Progress13

Progress 2013

BRIGHTER FUTURE? While Northfield-area Realtors and home builders won’t say the economy has fully recovered, they do say things are heading in the right direction.

Northfield News Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Traditional Values.

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PAGE 2A

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Progress/Portraits 2013 A special section of the Northfield News 115th W. 5th Street, Northfield, MN 55057 507-645-5615 Publisher & Editor Sam Gett Managing Editor Jerry Smith Creative Services Jenny Schoenbauer Advertising Sales Lauran Rott Joan Koester Megan Zwolenski Editorial Jerry Smith Kaitlyn Walsh Jordan Osterman Ashley Klemer Kara Hildreth Kate Fridley Jaci Smith Cristeta Boarini The Progress/Portraits 2013 special section is distributed to subscribers of the Northfield News at no additional charge. All rights reserved. Copyright 2013.

All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. Please patronize and thank the advertisers for helping make this special section possible.

INSIDE COLUMNS Dana Graham ............... 3A Mary Schmelzer ........... 4A Chris Richardson .......... 5A John McCarthy ............. 5A Zach Pruitt ................... 6A Lynne Pederson ........... 6A Joel Erickson ................ 7A ANNIVERSARIES Community Resource Bank Cannon Valley Veterinary Welch Plumbing, Inc. Quality Appliance KYMN Radio Specialized Flooring Rob Martin Agency Northfield Dairy Queen

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Signs of improvement seen in the Northfield real estate, home construction marketplaces

By JERRY SMITH

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

I

f you are in the market to buy a home in Northfield or the surrounding area, you can’t help but notice that there are fewer to choose from compared to last year and years past.

Listings are down about 15 percent from the same time last year, according to the Minnesota Association of Realtors. Just ask any Realtor in the area and they would confirm that number.

The real story in today’s real estate marketplace continues to be the low inventory – at a 10-year low. Overall, buyers are finding fewer choices in the marketplace, which in some ways concern area Realtors. According to the Minnesota Association of Realtors and verified by local agents, this is a reflection of the decrease in closed sales as well.

But those same Realtors will tell you the inventory is low in Northfield because of a number of factors that signal an uptick in the industry.

“It’s been a ver y active spring,” said Peter Mergens, a broker and owner of Professional Pride Realty. “We’re seeing the lowest inventory since the spring of 2007. We have buyers

Like most other real estate markets, Northfield has seen a low inventory of houses and condominiums. Those houses on the market are being snatched up quickly. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

because of the historically low rates being offered.”

Coldwell Banker’s Dianne Kyte says low inventories make it tough to show potential buyers a variety of homes in their price range. She said there are only 158 active properties, including homes and condominiums, in the area. Normally, she said, that number is in the 200s pretty

consistently.

But she and her fellow Realtors have not been deterred by the low inventory, and say some positives have emerged in the marketplace.

“It’s a good thing that we are selling,” she said. “The prices of homes have increased. We’ve also been seeing sales in the $250,000 to $350,000 bracket in

the past three of four years, and that’s an indication that things are starting to look up.”

While Kyte says it is sometimes hard to find properties for people because of the low inventory in the area, she believes the market is strengthening. But she says that with caution as things can change pretty quickly in the current economy.

“It still isn’t and easy market for buyers or sellers,” Kyte said.

“Prices aren’t what they were six years ago, that’s for sure. We’re walking away with happier sellers compared to two to three years ago, so we’re optimistic now. Everybody is optimistic.”

Numbers from the Minnesota Association of Realtors verify what area Realtors are saying.

Statewide numbers continue to show growth in the housing market for Minnesota. The median sales price has increased about 14 percent. Homeowners have seen this median value increase from $125,000 in February 2012 to $142,754 in the same period in 2013.

Also, homeowners are receiving about 92 percent of their original list price as sales prices trend upward. That’s almost a 3 percent increase from 2012.

Numbers shared by Mergens reflect that the average sales price is up as well. On a national level, he said, the previous year average was $175,354, while this year’s average price is $213,250.

He said that Professional Pride Realty agents sold 180 properties between Jan. 1 2012 and July 18, 2012. During the same time period in 2013, his Realtors have sold 183 homes.

See OPTIMISM on 3A

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARY: COMMUNITY RESOURCE BANK Name of company: Community Resource Bank Address: 1605 Heritage Dr., Northfield President: Don Kuehnast Year started: 1878 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: Community Resource Bank has a long history of serving the Northfield community; 135 years to be exact! The bank is dedicated to satisfying the needs of customers and employees in a warm and friendly hometown atmosphere.

