By Teri Knight, News Director
The Northfield Council, two weeks ago, voted down a trail connection from Honeylocust Drive to the E. Cannon River Trail as part of the 2021 road projects which requires a supermajority to pass. The action this week was for the trail connection as a stand-alone project that will use tax abatement for the financing mechanism and requires only a simple majority. City Engineer Sean Simonson explained there were two choices for placement. Staff recommended Alignment number one which would require a permanent and a temporary easement on land owned by a Real Estate Partnership. Simonson said, “and we’re also looking at wetland mitigation costs of around $10,000 for Alignment number one”. The full cost of the project is estimated at $310,000. Alignment two would add
another $100,000 to the project, require further negotiations and more dollars for wetland mitigation. The area is currently undeveloped in a cul de sac that dead ends on the border of Northfield and Dundas. Administrator Martig said, “but it does provide access to a commercial district, gets you down to a number of restaurants”. It would come up across from Target at Hwy 3. Councilor Ness attended a League of MN Cities financial State of the State recently and said that the pandemic is affecting the most vulnerable at a higher rate and projected revenues fell $3.6 billion more compared to their estimate in February. He and C. DeLong voted it down believing now is not the right time to spend money. Administrator Martig added, “some talked about it is recreation but it’s also transportation. A lot of people don’t have vehicles these days and are using it (the trail) to get around in the community”. Staff will now go out for Plans and Specs. The plan is to start construction next September. 6 – Honeylocust ECRT Order Plan Presentation
Mankato woman accused of breaking into a home, punching a woman, abusing her cat
A Mankato woman is in the Rice County jail charged with 1st degree burglary, 2 counts of Felony drug possession, 5th degree assault, and giving police a false name. On Monday night around 8:30, Faribault Police were called to a residence to investigate a burglary in progress. The victim told police that a woman entered her home without permission, punched her in the face and abused her cat. She later identified 30 year old Amber Rae Murrilla through a lineup and gave police a description of her vehicle. Officers located a vehicle matching the description and found Murrila in the backseat. Also discovered in the vehicle were drugs and drug paraphernalia. If convicted of the most serious charge, Murilla faces up to 20 years in jail and a $35,000.00 fine. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for November 3.
Cemetery Stories goes virtual with voice reenactors
While not the Cemetery Stories we’re used to, listening to reenactors at various gravesites, the Northfield Historical Society is offering a free option to the community. Executive Director, Cathy Osterman explained, “it is completely virtual and completely audible this year. So what you’re able to do is, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home”. Or you can actually take the tour yourself and visit the graves while listening to each actor tell the story. Or do both! This year the sites are all at the Northfield Cemetery. There are six people that tell their stories. All you need to do is go to northfieldhistory.org and you’ll find Cemetery Stories with a link, “and then there’s an entire page with the map, with pictures, with a little blurb about each one and then the audio file”. They are offering this opportunity for free but they would be very happy to take your donation.
Audio by Rich Larson:
