Council approves HRA/EDA levies
The Northfield City Council approved the HRA and EDA preliminary levies this week and kept them at a flat rate. The dollar rate increased by $10,800 for each due to a wider tax base. The council could have voted against the dollar rate. The HRA has a current balance of $400,000. The EDA has an $800,000 balance. While Mayor Graham had praise for the HRA, he was vocal about his feelings concerning the progress of the EDA saying he was “personally not happy” with them but “personally” wanted to work with them. He voted against the dollar increase as a symbolic gesture. Pownell, who sits on the EDA, has a different take praising the EDA for their recent efforts. President of the EDA Jack Hoschouer said the problem with attracting businesses is that they (EDA) needs to have more than ideas and brochures. They need space to offer. Community Development Coordinator Michele Merxbauer profiled some of the EDA’s ideas including an Enterprise Park and the development of The Crossings. She commented on extending Riverview Drive saying it will create success by allowing so much more access. This would also create a back access off of Honeylocust. This is the only idea the Mayor liked.
Wayward Goose turns the lights off
A wayward goose caused a mighty traffic jam along with a power outage on the south side of Northfield when it hit a power line at Hwy 3 and Jefferson at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon. The cooked goose then landed on a car. No human was hurt but lights were out for the goose and several businesses for about an hour and a half. It cut power to parts of Dundas and Faribault as well. Xcel Energy arrived quickly with a multitude of men and equipment, stop signs were placed at Hwy 3 and Jefferson and at Woodley. Northfield Police were on scene to stop traffic completely as the xcel crew worked to raise a new cable across the highway. Officer Johnson said this was a first!
Packed house for Bob Will
The Northfield Ballroom was packed with well wishers as Bob Will was honored last night as the 32nd Joseph Lee Heywood Award recipient. Bob’s daughters, Leslie and Jennifer, shared stories of growing up with their dad, Scott Richardson and Fred Rogers also spoke. The evening was the first official appearance for the 2015 DJJD Ambassadors Carolyn Meyer, Emily Oberto and Mathew Dempsey; and the Junior Ambassadors, Madilyn Snyder and Coltyn Otte who were crowned last month. Norman Oberto, the father of Emily and 2 more daughters, bought the number 1 and number 3 buttons, the number one button fetching $800.
Townie night
It’s Townie Night in Northfield. A chance for the community to mix and mingle before the full festivities of the Defeat of Jesse James Days get underway. The Entertainment Center opens at 5 with the 8th street band starting up at 8pm. The Northfield Historical Society will be hosting Johnny Boggs, author of “Jesse James and the Movies” at 6:30 for a book signing and talk on how Jesse and Northfield have been portrayed in the movies. He’ll compare the movie with the facts. It’s also wristband night at the Carnival starting at 5p. For complete details on all the events go to djjd.org. Police Chief Monte Nelson wants everyone to use caution out on the roads as we’ll be sharing them with bicyclists and runners during races.
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The post Today’s news update – Council approves HRA/EDA levies; Wayward Goose turns the lights off; Packed house for Bob Will; appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.