By Rich Larson, News Director
Six months after a disastrous fire left the building unusable, Rebound Partners issued a statement on Friday announcing that 
the Archer House has been declared to be a total loss.
The iconic building, which has stood on Division Street since 1877, was heavily damaged by a fire that broke out in the kitchen of the Smoqe House restaurant on November 12. The building has stood vacant and fenced off for more than six months as the investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted.
The statement said that the combination of fire, smoke and the more than 2 million gallons of water needed to extinguish the fire combined to damage the structure beyond repair. In the last few weeks, even as Brett Reese, the president of Rebound Partners, was expressing concern over the structural integrity of the building, it could be seen to be crumbling. The North Central section of the front porch collapsed on May 22nd after just two days of steady rain.
What exactly will become of the site is still in question. The statement said Rebound is considering all options “including, but not limited to, restoration, replacement or re-development.” Reese has spoken in theory about a complex that would include hotel accommodations, apartments and/or condominiums, and entertainment in a building that could be developed all the way to the riverfront. Rebound said the City of Northfield and “many other parties” will be “valuable partners” in the evaluation and decision.
The statement recognized the cultural significance of the building to the community and conceded that the amount of time the investigation took was “frustrating” to both the company and the public. The company thanked the city and its residents for the support and patience they have received.
Lippert urges vaccinations
This past Friday saw the end to most of the Covid-19 restrictions in the State of Minnesota. Indoor capacity limitations and distancing requirements are a thing of the past, with exceptions in schools, medical centers and public transportation. Today is the unofficial first day of summer, and Minnesotans are looking forward to a season largely free of Covid-19 worries.
So, with the end of state mandated safeguards, Representative Todd Lippert said that we are now depending on the vaccine to protect us. The state is rapidly approaching 64% of all citizens having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Even without restrictions and mandates, the state leaders have set a goal that 70% of all Minnesotans be vaccinated by July 1st. Governor Walz announced an incentive plan on Thursday to nudge those who are still deciding whether or not to be vaccinated closer to getting the shots. The first 100,000 people to receive their first dose of vaccine between May 27th and June 30th, will be eligible for free passes to a state park, a free fishing license, state fair tickets, a $25 Visa gift card and passes to other local attractions.
Throughout the spring, the Minnesota vaccination rate was one of the best in the country. However, the Minnesota department of health has reported the numbers slowed quite a bit this month. In April, nearly 1.6 million Minnesotans received at least one dose of the vaccine. In May that number has dropped to just over 800,000.
Lippert said he hopes the rewards program will tip the scales in favor of vaccines.
“And so, I would encourage folks to take advantage of these incentives. If that tips you over the edge to make some time to get scheduled for a vaccine for you and your family, I think that’s great. And then we can get to 70% in the next few weeks and hopefully get to 80%.”
Lippert said getting vaccinated has gotten much easier and the state is trying to make it as convenient as possible. Vaccine clinics are being held across the state at large venues like the state fair grounds and the Mall of America. Here in Northfield several pharmacies including CUB, Walgreens and Sterling are all offering vaccine appointments. Northfield Hospital and Clinics is now offering vaccine appointments to anyone ages 12 and older.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Representative Todd Lippert can be heard here
Virtual Memorial Day Ceremonies available
Today of course is Memorial Day. As is tradition, KYMN carried the Northfield Area Memorial Day ceremonies this morning at 
9am.
For the second year in a row, the ceremony, which is normally held at Veterans Memorial Park, did not take place in-person, as the elimination of most Covid-19 restrictions came too late in the planning stages to prepare for a live event. Instead, the members of VFW Post 4393 and American Legion Post 84 collaborated on a ceremony that was recorded on Thursday at the VFW.
The ceremony was hosted by Military Chaplain Keith Beckwith. Remarks were made by American Legion Post Commander Ray Osmond. VFW Post Commander Jim Fisher then read the roll call of the 42 veterans from the Northfield area who have passed away in the last year.
The video presentation of the ceremony can be seen on the Northfield Public Broadcasting by clicking here. The audio can be found on our website.
KYMN is deeply honored to have the privilege to present this important ceremony to the community.
