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Local news is topic of community forum at library
The Northfield News and the Northfield Public Library are collaborating on a public forum designed to engage community members about local news coverage. On Wednesday, Aug. 17, Pamela Thompson, the associate editor of Northfield News, Ross Ulrich, advertising director for the News, Philip Weyhe, regional managing editor, and Randy Rickman, president, will field comments and answer questions about local journalism and processes at the News from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Northfield Public Library, 201 Washington St. ...
Smaller communities in area struggle to recruit candidates, appointees
Across south central Minnesota, small towns are looking for new leaders to step up and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to often short-handed local boards. Whether it’s because they’re concerned about their lack of specialized knowledge, or worry about the time commitment, or feel less than motivated to apply for work they see as thankless and poorly paid, Nerstrand City Clerk Dana Jans says it’s hard to get volunteers for city boards. ...
Dukes split first 2 games of series against New Market
The Dundas Dukes opened play in the Section 1B playoffs on Friday, Aug. 5 with an 8-7 victory over New Market that was sealed with an RBI single to left center field by Kyle Hrncir, scoring Carson Jones in the bottom of the ninth inning. The final inning heroics capped a see-saw battle between the Dukes and New Market at Memorial Park in Dundas. The game started in favor of the Muskies as they scored three unanswered runs to gain a 3-0 lead heading into...
Rare special and primary election is Aug. 9
Rice County residents are casting votes today in state and county primary races and in a special election to temporarily fill a congressional seat. Redistricting and the special election make today's election especially complex. The special election will select one of four candidates to fill Minnesota's District 1 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives through the remainder of the year, following the death of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. The candidates...
THC-infused products could get drivers in hot water
A month after the Minnesota Legislature legalized products containing small amounts of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive substance found in marijuana, local law enforcement say they have not yet seen a corresponding increase in THC-intoxicated driving. As more local stores begin selling products infused with Delta-9 THC, it’s likely that local drivers will come into contact more and more with THC-infused products. But given the way the law is currently written, anyone planning to drive would be well advised to exercise caution before consuming these products. ...
Raising money for cancer research a side project for Northfield patrol officer
Check that task off, and that one next, then that one. Northfield Patrol Officer Champange Eiklenborg lives a busy life using check lists. When she’s not working nights as a bike patrol officer, Eiklenborg is busy launching the Pink Patch Project (PPP) to raise local money for the American Cancer Society. “To do lists are my thing,” she said. “I’m a busy bee, always doing something.” ...
Plastic bags utilized to create 2 new benches for Northfield Retirement Community
When Mary Ann Lancaster lived in Pine City, one of the projects she coordinated for her local Lions Club was to collect enough clean used plastic — approximately 500 pounds — to eventually be turned into a bench. Lancaster, who recently moved to Northfield, persuaded the Eagles Club here to adopt the environmentally-friendly project. The club responded. Not only did the Eagles collect enough recycled plastic for one bench, they...
Northfield teen who was struck by vehicle dies
A 14-year-old Northfield girl has died from injuries after she was struck by a vehicle while bicycling to soccer practice Tuesday. Melanie Valencia was struck at Jefferson Parkway and Afton Street a little before 6 p.m., Tuesday, according to a news release from the Northfield Police Department. Valencia was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and died on Thursday. The driver of the car was an 18-year-old Northfield man, and...
Northfield police chief reports increased crime in 2022 2nd quarter
Despite the absence of any public comments, the Northfield City Council got right down to business Monday evening to approve the Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service budget for 2023 and discuss a quarterly police report. Crime statistics New crime data shows that Northfield Police responded to 8,271 calls, an 11% increase from first quarter and an 8% increase from 2021. Police Chief Mark Elliott said such an increase was...
Sundance film "Summering" co-written by local scriptwriter opens at Cannon Valley Cinema
"It's the waning days of summer for four friends Dina, Lola, Daisy, and Mari, who will soon be going their separate ways when they all start middle school. While planning how to spend their last weekend together, they stumble across a mystery that takes them on a life-changing adventure. The friends make a series of discoveries that are as much about solving the mystery as they are about learning the hard truths of growing up." That's a succinct summary, written by Northfield writer Benjamin Percy,...
