On Monday Night, the Northfield School Board received the results of a survey taken by the firm of Morris 
Leatherman that measured the public desire to make improvements to the Northfield High School facilities.
Northfield Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matt Hillmann, said the survey was taken by 400 registered voters in the Northfield School District. The ten-minute survey asked 43 questions about making improvements to the High School building, the athletic facilities, and the possibility of adding an ice arena that would be under the district’s responsibility. With regard to the initial question of demolishing a section of the high school in order to redesign and rebuild it as a more modern and well-functioning school, 62% of those surveyed were in favor. When additional benefits to the project were included in the question the favorable rating was between 73% and 79%.
The next set of questions was about making improvements to the high school athletic facilities, which would include the construction of a field house with four multi-use courts and a walking track around the perimeter. The initial reaction found 55% favorable, and when additional information was added the number increased to 58%.
Overall, the survey found a 67% favorable rating for the high school and athletic facility improvements.
The ice arena did not enjoy quite so much support. Initial support for the district to build an indoor ice facility was at 50%. When additional information was given the favorable reaction dipped to 48%. The report called the 2% reduction statistically insignificant.
“From the survey data, the respondents said they would support around $135 per year tax increase for the first two parts, the high school academic improvement component and the Athletic facilities improvement component. Then it was also tested around the ice arena. At about $8.00 a month to be able to do that, it was about a dead heat.”
The survey also asked the respondents to give the Northfield School District an overall letter grade. Hillmann said 83% of those surveyed gave the district an A or a B grade, while only 3% gave the district a D or an F.
Dundas posting police officer position early
The City of Dundas is now actively searching for candidates to join the Dundas Police Department. 
Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said the city is currently budgeted for two full time officers and a Police Chief. A third full time officer position is in the budget for 2023, and Teppen has asked the City Council for the ability to begin the search to fill that new position right away.
Teppen said the early posting is based on several reasons. She indicated that one of the police officers currently employed by the city could possibly be leaving their position before the end of the year. Moreover, the difficulty in finding qualified candidates to fill that position has become severe.
Indeed, the police shortage has become a problem across the state. Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas has spoken about the lack of applicants for open positions. Where there once were hundreds of people that would apply for a job in law enforcement, now those numbers are typically in the single digits. Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott has echoed Thomas’ comments. The Northfield Police Department was fully staffed this past July for the first time in Elliott’s tenure as Chief, but that only lasted for about two weeks before another officer left the department. Teppen said she has seen the same thing. Dundas used to get 100 applicants for an open position, she said, but that is no longer the case.
“You know, the state of the State these days is police officers are jumping from one agency to another, for a variety of reasons. Every city, I swear, in this state is looking for police officers. It feels like that. And we’re no exception.”
Teppen said the Dundas City Council agreed with her. By posting the new position in advance of the new year, the City will get a jump on finding the right candidate for the job and will be in a better position should the city’s police ranks be depleted. The council unanimously approved her request.
For more information and to find the posting, visit the Dundas city website.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen can be heard here
NH+C recommending boosters frequently
Northfield Hospital + Clinics has issued a statement explaining the benefits of updated bivalent boosters to 
protect from Covid-19.
“Bivalent” means the vaccine contains two antigens – one from the original strain of coronavirus, and one from Omicron variants. Bivalent boosters were first administered on September 2nd, so any booster received before then was not the new formulation designed to fight Omicron variants.
According to the NH+C epidemiology department, these are the six best reasons to get a booster shot:
Most cases of COVID now are Omicron variants. Bivalent boosters are specially designed to protect against them.
The more time spent indoors means the more the virus can spread. One’s immunity system should be strong during cold weather when viruses including colds, flu, and Covid, circulate the most.
Boosters help to restore protection that has waned since receiving an earlier vaccination. No matter how many doses a person has received, a bivalent booster improves immunity, especially against Omicron. NH+C is recommending a bivalent booster every 2 months.
Bivalent boosters are recommended for everyone age 5 and older.
Maximizing immunity now reduces the risk of catching or spreading Covid during the upcoming holiday season.
Bivalent boosters can reduce the risk of getting very sick or needing to be hospitalized. That helps keep hospital staff (and beds) ready for people with medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke.
NH+C has bivalent boosters available for everyone age 5 and older. Call 507-646-8019 for an appointment, or visit northfieldhospital.org
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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