Waterford Bridge restoration update
The wing wall was poured yesterday as part of the Waterford Bridge restoration. Waterford Township Supervisor, Liz Messner explained that the southeast abutment had a large crack. While they knew the crack was there, they found the damage was more extensive once they dug in there. Working Bridges out of Iowa is acting as the contractor for the project. They restore bridges all over the country. Executive Director Julie Bowers said “the cool part was the jack beam held during weather delays”. Messner added that the beam raised it by only an inch as they worked to excavate under it. This will wrap up the first phase at a cost of over $140,000. The other abutment doesn’t need quite as much work. And Bowers says the truss looks good. She says the most expensive part will be the painting. They’ll need to basically build a house around the bridge to sandblast it. The cost is estimated at $200,000. Bowers says the cost for the size of the bridge is pretty much right on. She added that it’s been great to work with a local company, Healy Construction out of Faribault. She said it made a huge difference working with a local company. Messner said this will be the extent of the work for now until they receive more funding.
Northfield’s EMS Explorer program recognized
Northfield’s Explorer program won the Standard of Excellence Silver award. Jim Ingham added that it was also for outstanding community service. MacKenzie DeFrees is a National Leadership award winner through her work with the EMS Explorer program. DeFries joined when she was 16, they’re taught Emergency services which is her career course. She’s currently a freshman at River Falls. Ingham explains that the EMS Explorer program started in 2010 with 18. They’ve maintained that level. They are trained and certified as 1st Responders. They provide medical help for our community including DJJD as well as surrounding communities. It’s a year around program for 14 to 21 year olds. Ingham says it’s a great opportunity to discover if emergency medicine is right for you. It’s not for everyone. They’ve had 4 move on to careers, DeFries will be the 5th. They encourage anyone interested to come to a few meetings to see if it’s a good fit. Contact the Northfield Hospital EMS at 646-1414 for more information. They are currently holding a fundraiser. They’re asking businesses to purchase ad space in their Explorer Calendar. Money raised will go toward uniforms and scholarships for those who qualify. Ingham said the EMS Explorers offer medical standby for any event, they ask only for a donation. You can call them at the same number.
City Council has full agenda
The Northfield City Council meets tonight after a week off. They have a very full consent agenda with 18 items, which could all be approved at once, unless a councilor moves them for discussion. There are 2 public hearings. One is the continuation of the 6th street reconstruction project. One of those affected objected to the assessment, it turns out there was an error made in the property lines. The other hearing concerns revenue bond financing for Laura Baker. There are 4 items on the regular agenda including a preliminary plat for the Hills of Spring Creek 6th addition. The meeting begins at 7pm and will be streamed live online at kymnradio.net.
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The post Today’s news update – Waterford Bridge restoration update; Northfield’s EMS Explorer program recognized; City Council has full agenda appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.