On Tuesday night, the Northfield Hockey Community turned out en force to the Northfield City Council meeting to show the amount of support there is in the community to build a new ice arena. While the issue was not on the official agenda, supporters took advantage of the public comment section of the meeting to passionately show their support, for the most part, about preserving a hockey culture that has grown to be very important to many Northfielders.
The ten people who stood up to speak in support of the arena represented a large cross section of the community and each gave different reasons for their support.
Hockey moms talked about how their sons and daughters had come through the Northfield programs and learned valuable lessons while playing that had nothing to do with actually being on the ice. A former coach talked about his love of the game and how much it meant to him to be able to work with young people and pass on the things he knows. Jane Bartho, the President of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce spoke about the boon a new ice arena would be for tourism in Northfield, and how much money is brought into a community from a major hockey tournament. Ryan Bowles, the Athletic Director at St. Olaf College, lent his support to the construction of a new building as well, while at the same time saying the idea of making more use of the arena on the St. Olaf campus, which is something that has been floated by members of the council throughout the discussions, would not be possible.
Two Northfield high School Athletes, seniors Ayla Puppe and Kamden Kaiser, both spoke about the important role Northfield Hockey has played in building their future. Puppe said she would be signing a letter of intent this week to play hockey at the University of Minnesota on an athletic scholarship, while Kaiser said he has signed with the Austin Bruins and will soon be playing in the NAHL junior hockey league.
“Hockey isn’t just something I love,” he said. “It’s my future.”
Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell said the amount of support at that meeting was good for the council to see.
“I think that what we heard was people were willing to be present and put a face on what it meant for them, from a personal standpoint, of what playing hockey meant to them and what it means to our families. And I think it’s helpful for us to know and understand that.”
The positive feel of the comments was marred at one point when a stunningly racist remark was made by a viewer who had joined the meeting via Zoom. A short break commenced as measures were taken to identify the person who caused the disruption and to prevent them from saying more. Many in the room were visibly shaken by the incident. Councilor Jessica Peterson White characterized the comments as “extremely hateful,” and asked that city staff find ways to keep such an outburst from happening again.
Mayor Pownell echoed Peterson White’s request.
“It’s not acceptable to interrupt an official meeting of the public in that manner and I know that we’re going to work hard to and yeah put any necessary safeguards in place it just can’t happen again and I know that we’re not the only entity that this has ever happened to but we’re going to do our best to put the safeguards in place.”
City Administrator Ben Martig said the City Council is considering several different options for the ice arena situation and will have much more discussion about it early in 2024.
Counter kettles will supplement Salvation Army fundraiser
The Rice County Salvation Army is set to begin the annual Red Kettle Campaign tomorrow. The standard kettles will be set up outside of the same familiar locations in Faribault, Northfield and Lonsdale, and once again this year, they will have smaller kettles set on counters in retail outlets, or beside a cash register inviting patrons to donate some change to help benefit the various programs that they run.
Don Pavek is the coordinator of the counter-kettle program. He said the program was a big hit last year that raised more than $5000. After introducing the kettles in 15 locations, Pavek said he had so many inquiries that he wound up with Kettles in 30 different stores and restaurants.
The Rice County Salvation Army offers help throughout the year for disaster relief, food assistance, veterans services, shelter for those experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse, rent and utility assistance and several grassroots programs.
Jim Dale, who coordinates the campaign across the county, said the demand for their services has not grown smaller so once again in 2023, the goal is to raise $100,000 this season. Pavek said all funds raised by the Rice County Salvation Army will stay here to help the people of Rice County. In fact, he said, much of what the Salvation Army does is in conjunction with the Community Action Center whose efforts are centered specifically in Rice County.
There is still a need for bell ringers to attend the standard kettles at all stations, and Pavek encouraged one and all to give it a try because, he said, it is such a rewarding experience. In fact, he said, he likes to bring his grandkids with him.
“You know, I’ve brought my grandkids. I think it’s a great thing for mom and Dad to say, ‘Say, you know what, kids? Why don’t we go ring?’ or Grandma and grandpa to say, ‘You know, I’m going to take the grandkids out, and I’m going to spend 2 hours at Family Fair and meet a lot of friends and townspeople. And we’re going to ring.’”
The standard kettles will begin raising money tomorrow. Pavek said he will begin distributing the counter kettles on Wednesday of next week. He said he is always open to suggestions for where to place them, and anyone with an idea should call him at 612-685-3207.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Don Pavek can be heard here
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
