by Rich Larson
Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott said, with two months left, the state of Minnesota is experiencing the deadliest year it has seen on the
roads since 2007. And the problem, he said, is skyrocketing.
Elliott said that so far in 2021 there have been 400 deaths on Minnesota roads, which is the highest number the state has seen in 14 years. He said all the work they have done with raising awareness and the Toward Zero Death campaign over the last decade plus was showing results until Covid-19 came along. Last year, with fewer cars on the roads, speeds drastically increased, and they have not come down in 2021.
The state identified the problem in June when they measured a nearly 35% increase in roadway deaths from 2019. Chief Elliott said over the summer Northfield Police participated in days of enhanced law enforcement, one that was focused on Highways 14 and 19, and another that was focused on Highway 3.
“I can tell you that on, just on Highway 3, in one day, on July 30th we didn’t put a lot of extra officers on the road, but we put a couple out there and we really asked our officers to dedicate their time to making traffic stops on that day. And on that day alone we stopped 131 motorists for moving violations.”
Law enforcement across the state has been stressing to drivers the importance of watching their speed and talking with friends and family about what is happening on the roads. Chief Elliott added that it’s important for drivers to plan ahead so they aren’t rushed to get to wherever it is they are going.
The Chief said that his department is not eager to enforce traffic and driving safety. He would much rather this was a self-regulating problem, and that people understand the dangers of high speeds and distracted driving.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott can be heard here
Council approves West Riverwalk concept plan
On Tuesday night the Northfield City Council approved the final concept plan for the West Riverwalk Entrance Improvements.
Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig said the plan is something the council began looking at two years ago in order to clean up an area that has been somewhat neglected, and also to serve as a tie between the river area and the transit hub that will begin construction next year.
Martig said after the city looked at the area, it was found to not be completely up to ADA standards, so the city contracted with SEH consultants to create a plan to make the area more accessible and attractive.
“We’re looking at decorative concrete, some vertical elements related to signage or maybe a piece of art to draw people’s eye in right by the sidewalk, landscaping, some place for art as you move through. They were able to work in some space where Basil’s, along their building, could have outdoor dining available.”
Lighting has been something discussed frequently for the area. The SEH architects have several options for outdoor lighting that will be effective but won’t be disruptive to those who live in apartments along the river. Councilor Jessica Peterson-White also brought up the idea of making the area conducive to a holiday lighting display as well, something Mayor Rhonda Pownell enthusiastically agreed with.
With the concept approved, Martig said the city will now “park” the project as other initiatives run their course. The city is conducting a flood study right now, the results of which, he said, could open up possibilities for some federal funding toward the project. Also, as the city works to have the riverfront designated as a regional park, there could be still more funding sources available from the state.
He said he expects the plans to evolve over as the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan continues to unfold. Construction on the area could most like be expected in 2023.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig can be heard here
Dundas adding part-time police officer
And the City of Dundas is now taking applications for a part-time police officer. 
Applicants must be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training or be eligible to be licensed. Successful applicants must complete and pass a background check, along with physical and psychological exams.
The job description posted on the city website says that the new hire will perform professional police work to ensure the protection and safety of the community, provide proactive policing to reduce crime and preserve stability within the community, regulate traffic and provide emergency services as needed, along with additional related duties as required.
To be considered, an application must be emailed to cityhall@dundas.us by 4pm on Friday, November 5th. The application packet can be found by clicking here.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