At Community Resource Bank, we offer a talented team ready to assist with all of Northfield’s financial needs. From the basics of true personal service to the latest in electronic banking conveniences, we have the resources and the desire to serve individuals, families and businesses in a manner that is rare in an industry increasingly filled with very large, non-local banks.

First chartered in Northfield in

1878, we have since expanded to include branches in Cannon Falls and Roseville. From checking to savings and from loans to investments, Community Resource Bank is truly a one-stop shop.

All types of loans are available, including home financing/ refinancing, construction, and home equity, as well as commercial financing, such as inventory financing, commercial real estate, and bridge loans.

We offer cash management services, including remote deposit for businesses…. the time saving ability to make deposits, securely, without going to the Bank simply by scanning checks at their place of business.

Our products are constantly being upgraded to stay current with the latest developments in technology and changes in customer needs. Most recently, we launched Mobile Banking, Account Alerts and PopMoney. We are proud to offer a unique checking account package called BaZing that

includes numerous add-ons such as Cell Phone replacement, Identity Theft protection and discounts on groceries, hotel stays, restaurants, car rentals and more.

Additionally we offer safe deposit, IRAs, health savings, CDs, money market savings, and other traditional depository services. To maximize convenience, we have four 24-hour ATM’s located in Northfield; our most recent with envelope-free deposit capability.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

The very best thing about operating a bank in Northfield is the people. There is an energy and vibrancy in Northfield that sets it apart from other small towns across the Midwest. Northfield residents take pride in their community and its successes. They jump in and help when the chips are down and others are in need. Community Resource Bank is proud to be a part of that.

We pride ourselves on having helped thousands of customers

achieve their dreams; whether it be buying a house, saving for college or starting a small businesses.

No customer is considered too small for Community Resource Bank to partner with. We find that our special niche is helping smaller businesses, many with downtown Northfield locations, who need a bank to believe in them and help them succeed. The Bank also has a tradition of supporting local organizations through donations.

As a local independent bank, we celebrate our special connection with customers by hosting an annual Customer Appreciation Day where people are welcomed to enjoy food and friendly conversation. We always want to remember that it’s our customers who have helped make the bank a success from the very first day we opened in 1878. We thank each and every customer for your loyalty and dedication to CRB. We look forward to continuing to serve Northfield for many years to come!

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Northfield News Progress

PAGE 3A

Northfield City Council Optimism: Real estate, construction markets improving works to build productive relationships From Page 2A

“Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex.” — Hugh McKay Even in a city known for “Contentment” it takes hard work to build positive relationships in order to provide quality municipal services.

That is what Northfield City Council is doing as it works through issues and projects in 2013 and sets the ground work for future years.

The Council is working with its community associates to examine how best to serve the community in a wide range of areas, e.g. Northfield Hospital, Northfield Community Resource Center, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northfield Downtown Development Corporation, and Fire Services for Dundas and area townships.

The Council started the year out with four relatively new members and has devoted time to building the working relationships between its members.

For example, last week the Council held a special meeting focused on reviewing its rules of business and to discuss meeting procedures.

Later this year the Council is also planning on holding a retreat with the City management team to explore ways to build the mission-driven relationship between the policy makers and administrative staff.

On the intergovernmental level, the City has a number of agreements with Northfield School District, Minnesota Department of Transportation and Rice County that serve our community, e.g. city recreation program, street improvements and economic development.

The City Council continues to explore ways to assist business development in Northfield by working with its advisory boards in updating the Land Develop-

Progress View Mayor Dana Graham

ment Code, creating opportunities for Greenfield Commercial Development and supporting local businesses.

The quality of life is being addressed this year with the new Skate Board Park, as well as planning for a new park in the southeast section of Northfield and studying ways to enhance the Cannon River as a community asset.

Building positive relationships in any human endeavor requires open communication, identification of mutual self-interest and a willingness to work together.

Building relationships does not mean there is total agreement. In fact, it often means finding the means to work together when serious disagreements exist between the parties.

Productive relationships in the City have translated into concrete actions from building a new police facility, to remodeling City Hall, to aggressively revamping the street improvement program.

The council this year has had to wrestle with controversial issues on the Maple Street sidewalks, the Water Street development and the Tiger Trail project.

In each case there has been vigorous debate along with careful review of options. This process has produced compromise and adjustments to create positive outcomes.

