The 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session got underway yesterday. With only 43 legislative days in the session, the members of the legislature were encouraged to pre-file bills so they could get hearings in their respective committees as soon as possible.
Representative Kristi Pursell (D-Northfield) of District 58A said one of the bills she has pre-filed is an important adjustment to a bill that was passed during the session last year that will allow farmers to repair their own farming equipment.
For years, many equipment manufacturers have said that modern-day farm equipment is far too sophisticated to be repaired by its owner. When something breaks down, they must contact a dealership, who will oftentimes have to send a certified technician out to do the repairs. The process can add hundreds of dollars and precious time to a solution that might very easily be handled by the farmers themselves.
Pursell said she had introduced the legislation as part of a broader bill last year that actually was passed. However, the farm equipment provisions were taken out of the bill, and it became the Electronic Fair Repair Bill, allowing owners of computers and smartphones to fix their gadgets. Pursell has not been deterred, so the new Right to Repair Bill is one of her top priorities.
Representative Pursell, who is Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee has campaigned as a champion of rural and agricultural communities. She said the idea of a farmer not being allowed to fix a piece of equipment runs against some of the basic culture of the farm community.
“Farmers aren’t used to being told what they can’t do, especially if they have a big investment of funds in a massive piece of machinery. So, we’re just trying to make sure that farmers can repair their own equipment.”
Pursell said her bill will be the first one brought before the Ag Committee when it convenes for its first meeting of the 2024 session tomorrow morning at 8am.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Representative Kristi Pursell can be heard here
Moxie-Gras is a daylong event
While today is officially Fat Tuesday, Northfield will wait to celebrate Mardi Gras until Saturday, when the Grand Event Center hosts the inaugural Moxie-Gras. Hosted by Northfield’s favorite drag queen, Mrs. Moxie and a cast of drag kings and queens, Moxie Gras is a daylong event that will begin with a drag brunch, and culminate with a masquerade ball.
Mrs. Moxie, who has been performing in and around the Northfield area for several years, said the day is designed to be a celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, along with allies, both local and from other parts of the state and country. She pointed out that not only is today Mardi Gras, but tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, so this is a perfect week for everyone to come together.
“The biggest thing that I would say is just be yourself. This is supposed to be a fun queer and ally night out, full of love and support and inclusivity. It’s a place where you can be yourself and a safe place for everyone in the community. Just a place for everyone to melt together on February 17th.”
The day begins with a Drag Brunch. Mrs. Moxie said she will be performing alongside four other members of her drag troupe, including Lexi D. and Izzy Stunnin’, both of whom appeared in Mrs. Moxie’s annual Christmas Show in December. She said the Grand will offer a paired down version of their Sunday brunch menu, along with drink specials. All members of the cast will be serving coffee and will be available for pictures prior to the show.
At 7:00 Saturday night, the doors will open for the Moxie Gras Masquerade Ball. The event will feature more drag performances, as well as a DJ and a dance floor.
Moxie said costumes are not required. Those wishing to come in jeans and a t-shirt will be completely welcomed, but she questioned why someone would not take advantage of an opportunity to dress up.
“What’s one night? You can get dressed up and go all out. Wear a gown. Wear a tux. Wear a bow tie. Whatever. It’s going to be pretty fun. It’s the masquerade ball, so people will have masks if they want. I actually ordered a tiara because I’m pretty basic. I just want to look simple.”
The balcony of the Grand will be transformed into a game lounge featuring poker tables, bean bags, dominoes and more. Those who do not wish to dance, or need to catch a second wind, she said, will find something to their amusement.
Tickets are $20 for the brunch, which does not include food or beverage, and $20 for the ball, however a ticket for both events is priced at $30. The doors to the Grand will open at 10am Saturday morning, with the drag show set to begin at 11:30. The doors for the Masquerade Ball will open at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting Eventbrite.com and typing Moxie-Gras into the search engine. The Grand will also have tickets available at the door.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Mrs. Moxie can be heard here
City Council to discuss parks, public works projects tonight
And the Northfield City Council will meet for a work session tonight in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
There are three items on the agenda this evening. The first will be a review and discussion of the new master plan for Riverside Lions Park. Next the council will go over the rendering and plans for the proposed drinking water treatment plant. And finally, the council will review and discuss the new land disposition policy that has been proposed by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
As always, the City Council and the Northfield City Staff are eager to hear the opinions of the public on any matter, whether the subject is on the Council agenda or not. The meeting tonight is a work session, so the Council will not hear from the public. However, those who do wish to make a point, air an opinion or ask a question can email their councilor directly or make use of the eComment function which can be found in the “Agendas” section of the city website.
The meeting will begin tonight at 6pm.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
