By Teri Knight, News Director
The Northfield City council voted this week to hire a Scheduler/Planner for the WasteWater Treatment plant to better maintain the equipment. After multiple failures and millions of dollars in repair and replacement costs, the City hired Jacobs Engineering Group to complete an Operational Analysis and Facility Study last year. That position was one of their suggestions. Administrator Martig explained the job, “so they’ll be working on implementing software for tracking of maintenance schedules so that it’s streamlined and it’s got automated reminders and developing detailed instruction manuals for employees. They’ll be helping to coordinate training programs”. The position will pay $100,261.00 annually including wages and benefits. It’s a permanent position. Staff believe the earliest
this position could start would be August 1st, so it required a budget amendment for the remainder of 2020 of $41,775.00.
Rice Co. encourages absentee voting
Absentee voting for the August Primary will start in Rice County on June 26th. Due to COVID-19, Rice County election officials are urging voters to vote by mail. You can apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you or online. Go to the mn Secretary of State website. We also have the full press release with direct links to apply HERE.
Oles to return 3 weeks early
Oles will be back for in-person classes. St. Olaf College President David Anderson announced the fall semester will begin on August 20, three weeks earlier than originally scheduled. In a message to the college community, he wrote that the semester will conclude the day before Thanksgiving with the break lasting through January 3. There will be no fall break. Starting early provides the best opportunity to have a full semester of in-person classes before a possible second wave of COVID-19. It also provides an opportunity to conclude the semester before flu season. St. Olaf has developed a set of Community Standards that provide detailed guidance on safety measures that all students, faculty, and staff are expected to observe. Link to full letter from Anderson.
As temps rise, burglaries do to
When temperatures increase, there’s often an increase of burglaries. Northfield Chief Nelson reminds everyone to lock their doors, their vehicles, the doors to your garage, your shed. Additionally, Nelson said, “be mindful. If you see someone or something suspicious, call us right away, don’t wait”. There has been an uptick in DWI’s over the last few months in spite of the previous orders to stay home. Again, if you’ve been drinking, don’t drive.
Local artist donates pandemic painting for online auction to help non-profits
Northfield Shares raised $140,000 to help save local nonprofits. They’re aiming for $175,000. Interim Director, Carrie Carroll said due to significant events, many nonprofits have concerns for their future yet the need for their services has never been greater. Fundraising events have been cancelled for health and safety reasons, while many revenue-generating programs have likewise been closed or limited. Carroll praised our local non-profits as they work to fill gaps, saying, “they do so much for us, for all of our residents here in town and we just want to really partner together with both individuals, families and businesses and just help us meet this little goal here that we have of $175,000 or beyond”. Local artist Wendell Arneson has donated a painting he created during the pandemic entitled “Light Among the Darkness”. It’s currently on display in the window of By All Means Graphics and Printing at 17 Bridge Square. She explains, “we’re doing a one week auction online. People can just click on our website and make a bid over the course of the next week. It’s going to open up tomorrow morning (Friday) at 8am and it will close at 8pm a week from tomorrow”. Go to northfieldshares.org. You can also simply donate. The full press release: Press Release 6.12.20 Nfld Shares Carrol’s full interview is HERE.
