Plagued by problems pipeline work continues
More water was present in the new gas pipeline under the Cannon River at 2nd street after rain over the weekend, and snow previously. Representative Tom Hoen said they will tie in the gas main and backfill once 100% of the water flow is stopped. They got the water out yesterday and are monitoring the situation through the end of the day today after applications of yet heavier weight grout. If it maintains with no additional water, Hoen says, they’ll finish the tie-in later today. However, if water continues to be an issue, they’ll re-evaluate the situation. They have to ensure there are no water-related issues in the vicinity of a live gas main. The workers on the job site were not at liberty to talk but I have a call in to their Project Manager. Even if they’re able to tie-in the pipeline today, there’s still plenty of finishing work including repairing the sidewalks and landscape.
CUP for brew pubs
Brew pubs, taprooms, cocktail rooms, microbreweries and distilleries were approved by the Northfield City Council last month. While they could operate under the current tavern definition, City Planner Scott Tempel told the Planning Commission last week that he didn’t think it was a good idea. There are other considerations including the possible growth of these places to include bottling and distribution, which would mean more truck traffic as well as odors associated with it. He has been through this in other towns. Tempel urged the commission to consider the size they’ll allow as the current ordinance allows up to 250,000 barrels a year. The average microbrewery starts at closer to 300 barrels a year. They added an amendment to Tempel’s ordinance that would require a CUP (conditional use permit) in the C1 district downtown. It should address any growth. A public hearing is set for April 16th.
10 year old is honored
Amber Fredrickson of Northfield was honored last Friday. She’s the 10 year old who managed to take control of the vehicle her mom was driving while suffering a diabetic reaction. Deputy Chief Mark Dukatz said her parents, siblings and grandparents were all there as she was given a plaque.
Sgt. Tussing, Amber, Tim Siebsen
Dispatcher Tim Siebsen gave her a recording of their 911 call. Police Chief Monte Nelson noted in a press release that Amber got the hug she wanted from Seibsen. Mayor Graham declared March 27th as Amber Fredrickson Day.
Amber Fredrickson and Mayor Graham
About a dozen police officers were also on hand, several of whom responded that day. Dukatz said she was a bit shy but obviously pleased. Chief Nelson said earlier that Amber prevented an accident as so often medical emergencies turn into crashes. Amber also received a card and gift from a Northfield resident who had experienced a similar incident with a family member.
There’s no Northfield City Council meeting tonight. They’ll be back in session April 7th.
Rice Co. ranks 29 out of 87
The County Health Rankings were recently released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Rice County ranks 29th out of 87 counties in overall health outcomes. Dakota County ranked 19th. Carver County ranked 1st overall and Mahnomen, in the northwest quadrant, ranked last. An alarming ranking is the percentage of driving deaths related to alcohol in Mahnomen were 88%. By contrast, in Rice County it was 16% and Dakota County 33%. For more information on all the rankings and what they measure go to countyhealthrankings.org.
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The post Today’s news update – Plagued by problems pipeline work continues; Rice Co. ranks 29 out of 87 CUP for brew pubs; 10 year old is honored; appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.