Windchill responsible for late start
The cold wind chills cooled classes across the state. Northfield, Randolph and Faribault started 2 hours late while Kenyon-Wannamingo closed completely.
Deputy Chief Dukatz sworn in
After swearing in the newly elected council members, Police Chief Monte Nelson took to the podium for the swearing in of 18 year veteran Northfield Police officer Mark Dukatz, aka Duke, as Deputy Chief. He said it’s a lot of responsibility and he doesn’t take it lightly. He’s excited to start. He added that Northfield is “a good department”. Ever since Chief Nelson took over, there’s a “positive energy” and he plans on maintaining that. Nelson remarked on how respected Deputy Chief Dukatz is in the community and Mayor Graham commented on how happy he was that an internal candidate filled the position, he said it speaks to the quality of officers and the department. He said they are “heroic every time you put on that uniform” and that as long as they continue to do the job they’ve been doing, they will have community support. The room was filled with Dukatz family and friends and a lot of blue! Speaking of the blue, this Friday is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. On kymnradio.net, I have posted information on how you can express your appreciation. Some suggestions include sending a card of thanks, wearing blue or changing your profile picture on Facebook to support the police.
Click to view slideshow.Graham’s self appointment to EDA questioned
After the swearing in, Council Chambers nearly emptied and the meeting started. The resolution to accept appointments to various Boards and Commissions was moved to the regular agenda at the request of Rhonda Pownell. She took issue with Mayor Graham appointing himself to the EDA. She just filled out her term on the EDA. Pownell questioned who would really be in power if the Mayor sat on the Board and noted that all members would then be male. Several other councilors noted the gender imbalance but for the most part agreed that the Mayor has always expressed interest in economic development. He added that as a former small business owner and someone who is self-employed now, he believes he has something to add. He also noted that he will only be on the EDA through the remainder of his term, 2 years. Council members cannot be appointed to officer positions on the EDA. The resolution passed 6 to 1 with Pownell the only dissenting vote. Graham added that there are still numerous positions open and he would love to see more women apply for the posts. He added that the council depends on these boards and commissions to inform them. Go to the City’s website for information. Grahams interview is posted online at kymnradio.net.
DeLong elected Mayor Pro Tem
Council member David DeLong has been elected as Mayor Pro Tem for 2015. Mayor Graham had stated when elected that he would rotate that position on a yearly basis. Councilors Pownell and Zweifel have each served as Pro Tem.
Fossum says Rice County programs can look “different from the inside”
Newly elected Rice County Attorney John Fossum has two full days under his belt. He’s been spending the time getting to know people. Regarding programs, he added that they “can look different from the inside” and he wants to take his time to review them before making any changes. Fossum had his own practice previous to his election. He says his only client now is Rice County.
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The post Today’s news update -Windchill responsible for late start; Deputy Chief Dukatz sworn in; Graham’s self appointment to EDA questioned; DeLong elected Mayor Pro Tem; Fossum says Rice County programs can look “different from the inside” appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.