted Driving Enforcement wave now through June 14th. All the details are HERE.
