Local farmer testifies in Washington, DC
This winter was brutal in several ways including the propane shortage and purported price gouging. Senator Al Franken invited local farmer and former head of the MN Turkey Growers Association, John Zimmerman, to testify before the Senate Energy Committee in Washington. There were several factors that created the crisis. The late/wet harvest, unusual cold, a pipeline disruption and the export of more propane than normal. Franken said propane started at under $2 per gallon and in some places it rose to $6 per gallon. Franken says that just can’t happen again. Zimmerman testified on the economic impact. Franken commented “he’s a good guy, I’m glad my colleagues will hear him…”
Good interest rates means millions in savings
The Northfield School Board met this week and discussed their budget. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson explains debt service pays for the principal and interest. The positive note is the interest rate they have now is 1.82% which means that more money goes to repair and construction costs. With all the refinancing they’ve done over the last 6 years, Richardson says they’ve saved over $5.5 million in interest rates.
Check out the City’s rain barrel and rain garden programs
With the second wettest April ever, it’s a good time to remind folks of the City of Northfield’s rain barrel and rain garden programs. Streets and parks Supervisor, TJ Heinricy says there’s an application on the City’s website. Download it and submit with pictures and a receipt and you can get reimbursed. For the rain barrel you would see a $20 credit on your utility bill. With the rain garden it’s up to 50% or $250 for construction and plant materials. Constructing a rain garden does require some design thought and layout. Heinricy says the first thing you need to do is call Gopher State One call to locate utilities. Never put a rain garden over utility lines. Minnesota’s Rice Creek Watershed District has put together a very comprehensive information site with instructions, videos and plant lists. Go to bluethumb.org.
Save the Northfield Depot announces $10,000 matching fund
Now’s your chance to double your contribution to Save the Northfield Depot. Co-chair of the group, Lynn Vincent, announced that the organization has received $10,000 in matching funds. A successful match will put the total amount raised to $143,000. Their goal is $293,000 which would enable them to move and renovate the 1888 depot for public use. Donations can be made online atwww.northfielddepot.org.
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The post Today’s News Update: Local farmer testifies in Washington, DC; Good interest rates means millions in savings; Check out the City’s rain barrel and rain garden programs; Save the Northfield Depot receives $10,000 in matching funds appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.