Rice County is conducting a feasibility study for a fourth interchange on I-35 in Faribault. The potential new exits and on ramps will be the topic of an informational open house on March 7th. Later that evening, the Rice County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the adoption of an official map for the potential interchange area.
The county has hired the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk to develop potential configurations at County Road 9 and I-35. A statement issued by the county communications department said this project has been discussed by both Rice County and the City of Faribault since 2022. An additional interchange was identified as a high priority in the county’s 2005 transportation plan and an interstate access study in 2006. In 2021, the city annexed land north toward County Road 9 for industrial development, accelerating the need to plan for accommodating future growth.
The I-35/County Road 9 Open House is set for Thursday, March 7th, from 5:30-6:30pm at the Rice County Government Services Building. For more information visit the Rice County website at ricecountymn.gov.
Improved business culture will help build commercial industrial growth
One of the stated goals in the City of Northfield’s current Strategic Plan is to grow the commercial industrial tax base. City Administrator Ben Martig has said many times that Northfield lags well behind other comparable cities in the amount of commercial and industrial business located within the city limits. Even before the current Strategic Plan was written, this has long been a goal for the city.
Several years ago, the city annexed approximately 800 acres of land from neighboring townships specifically for this purpose. What is now referred to in the Northwest area has undergone some initial scrutiny in the hopes that a commercial business would want to settle there. Last year, in partnership with Xcel Energy, an Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review was conducted on the land as pre-emptive preparation work. The AUAR takes the place of any environmental studies that would be necessary before permits could be granted to build on the site.
While the city does its best to make things accessible and attractive, there has been a noticeable lack of development. Anna Watson, the city’s Economic Development Associate, said this is a slow process for good reason.
“Trying to attract businesses can be a slow process. Retaining businesses is easier and more efficient than attracting. But that Northwest area is really valuable. It can be slow just because we want to get a business in, we want to get that that tax base, but at the same time, we want to make sure it’s right for Northfield.”
The area has been earmarked for development as either a light industrial park or as a major data center such as the project Meta plans to build in Rosemount. But there is still work to be done in order to find the right company to settle there.
The city is currently working with the University of Minnesota Extension to gain more knowledge and insight into the local business community in order to become a better resource and deepen the city’s relationship with its business owners. Randy Yoder, the Chair of the Northfield Economic Development Authority said he believes that initiative will pay dividends when it comes to recruiting new business to Northfield, particularly in the Northwest area.
“The better the culture we build with the business we already have, the more attractive we become to other businesses. They start thinking they want to be a part of that. And so, the effort we’re making with the Business Retention and Expansion initiative can be really significant in attracting other businesses to our community as well.”
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said recruiting efforts continue with the help of strategic partners like the State Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Xcel Energy, which funded the AUAR. She is confident that the project will show results in the near future.
Heywood Award reflects ‘positive impact’ on the community
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee is reminding the community that nominations are now being taken for the 2024 Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award.
The Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award is given to a Northfield citizen who exemplifies a dedication to public service. Each year, the community honors Joseph Lee Heywood who was killed during the notorious James/Younger Gang bank raid. Heywood was, of course, the bank teller that refused to open the vault for the bandits and was murdered by Frank James. In refusing to open the vault, Heywood literally saved the town from economic devastation. Had he not refused, Northfield might not be here today.
Becca Peterson of the DJJD Organizing committee said the Selection Committee is looking for people who have made a positive difference in Northfield.
“It’s really measuring that positive impact that they’ve had within our community. What is so great about Northfield is that we have no shortage of people that are passionate about our community. The things that they do, the amount of people that are consistently giving back, whether they’re business owners or serving on a board, there is no shortage of good candidates.”
Past recipients of the award include former Minnesota Governor Al Quie, Nola Matheson, Noel and Lois Stratmoen, Clancy Dokmo, Ray Ozmun, the 2023 recipient Gene Lyman, and KYMN’s own Wayne Eddy.
While it might seem early to some to start thinking about the Defeat of Jesse James Days, Peterson said plans for the 2024 celebration are in full gear, and she said the organizing committee is always looking for more members and more volunteers.
The deadline for nominations is March 15th. Peterson said the selection committee does keep nomination letters on file for five years. Those who have made nominations in the past for someone who has not yet won the award can email the committee at heywood@djjd.org and ask that your nomination be considered again this year. Nominations will be accepted at the same email address. Nominations may also be mailed to : DJJD attn: Heywood Committee, PO Box 23, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
