Graham has opposition on absorbing EDA
Mayor Graham had plenty of opposition when he brought up combining the EDA with the City Council. It’s not a new discussion, it was brought up during the Rossing years when the EDA was really struggling. He wanted to bring it up during a “relative peaceful time”. Economic development issues have been on the top of Graham’s priority list, to that end he has done business visits and had a business summit. He’s looking for ways to move forward and absorbing the EDA may or may not be the way to do it. The EDA has made several changes, President Jack Hoschouer told Council that they’ve made a lot of progress over the last year and a half. He ponders “with all the Council has to do, do they want more? If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Graham spoke of accountability. Councilor Pownell, who is a liason to the EDA and was part of the process of change said they now have the tools in place for accountability since redoing bylaws and enabling resolution. She said she’s afraid that the Council would make it political. Ludescher who is also a liason to the EDA added that he thinks there would be less accountability since, with bonding authority, the Council could use that instead of going to citizens. All in all, Mayor Graham said his goal is to make the City more effective and move economic issues to the forefront. He’s seeking new ideas.
Two Northfield entrepreneurs open southern Minnesota’s only distillery
A party was the catalyst for a new distillery. Simeon Rossi and Mark Shiller are 2005 Northfield High School graduates who have just opened Loon Liquors on Armstrong Road. Shiller explained that, 3 years ago, Simeon made a batch of homemade kahlua and Shiller thought it was so good, he wanted more. He then called Simeon and suggested they market it! After some investigation on a variety of fronts, 3 years later, the two own the only distillery in southern Minnesota. Shiller handles the marketing arm while Rossi is behind the flavor of Loon Liquors. He studied organic chemistry in college giving him the foundation to create the whiskey. Their whiskey is made from a locally-sourced, organic barley and wheat grain. And after having a taste, Jeff Johnson said “I admire your entrepreneurial spirit and your distilled spirit!”. John Garland of Heavy Table profiled the pair and said of the whiskey that he was more than pleased to sip it solo on the rocks. They’re having a “Release Party” tomorrow night at The Grand from 6 to 10 with hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and, of course, drink specials. For more information go to loonliquors.com. Go to kymnradio.net for their full interview.
Becky’s Run will be held this Sunday
Becky’s Run takes place this Sunday. The 5 and 2k run/walk will benefit the Becky Kasper Foundation, which works to promote healthy relationships and the prevention of dating violence. Becky is the young Northfield woman killed by her ex-boyfriend, Luis Soltero. He pled guilty to second degree murder. A sentencing was scheduled in April but has been moved to the end of this month. Soltero is being held in Maricopa County, Arizona where the crime occurred. Becky was attending Arizona State University at the time of her death just over a year ago. Becky’s Run will be held at Sechler Park at 9am, again this Sunday. For more information go to http://www.beckykasperfoundation.org/
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The post Today’s news update – Graham has opposition on absorbing EDA; Two Northfield entrepreneurs open southern Minnesota’s only distillery; Becky’s Run will be held this Sunday appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.