by Rich Larson
MetroNet, the internet service provider that was recently awarded a cable franchise in the city of Northfield, began construction
yesterday on a fiber-optic network that, when finished, will be accessible to 85% of the City of Northfield.
The construction itself might seem inconvenient and even invasive to some, as the company will be burying cable in private yards throughout the city. MetroNet has an agreement with Northfield to install the new network either underground or on existing utility poles. Where trenches are dug, the company said restoration crews will arrive within 48 hours to restore the area.
When complete, the network will offer residents of Northfield another option for television, internet and telephone service. The fiber-optic network will offer reliable, high-speed internet service which for most people in Northfield would be an upgrade over existing service. The city has been very supportive of the plan, and has welcomed the arrival of MetroNet, because they offer a quality of service not before seen in the area.
A page with information about the construction process and the service MetroNet will provide has been added to the city website, including a link to the MetroNet construction map so people can see where construction is taking place and begin to anticipate when the process might reach them. Those with concerns should contact MetroNet directly through their website at metronetinc.com, or by calling 877-386-3876.
Poor driving habits are a major concern this summer
Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said last week that things have become more dangerous than normal on Minesota roads this summer, and the accidents and injuries he is seeing have largely been preventable.
Through June of this year, 198 people died on Minnesota roads, and the numbers in July did not improve. Speed contributed to nearly 40% of those fatalities. Through the first half of the year, state law enforcement had issued 550 tickets for speeds over 100 mph. Sherrif Dunn said his department is seeing ridiculously high speeds on county roads and trunk highways. Just in the month of July, he said, there were three serious accidents in Rice County.
As problematic as high speed has become, distracted driving is every bit the same type of problem. The Sheriff said he sees it constantly. In fact, he saw it while he was sitting in the KYMN studio.
“I just saw a person drive by the studio, holding up a cell phone. He must have been trying to video the building next door. But, his eyes were looking over here holding his phone up, so that right there tells me we still have a problem.”
He said his department, along with law enforcement across the state is doing everything they can to mitigate the situation. Last week the sheriff’s department joined with the Dakota County Sheriff’s department, the Northfield Police Department and the Faribault Police Department for a day of enhanced enforcement on Highway 3. They also had a simulator set up at the Rice County Fair to help people understand what a 15-20 mph impact would feel like, in order to both discourage fast driving and encourage seat belt use.
He said serious accidents and serious injuries are all preventable, if people would just use common sense.
“I pull someone over and they say ‘I just had to make a quick all,’ or ‘My phone beeped and I wanted to see if it was serious.’
“You need to put other things on hold until you get to your destination. Pay attention to what you’re doing. Drive slower. When you are driving, make safe driving your top priority.”
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Sheriff Troy Dunn can be heard here
Dakota County Fair embraces tradition
The Dakota County fair began yesterday at noon, and today through Sunday the grounds will be open featuring all the events 
people have come to expect from a county fair, along with some things that are unique to Dakota County.
Mark Henry, one of the organizers of the fair said that he and the other organizers work all year long putting the fair together. Even with the fair having been canceled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the necessary work doesn’t change. He said the organizers take great pride in presenting something that families return to year-after-year, knowing what to expect and looking forward to something that is consistently meaningful.
“If you think you’re going to come here and walk through this fair in an hour, that’s not going to be the case, because this is a big fair. I go to other fairs, and I love them. I mean, every fair has its own tone and its own air. What I’ll say about the Dakota County fair is this: we’re a traditional fair.”
Henry said he is especially fond of Dakota City Heritage Village, a section of the Fairgrounds styled as a rural village at the beginning of the 20th Century. Dakota City features several vintage buildings that have been relocated to the fairgrounds from different parts of the state. During the fair, volunteers appear as members of the town to help visitors see and feel what life was like in Southern Minnesota 120 years ago.
Other traditional events at the Dakota County Fair include the rodeo and three nights of demolition derby at the grandstand, the various 4H shows and judging events that Henry said is the foundation of the fair, and live music every night, including The Johnny Holm Band’s traditional Thursday night performance.
The Dakota County Fair will run through Sunday. Admission to the fair is free, although Grandstand events do require a ticket, and Henry urged those interested in the demolition derby to buy their tickets early. Parking on the grounds is $10, and the City of Farmington is allowing visitors to park on the city streets this year and walk to the fairgrounds. Beginning today, the fair is open each day at 7am until 10 pm, except for Sunday when the fair will close at 7pm.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Mark Henry can be heard here
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
