By Teri Knight, News Director
The Northfield School Board discussed two new policies the District is considering. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann explained, “in this case, the new policy, policy 809, would govern how we name school buildings and facilities. This came up when we started the talk about naming the new elementary school”. At that time, they decided to create a template, “the proposed policy would prohibit naming a school building or a school district facility after an individual or family, historic or
contemporary”. Should the Board approve the policy, it would impact two schools, Sibley Elementary and Longfellow. With Longfellow now becoming the District Offices, the name would reflect that. As noted this year, naming buildings after people doesn’t really age well. Hillmann said, “if you’re worried about the name of a particular facility after it was named after an individual whose actions have been reviewed and questioned or are more controversial in the light of history it can detract from our mission of making sure that we’re serving every student”. Policy 809 would focus on using names that may reflect the neighborhood, such as Greenvale and Bridgewater. Policy 810 regards sponsorships or naming rights of parts of the buildings. Hillmann added, “we do want to open the door if corporate entities or businesses did want to sponsor parts of a building. So a scoreboard or a performing arts center or something along those lines”. The decision on these policies will be voted on at their next meeting.
6th road fatality in Rice Co. triples last year
As reported, a 4 car crash last Friday evening on I-35 at Hwy 19 took the life of an Edina man. The area just south of Hwy 19 on I-45 is single lane as MnDot does concrete repair. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn commented that that stretch backs up anyway during that time headed into a weekend. He said, “the State Patrol is still investigating but preliminary things look like traffic was slowing down for the back-up and a person came in too fast and were unable to stop their vehicle and caused a four vehicle crash”. Dunn said the death makes 6 so far this year in Rice County, “which doesn’t make me happy at all. We made it in 2019 with two and we’re triple that and we’re not even into the snowy season and that just scares me, alarms me”. He said it’s a good reminder to tell everyone to drive attentively. Dunn said it sounds so simple but it takes just a moment of looking somewhere else and then many lives are changed including the First Responders. He said, “we have new firefighters all over Rice County with the Rescue Squad and Fire Departments. Some of them are seeing these fatalities for the first time and it sticks with you for a long time”. Dunn reminds folks to not drink and drive and shared that there was an alcohol related crash here in Northfield yesterday afternoon. That person was cited. Dunn’s full interview is HERE.
Dundas to get a new website
The City of Dundas is looking to use CARES funding to upgrade their website. Dundas Council sought proposals and chose Civic Plus. City Administrator Teppen added that websites are often the first place people go for information and the city’s current website hasn’t been refreshed in years. It will likely be the first of the year before the new site is launched and then it will be managed internally. Some features will include ADA accessibility as well as being mobile friendly and secure. Teppen said there will also be a “bunch of features that come with this package from Civic Plus like an email subscription service so, if you’re looking to receive the Council agenda all you do is sign up”. Her full interview is HERE.
Dakota Electric opens grant applications
Dakota Electric Association is now accepting applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes non-profit groups, community organizations and businesses that have shown a strong commitment to the community. In 2020, Dakota Electric will provide three Touchstone Energy Community Awards with a check for $500. One award recipient will be chosen to contend with other award winners from across the state for a cash prize of $1,000. The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association annual meeting early next year. The full press release: Dakota Electric accepting Award applications