Dana Graham is the Northfield mayor and can be reached (612) 483-2570 or dana.graham@ci.northfield.mn.us.

“Things are going in the right direction,” Mergens said. “[The numbers] show we are selling more and also that we are selling more expensive homes. It’s been a very good marketplace, yet there is still instability. People should still be cautious.”

Rachel VanDenBoom, a manager for Edina Realty in Northfield and the surrounding area, agrees. She remains positive about the real estate marketplace.

“It’s been a nice 18-month to two-year climb,” she said. “It’s definitely going in the right direction. We’re seeing a modest increase in prices, which leads me to believe it’s a healthy real estate environment.”

But like with nearly all of the area Realtors, VanDenBoom is proceeding with caution. Some of that has to do with rate increases that have occurred in the past 30 days or so. Interest rates have gone from the mid-3s to above 4 recently, and that has slowed things down.

“The government is trying to get out of the real estate business,” she said. “That has moved the needle a lot. It risks the first-time homeowners.

“All in all, we’ve moved from a very strong buyer’s market for four to five years to a more balanced market. What would move us to a seller’s market would be low inventory and low interest rates.”

Home construction

Along with the improved real estate market comes an improved outlook for new home construction and remodeling projects in Northfield and the

Chris Kennelly, owner of Northfield Construction Company, believes things are looking up for new house construction and remodeling. This new house at 611 College St. was started in May and is near completion, while NCC is about to start building a new house in the area as well.

(Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

surrounding area.

According to city of Northfield building official Jim Kessler, a recent increase in the number of Northfield building permits issued means things could be looking up for local contractors.

Last year, the city of Northfield issued 15 permits for new houses. Kessler said that 16 have been issued so far this year, with more pending. The same is true for remodeling permits issued in the city. Through June, Kessler said 82 permits have been issued. He said there was a total of 93 in 2012.

“There is a wide spectrum of construction going on in Northfield,” Kessler said. “We’ve issued more permits through July 30 than the number of all permits last year. That’s a very good sign.”

Northfield Construction owner Chris Kennelly is optimistic about the numbers coming out of the city. He says he has talked to a lot more people recently about building and remodeling projects, which is a positive sign.

Kennelly said his crews have been a lot busier this spring and summer than in the past. With one house on College Avenue nearly complete, Kennelly says his crews will start another new home construction project on the heels of that one.

“It’s definitely an increase over last year on both accounts (new home construction and remodeling),” he said. “Residential building has been down so far since 2007, it has nowhere to go but up. We’re very optimistic that the work we have now is a sign that things are turning

around. We’re really hoping it is an uptick.”

So with the Northfield real estate market beginning to show signs of improvement, as well as in the area home construction and remodeling industry, there is cause for cautious optimism.

“We saw new construction just north of us take off last year,” Mergens said. “We’re starting to see that here this year. We see this moving in the right direction. Things should slowly start to ease and get better. There is still a crunch in the rental market and that will continue. But as for the real estate marketplace, better things are on the horizon.”

Reach Managing Editor Jerry Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield

“It’s been a nice 18-month to two-year climb. It’s definitely going in the right direction. We’re seeing a modest increase in prices, which leads me to believe it’s a healthy real estate environment.”

Rachel VanDenBoom Manager, Edina Realty

progress anniversary: cannon valley veterinary clinic pa Name of company: Cannon Valley Veterinary Clinic PA Address: 1200 S Hwy 3, Northfield Owners: Mike Strobel DVM, Mark Werner DVM Year started: 1983 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long:

We have been serving the local animal owners both farm and companion animals.

We provide the highest quality of service and we have grown steadily through the years with Northfield.

We began with two doctors to our current six doctor practice serving clients throughout southern Minnesota.

We have seen our practice evolve over time from a primary farm animal practice to

a mixture of farm and companion animals to the current practice serving mainly companion animals and swine farmers in the area.

We have also expanded into pet boarding and pet supplies. In 2006, we spun off our large animal distribution business into a new company Veterinary Provisions Inc which currently serves clients in 23 states.

We plan to stay a high quality provider of

veterinary care well into the future.

We want to thank all of our customers for their continued support. We as business owners and all our employees love living and working here in Northfield. We enjoy giving back to the community.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

The great clients we have and the diverse community we live in.

with us...

