Council discusses vagrancy issue
Downtown business owners have had to deal with vagrants and they’re tired of it. Krin Finger, owner of the Rare Pair, went so far as to obtain a license for Bridge Square every Saturday into October in an effort to thwart those affecting their business. Police Chief Monte Nelson explained to the Northfield City Council this week the crux of the problem is 2 people over the last couple of years sleeping on benches and talking with and maybe asking for money from the businesses customers. The businesses asked for several benches to be removed. Attorney Chris Hood said a vagrancy/solicitation law is very tough to create because of free speech, however after much research, he has found one that more closely matches Minneapolis and St. Paul and loosely patterned on an ordinance in Ft. Lauderdale, FL that held up in their courts. He feels the ordinance has passed some level of legal muster and and likes the aggressiveless solicitation ordinance as it gives police a chance to curb that kind of activity. Hood said no one wants their citizens to feel fearful and/or intimidated. Nelson added that they (the vagrant) has to ask for goods or money. This will come back to council for further discussion.
Not a newsflash – parking is a problem during DJJD
The Northfield police department starts preparing for Defeat Days by working closely with the DJJD Committee and making their own parking signs. Chief Nelson said, for those of us who live here, we know parking’s a problem so plan ahead. He added that it is one of the biggest complaints his department receives. Toward Zero Deaths has increased DWI enforcement this weekend. Nelson said there’s rarely a problem during the celebration, in fact there are years where there’s been none or maybe one or two. He said, again, plan ahead by walking or arranging for a ride. There’s also Smart Ride. The vouchers and all the information is at the bars downtown and also at the beer tent. Nelson also reminds people that there are varying lengths of bicycle rides throughout the celebration that take bicyclists out of the community. Be careful on the roads and watch for bikes and those on foot in races. Be safe and have fun.
Giddy up – Sutton’s are back for the 30th time!
Tonight marks the 30th year of the Sutton P.R.C.A rodeo at the Defeat of Jesse James Days. Steve Sutton stopped by KYMN studios. He said they travel all over and when he talks about being in the “place where they shot Jesse James everyone knows about the celebration. The rodeo circuit is winding down their season but there are 2 more. One in Las Vegas and another in Florida. Sutton says that means the cowboys will all be here to make some money and qualify those those bigger purses. The Sutton rodeo is comprised of five generations over 75 years. Steve’s mom and dad now owns it with Steve and his wife, Kim. Their 3 children all participate and will be here this weekend. The rodeo starts at 8 o’clock. There is a charge for this event. You’re encouraged to park in the MOM brands parking lot across from the plant on the north side of Hwy 19 and walk across the pedestrian bridge.
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The post Today’s news update – Council discusses vagrancy issue; Not a newsflash – parking is a problem during DJJD; Giddy up – Sutton’s are back for the 30th time! appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.