By Teri Knight, News Director
The Northfield City Council unanimously confirmed Deputy Chief Mark Elliott as the next Chief of Police. Chief Nelson went into action seeking out a qualified candidate to replace Mark Dukatz, who retired in March of last year, keeping in mind that he wanted someone to eventually take his place. Administrator Martig put his full confidence behind Elliott, saying, “I believe that Mark Elliott is an excellent fit at this particular time for our community in Northfield and it’s my honor to bring forward to you consideration for his nomination of Police Chief”. He spoke on Elliott’s commitment to continue to develop our Officers with an emphasis on community policing, engagement. Councilors had an opportunity to speak one on one with Elliott. Peterson White said they had a very “substantive” discussion last Thursday, the day after George Floyd’s killing. She said, “I’m supporting the hiring of Mark Elliott because I believe that he has a deep-seated
commitment to community policing and to respectful and collaborative relationships with people throughout our community”. He also has an interest in diversifying our police force further. Elliott has 29 years of experience starting in Brooklyn Park to becoming Chief in Prior Lake. Nelson will officially retire on July 31st.
A flurry of local candidate filing
There was a flurry of filing yesterday as candidates for local city offices closed at 5pm. We now have three running for Mayor. Incumbent Rhonda Pownell is being challenged by Jon Denison and David Ludescher, both former Councilors. The Councilor-at-large seat is now held by Brad Ness, he has filed for re-election and will face newcomers Ricky A. Livingston and Dave Berglund in the Primary. The Ward 3 Council seat being vacated by Erica Zweifel also has three contenders, George Zuccolotto, Richard Schulte and Don Stager. For Ward 2, incumbent David DeLong will face Jami Reister. The August Primary will whittle down the candidates to two per seat. We plan to hear from each of the candidates in the coming weeks.
First time in 52 years, the DJJD celebration will not happen
With no way to monitor and enforce social distancing, the Defeat of Jesse James Days is cancelled. The decision by the DJJD committee, said Chair Galen Malecha, was not made lightly as they recognize the importance the celebration weekend holds for other nonprofits in the community and the impact it has on our local businesses, sponsors, celebration vendors and partners. The health and safety of community members, vendors and exhibitors is their number one priority. “Although the official celebration as we know it has been canceled”, Malecha said, “our committee remains committed to continue to evaluate all options, and are hopeful that we can still find an alternative way to celebrate as a community on a local level whether that be in person or through virtual methods”. From Nfld Historical Society Ex. Director Cathy Osterman, “The ‘Celebration’ with the first Raid Reenactment was in 1948 as a Fall Festival, in 1959 it was renamed Fall festival/Jesse James Day when the Jaycees renamed it to the Defeat of Jesse James Days”. It has since grown into a 5 day celebration that brings 200,000 visitors and, according to Malecha, millions of dollars into the community. It’s also the largest all volunteer group, the DJJD celebration benefits dozens of non-profits. This is the first time the celebration has been cancelled. The full press release: Statement from Defeat of Jesse James Day General Chair, Galen Malecha
Reunion excited to reopen today for outdoor dining
Bars and restaurants have opened this week to outdoor dining with limited seating as per Gov. Walz’s Executive Order. Reunion had shut down for a time, then opened to take-out only as other restaurants have been doing. Starting today, Ashley Ringlien said, they will open for outdoor seating by reservation only. The patio and deck, possibly the sidewalk area, will be available for 50 diners at a time, however, the limit of those sitting together is four, according to the Executive Order. She said, “we’re going to have guests come in through the front door, place their order at the bar, before they’re escorted to their table. Of course servers will come by just like normal and check with guests, but that’s going to look a little different”. The menu will have old and new items. As for facilities, “restrooms are available. We do highly suggest that you wear a mask when you are traversing the restaurant. So when you come in through the front door and place your order, we’d like for you to have a mask on”. That includes using the restroom as well. There will be 80 minute reservation blocks to allow for staff to sanitize the areas in between. Employees are screened at every start of their shift with temperature checks and a series of questions. Ringlein and Brett Reese were on the air with Jeff Johnson yesterday morning. Their full interview is HERE.
Overnight construction on 7th
Concrete crews will be on-site during the early morning hours of Friday, June 5 to complete concrete sawing and sealing on Seventh Street concrete parking bays between Water Street and Washington Street. This work will require the parking bays to be closed between midnight and 6 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020.