You’ll discover the perfect place to worship in the Northfield area. Our churches serve all denominations and welcome visitors to each service.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

ELCA EVERYONE WELCOME

Sunday Worship 8:30am - Worship 9:30am - Sunday School, Youth Forums, Friendship Forum 10:45am - Contemporary Worship

418 East Sumner Street • Northfield, MN Phone: 507-645-8252 Website • www.northfieldstp.org

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

First United Church of Christ An Open & Affirming, Just Peace and “God Is Still Speaking” congregation

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Todd Smith Lippert, Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Bob Griggs, Interim Associate Minister 507-645-7532 • www.firstucc.org 300 Union Street, Northfield, Minnesota

St. John’s Lutheran Church Welcomes You To Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays

8:30 and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays

Learning & Fellowship for all ages at 9:45 a.m.

Summer Worship

Tune in to KYMN AM 1080 8:30 a.m. Sunday: Live Broadcast NTV (Cable channel 12) 7:30 p.m. Monday and 7:00 p.m. Friday

www.stjohnsnorthfield.org 500 Third St. W. • Northfield • 645-4429

All Saints Bethel Lutheran

Episcopal Church

MID WEEK TUESDAY

7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer followed by Bible Study

WEDNESDAY 7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (occasional Holy Eucharist) followed by Coffee Hour

SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal (Sept-June)

10:30 a.m. HOLY EUCHARIST 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church (when school is in session) 10:30 a.m.

Nursery for infants/toddlers (year round) 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour

All Saints Episcopal Church 5th & Washington St. Northfield • 507 645 7417

The Rev. Gayle Marsh & The Rev. Jill Tollefson

allsaintsnorthfield.org

Church, ELCA Sunday Mornings: 8:30 & 10:45 Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:45 Sunday School and Adult Education Summers: 8:30 & 10:00 Worship w/ Holy Communion

1321 North Avenue • Northfield 786-6674 • www.bethelnorthfield.org

Building disciples for Christ and His Kingdom

PAGE 4A

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

‘Th is is Northfi eld’ 2013 PROJECTS campaign promotes Northfield construction shifts from colleges to city ‘our’ community

By KAITLYN WALSH

kwalsh@northfieldnews.com

Following two years that were dominated by new development and construction at Northfield’s colleges, this year’s projects include a few major developments involving the city, such as the reconfiguration of city hall and 2013’s behemoths: the police facility and the Spring Creek Townhome Project.

1 . Spring Creek Townhomes Southbridge Drive A 28-unit affordable housing complex. Among others, the City of Northfield, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Minnesota Housing and

3. Ellingson Hall, St. Olaf tember 1520 St. Olaf Ave. 5. DaVita Dialysis Center Interior renovation, install energy efficient windows, re2004 Jefferson Rd., Suite E move central bathrooms for and F gathering spaces, four-story Renovation of building Construction cost: $520,000 addition Complete: June Construction cost: 2. Northfield police facility $1,038,728 6. 527 Professional Dr. 1615 Riverview Dr. Complete: Planned for midOffices, a training room, a August Interior remodel for office garage and more to house the spaces.

4. Northfield City Hall Construction cost: $348,921 Northfield Police Department.

801 Washington St. Complete: Construction cost: $4.7 million (Total project budget: $7.28 City hall refurbished to bring million) it up to code, while making it Reach Reporter Kaitlyn Complete: Planned to be more open and easier for the Walsh at 645-1117, and follow substantially complete in spring public to navigate. her on Twitter.com @NFNKaitConstruction cost: $597,349 lyn.

2014 Complete: Planned for SepFinance Agency are funding the project developed by Three Rivers Community Action.

Total project cost: $7 million Complete: Planned for the end of December. First units expected in October.

Spring Creek Townhomes

Northfield police facility

Ellingson Hall, St. Olaf College

Northfield City Hall

DaVita Dialysis

527 Professional Dr.

Have you seen these new residents of Northfield? One is a young-ish dad, about 5-foot, 10-inches photographing everything in sight; the other is his 8-year-old son, leashed gray dog in one hand and perpetually pointing with the other. They are our new mascots and are bringing Northfield alive.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau, a division of the Chamber, has launched a new campaign called, “This is Northfield” to promote our community to visitors. The campaign is very visually-centered, relying on hand-illustrated characters to relay the quaint, fun, unique and opportunity-filled community that is our own.

But the new campaign isn’t just for visitors. It should speak to all of us who’ve chosen to live, work, and/or run businesses in our area.

This is Northfield. We are a community who values its businesses, whether they are large employers, non-profits, franchises or mom-and-pops.

