The candidate filing period for election to most public offices this November in the State of Minnesota was 5:00 yesterday afternoon. By the time it had passed, there were some surprises on the filing docket.
More than one person was expected to file to run for Mayor, but an eight-person field was not expected. Mayor Rhonda Pownell had been quiet about her plans to run for a third term, but she wasted little time announcing her intentions to run when the filing period opened two weeks ago.
Her decision was not a surprise.
It was a surprise to see former City Councilor Erica Zweifel file for the office, but at the deadline yesterday, sitting Third Ward City Councilor George Zuccolotto also filed to run for mayor. With six other candidates, the field for mayor is incumbent Mayor Pownell, City Councilor George Zuccolotto, former City Councilor Erica Zweifel, former member of the Northfield School Board Ruth Dahl, and newcomers Adam Gebler, Tim Babbini, Michael J. Kirschling, and Karl Ericksen.
The City Council will have a different look in January. Incumbent Second Ward City Councilor Jami Reister chose not to seek re-election and will step down from her seat when her term expires on December 31st. There are, however, three other candidates to become the new Second Ward Councilor, Chad Beumer, Emy Farley and Edward Malnar.
With Councilor Zuccolotto running for mayor, the only person who filed for the 3rd Ward seat is Peter Dahlen, who will become a member of the Council in January, barring what would be unexpected results from a write-in campaign.
Meanwhile At-Large City Councilor Brad Ness is facing some surprising competition as he seeks a third term on the council. Iris E. Lee has filed for the seat, as has former City Councilor David DeLong.
In total, fifteen people have filed to fill four of Northfield’s elected offices.
Meanwhile, DFL endorsed Representative Kristi Pursell (D-Northfield) has filed for re-election to the seat she currently holds in the state House of Representatives. She is opposed by Republican endorsed Rita Hillmann Olson of Lonsdale.
Second District County Commissioner Galen Malecha has filed for re-election. He will run unopposed.
A primary election will take place on August 13th for all races that have three or more candidates, after which the top two vote getters for each seat will move on to the general election.
The City of Northfield has issued a statement asking Northfielders to be vigilant as the Cannon River is expected to crest at just above Minor Flood Stage this evening.
City takes opportunity to issue flood precaution suggestions
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the areas around the Cannon River and has extended it for the foreseeable future.
As of 4:30 this morning the Cannon River was at 895 feet, which is a three-foot drop from where things stood on Monday, and well below the 897 feet that would qualify as flood stage. The rain that fell last night was predicted to be measured at about an inch. National Weather Service hydrologists believe the river will crest at just over 897 feet around 7pm tonight.
City staff have been working with the National Weather Service to evaluate how rainfall amounts in Northfield and the area south have a corresponding effect on river levels in the area. They are also reminding community members to keep caution in mind when encountering flooded areas.
If an area is barricaded, do not drive or walk through that space.
Property owners in flood prone areas are urged to evaluate their flood preparedness and monitor weather information and river levels.
All community members should check personal devices and subscriptions used to receive weather alerts to ensure they stay informed.
Those with homes or businesses in the river’s flood zone, should make sure the materials, resources, and contacts necessary to take protective measures are readily available.
The city has posted numerous resources, guidelines, and contact information on the City of Northfield website under “Emergency Preparedness Resources.”
City staff will continue to monitor weather and river levels and will disseminate more information as it becomes necessary. Check the City of Northfield website for updates.
Juneteenth Celebration will feature Dr. Yolanda Williams
The Northfield School District is inviting the public to a free, community-wide Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, at Northfield High School.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has called Juneteenth “America’s Second Independence Day,” as it commemorates the day slavery ended in the United States. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, it took some two-and-a-half years for American Union soldiers to reach Galveston Bay in Texas, on June 19th, 1865, and free that state’s slaves.
The first 100 people to arrive at the event on the 19th will be invited to enjoy a meal catered by Mama Sheila’s House of Soul of Minneapolis. Dr. Yolanda Williams, professor of African American literature, art, and history at the University of Minnesota will give a lecture at the event. Dr. Williams holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She has been a Senior Lecturer at the University of Minnesota for 27 years and has been the pastor of the Glenwood United Parish since 2020.
The meal will be served at 5 pm in the High School’s lower cafeteria for the first 100 attendees. Dr. Williams’ presentation and lecture will begin at 6pm in the auditorium. No registration is needed.
KYMN Daily News 6/5/24
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
