Monday 1-24-22 News
There was an incident at the Northfield Middle School involving an airsoft gun brought to school by a student in a backpack Friday. Northfield Public School officials wanted to assure the community that “no students were in danger nor was there any intent to cause harm.”
An airsoft gun is a replica or toy gun that shoots small plastic pellets that are not lethal. District policy explicitly prohibits replica guns of any kind. Because they appear like real guns, their presence in a school can create panic.
The information was recieved in a letter addressed to Northfield Middle School families and signed by Greg Gelineau, Northfield Middle School principal and Superintendent Matt Hillmann.
The letter states:
“Administrators took swift action to recover the airsoft gun from the backpack and collaborated with the Northfield Police Department to immediately investigate the situation. Based on that investigation, it was clear that the student did not pose a threat.
“We want to assure you that student safety is our top priority. While there was no intent to harm anyone, we will not tolerate this kind of behavior and are addressing it according to our district’s student citizenship handbook.”
No further information is known at this time..
Archer House Demolition Continues
Demolition and removal of debris will continue this week at the sight of the former Archer House. While many area residents have come by to see the progress being made, safety is a concern. Northfield Police Chief Mark Elliot:“We are keeping an eye on that, and have been for over a year., especially at night. We have officers making extra patrols to keep ‘adventure seekers’ out because it is not safe.”
The concern not at just the sight itself, but also on Division Street, where curious drivers have caused gawker slowdowns:
“That’s something we have had calls on and complaints about people not being as safe as they come by. They’re coming by and they have their head turned at it while they are still driving. Also, people standing in the road to take pictures.”
Crews will be working this week to bring down the North wing of the building, the last part still standing.
Mayor for a Day
The City of Northfield is seeking nominations for three separate awards, The Ethical Leadership Award, The Board & Commission Member Excellence Award, and The Mayor for A Day Contest, to be handed out during the Mayor’s State of the City address.
According to a release from the city, the Ethical Leadership Award is awarded to a junior or senior student enrolled in a Northfield area school who exhibits high standards and demonstrates a consistent approach to excellence as a student.
The Board & Commission Member Excellence Award recognizes a current individual member or group of members for accomplishments of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in the City of Northfield.
The Mayor for a Day Contest is a written essay contest for all 4th and 5th grade students living within the Northfield School District. This year’s topic asks, “What artistic feature would you add to Ames Park that would enhance or increase the love people have for our community?”
Mayor Pownell said the contest is a way to engage younger students and get them thinking about the possibilities of working for their city one day. “Most young people don’t think about serving their city in that way. SO just getting in front of them, talking with them, and encouraging them to think about how they can improve their city is really [important.] This is just a fun way to do it.”
All forms can be submitted online. Students have the option of submitting a handwritten essay or online essay for the Mayor for a Day Contest. For more information visit the City of Northfield Website. The deadline for nominations and essays is January 31st. Winners will be announced during Mayor Pownell’s State of the City Address on March 31st.