Each plays a very vital role in the overall health of our community.

This is Northfield. And this is Dundas. And these are our other neighbors. We are one community, and we want to support, encourage and build on the efforts of our many individuals and organizations. A tagline we’ve been using at the Chamber is, “we’re stronger together.” Because we are stronger together, pulling in the same direction for a healthy business environment. This benefits not only businesses, but our school system, our employment opportunities and community quality

Progress View Mary Schmelzer

of life.

This is Northfield. We’re creating opportunities for success with our new Chamber website, its built-in calendar and better member directory and promotion. Many people look to the Chamber first for reliable information on products and services, relocation support and visitor activities and attractions. It is very “Northfield” to be helpful and encouraging, and we want to display this attitude to visitors and locals alike.

And now the little boy and his dog are pointing at you: “are you Northfield?” Are you supporting, encouraging, involved?

Are you working to make our community stronger?

Let’s not be a community who points back at him as if to say, “um, yeah, well that’s somebody else’s job.” Each individual, organization and business has the capability to say “yes, I am!” and to back that up with action and positivity.

Take a long hard look at our new “mascots” and see yourself in them. Don’t just look at our community through a camera.

Be the boy with his dog, anxious to explore the next opportunity with excitement and joy, getting involved in the experience of being part of our town.

Mary Schmelzer is executive director of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 507-645-5604.

The CVB campaign called “This is Northfield” includes a fresh website, on-air and online Minnesota Public Radio sponsorship, presence on social media, downtown Minneapolis pedicab advertising and unconventional guerrilla marketing., according to Mary Schmelzer, executive director of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARY: WELCH PLUMBING, INC. Name of company: Welch Plumbing, Inc. Address: 1948 Roosevelt Dr Northfield MN 55057 Owner: Mark Welch - Owner/Operator Year started: 2003 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: Welch Plumbing is a family owned and worked business with good family style values.

We always try to give quality work, honest opinions ad respect to our customers at a fair price.

Most of us have grown up and always lived here.

Many of our customers are very loyal.

They remermber us when were kids and teenagers or they remember our parents or our kids. I do not think we would still be doing business if they didn’t like or trust us.

One thing that I have learned is that you

can’t be everything to everyone, but we try our very best.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

Northfield is a great community to work in. Talking with our customers about current events or hearing about Northfield’s past or the way it used to be is my favorite. Even giving the “newbies” to Northfield a quick history lesson is fun.

Northfield also has so many ways for us to give back to the community. Welch Plumbing and it’s employees have done and do many volunteer projects thoughout the year, from the Veterns Memorial to the soccer fields and from the Key, Boys Scouts and Habitat for Humanity, and many other projects.

Its an honor to give back and be a part of this great town.

Thank you for 10 great years, we hope to serve you for many more. Thank you from all of us at Welch Plumbing, Inc.

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* Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 1.99% is effective as of 6/1/13 and will remain fixed for 12 months assuming a Community Resource Bank (CRB) auto-pay relationship. Available on Home Equity Lines of Credit of $25,000 or more with less than 90% combined loan-to-value. Rate pertains to new loan requests or an increase of $10,000 or more to an existing CRB loan. If you made only the minimum monthly payment and took no other advances a balloon payment will result. It would take 5 years to pay off a credit advance of $25,000 with an annual percentage rate of 1.99% for the first 12 months and a variable interest rate at Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (currently 3.25%) plus .74% APR with a floor of 3.99% APR for the remaining 48 months. During that period, you would make 12 payments of $40.89 and 47 payments of $81.99 with a final payment of $25,081.99. Other rates and terms are available.

Maximum 18% APR. Offer is subject to credit qualifications including a beacon score of 700 or higher. Closing costs may apply ranging from $300 to $600.

Property insurance is required. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Rates are subject to change. Some restrictions may apply.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Northfield News Progress

PAGE 5A

Dundas well positioned High demand brings DaVita HealthCare to continue its growth new business

dialysis center to Northfield

By John McCarthy

By KATE FRIDLEY

intern@northfieldnews.com

Northfield residents who undergo dialysis treatments are receiving a welcome relief this summer.

DaVita, the dialysis division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., is in the process of opening a new dialysis center in Northfield, located on Jefferson St. The facility is opening in response to the high number of patients requesting a dialysis center in the area. Currently, patients in Northfield must travel 20 to 30 minutes to a center in Faribault to receive treatment three times a week for four hours each session. DaVita aims to provide a more convenient location for Northfield residents and reduce the burden of travel time.