Council considers ordinance regulating edibles
Following the state’s legalization of hemp-derived THC edibles, some businesses in the area are putting the cannabinoid substance on their shelves. With THC gummies now in high demand and entering the local market, the Northfield City Council debated whether or not to impose additional regulations on sellers. A Minnesota state law was enacted in June permitting the sale of products with no more than 0.3% THC and no more than 5 milligrams of THC per serving to people at least 21 years old. ...
30th Relay For Life to be the last in Rice County
Friday may mark the 30th and final time cancer survivors, walkers who have lost a loved one and many others will gather in Rice County to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. But it’s far from the last time locals will come together to support people who are fighting cancer. Organizers of the Relay For Life are forming a new nonprofit and plan to make their future charitable efforts more locally focused. ...
Drunken driver caused crash that caused 5 injuries near Northfield, charges say
A Northfield man had an alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit when he caused a four-vehicle crash in November that injured himself and four others, charges now say. Treyvon Russle Paulson, 23, was charged with four counts of criminal vehicular operation Aug. 2 in Rice County District Court. A crash reconstruction determined Paulson was going over 80 mph when he caused a crash the night of Nov....
Northfield insurance agent accused of defrauding clients, including undocumented people
A former Northfield insurance agent is accused of defrauding clients by faking policies, pocketing premium payments and using payments to pay for other clients’ policies. Luis Angel Dominguez Martinez, 25, now of Shakopee, was charged Aug. 3 in Rice County District Court with 12 counts of insurance fraud, nine counts of aggravated forgery, seven counts of financial card fraud and six counts of theft by swindle. Dominguez Martinez worked at...
Former Raiders excel at collegiate level
The 2021-22 academic year saw several former Northfield High School student-athletes make their mark at the collegiate level. The following are a handful of the Raiders who received honors for their athletic and academic accomplishments this year at area colleges and universities. Kate Boland A former standout on the Northfield High School girls hockey team, Kate Boland has been selected as a team captain for the upcoming 2022-23 women’s hockey...
Farmers in area see reason for optimism but could use more moisture
After unseasonably cool weather in April led to a late planting season, alarmingly dry conditions hindered the potential for crop growth. However, crucial recent rains appear to have helped many farmers get back on track for a respectable crop. With inflation and rising input costs coupled with markets that have certainly been volatile, but overall have seen elevated commodity prices, it’s been clear from the start that the stakes of this year’s planting season are even greater than usual. ...
3 Rice County sheriff candidates on primary ballot
Next week's primary ballot for Rice County Sheriff will have three names: Rice County investigations Sgt. Ross Spicer, former Northfield police officer Richard Bailey and incumbent Sheriff Jesse Thomas. Each of the candidates are longtime residents of Rice County and have years of experience in law enforcement. Thomas and Spicer feel the department works well in its current state, but there is some room for improvement. Bailey would like to see major changes in the department, including eliminating some leadership positions. ...
Car versus bike crash leaves 14-year old in critical condition
A 14-year-old female bicyclist from Northfield was hit by an 18-year-old car driver at 5:52 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Afton Street. According to a Northhfield Police Department report, the bicyclist received serious injuries and was treated at the scene by first responders from Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service, Northfield Police Department, and Northfield Ambulance. She was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition. The driver of the car was an 18 year old man from Northfield and was not injured. He was cooperative with officers and troopers investigating the crash. There is no further information available from the Northfield Police Department at this time. The Minnesota State Patrol in handling the reconstruction of this crash and assisting with the investigation.
Wednesday Wear a place for giving and receiving
In 2014 Linda Kispert and Marlene Floren began brainstorming ways to fill the newly emptied rooms of Nerstrand United Methodist Church. The rooms that were once used for summer school were soon transformed into a one-stop secondhand shop. It didn’t take long for the rooms to fill up with donated clothing items, shoes, knick-knacks, kitchen items and books. All items are free, but cash donations are accepted with gratitude by...
Open seats on November ballot for school board, municipalities
Those interested in serving their community through local government have several opportunities this election season. School board seats, mayoral and council seats across Rice County are up for election this year. For most local positions, the candidate filing period opens today and candidates have until Aug. 16 to file. Mayors serve for two years. City Council and School Board seats are for four years. ...
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Northfield News has been serving Rice County, MN since 1876 and publishes Wednesdays and online at www.NorthfieldNews.com
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