Officially, the center is now open and serving a small number of patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

However, it is still waiting on approval from Medicare surveyors before it can begin treating Medicare patients, which could take several months.

DaVita was able to get plans for the center rolling with help from the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Robert Albright, a nephrologist and Mayo Clinic physician, is the facility’s medical director.

Albright hopes the local center will serve as a stable, familiar

DaVita Dialysis at 2004 Jefferson Rd., Suite E and F, is now open for business. (Jerry Smith/ Northfield News)

location for patients who previously searched outside of town for treatment and ran the risk of receiving fragmented care.

“It’s really important that patients have an integrated care system,” Albright said. “Mayo became involved because we recognized that when patients are receiving dialysis treatment we don’t want them to be on an island. They don’t want to go where people don’t know them.”

DaVita is not part of the Mayo

Clinic, but the two companies are collaborating on the project, with as the DaVita owner and operator of the facility and the Mayo Clinic providing medical staff.

This will be the second instance the companies have partnered to set up a local clinic. The first is the Red Wing Dialysis Center, where Albright also serves as medical director.

The Northfield center will bring a handful of new jobs to the area. It will staff between six

and eight employees, about half of which are new openings.

While DaVita hopes to expand its presence in Northfield and address the growing need for local dialysis centers, this is the only center the company plans to open in the area in the near future.

Kate Fridley is an intern at the Northfield News. She can be reached at 507-645-1106.

Northfield schools continue to take strides in educational performance, other areas The Northfield Public School District is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Students and staff have made great strides in educational performance and instructional improvement.

Highlights during the past 12 months • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) supported increased student achievement through strengthened teaching, while flexible grouping allowed students to learn at their instructional level.

• The District implemented Response to Intervention (RtI) in all elementary buildings. RtI provided support and interventions when students are having difficulties with learning. Getting students “back on track” resulted in decreased referrals to special education.

• The District implemented Phase I of a Transformational Technology Initiative that trained all teachers to use tablet computers effectively in preparation for a 1:1 student initiative.

• Elementary and secondary students continued to outperform the state and nation in

Progress View Dr. Chris Richardson

ings in the second semester of the 2012-13 school year.

Future plans and progress • The District will expand the implementation of Response to Intervention (RtI) in all our schools. RtI will continue to support academic interventions when students are having difficulties with learning and expand interventions for students who need positive behavior support.

• The District will implement Phase II of the Transformational Technology initiative providing a tablet computer for every secondary student and a pod of 4-6 tablet computers in elementary classrooms.

Optimism for the future • District staff deeply appreciate our supportive community and the financial stability provided by the Operating and Capital Projects Levies. We remain committed to delivering educational excellence that empowers all learners to participate in our dynamic world.

MAP, MCA, ACT, PLAN and EXPLORE tests.

• 85 percent of our high school students taking the Advanced Placement (AP) tests earned college credit for AP high school classes.

• The TORCH program increased high school graduation and college entrance for Latino and first generation collegebound students.

Adapting to economic and security challenges • Community support of the Operating and Capital Projects Levies and the District’s stewardship of our budget reserves allowed us to maintain all programs and staff for the 2013-14 school year.

• The District’s self-insured healthcare continued to provide stability in healthcare premiums Chris Richardson is Superincosts for 2012-13. tendent of Northfield Schools. He • Increased security measures can be reached at 507-663-0629. were implemented in all build-

Progress View

Dundas City Administrator

The City of Dundas continues to expand with a reported population increase of 2.9 percent from the 2010 census.

Residential building is picking up with an almost doubling of new home permits issued.

Many existing homes are selling just days after being placed on the market.

The space formerly occupied by a Sears store is being remodeled to house a major dialysis clinic and several local businesses are considering or actively pursuing expansion plans.

A new tradition is being established with the opening of Martha’s Eats & Treats in a former restaurant space.

The City Council is moving forward with two major improvement projects, a reconstruction of Depot Street and the construction of a combined public works and public safety facility.

Combined with savings from the refunding of existing bonds and application of currently budgeted funds to the new projects, it is anticipated the improvements can be accomplished without the need to increase the levy.

The city is actively involved with the regional trail system and continues to work with the State of Minnesota and local governments to complete the

John McCarthy

Mill Towns State Trail. Working with the City of Northfield and local property owners, a trail on the east side of the Cannon River is being planned which will provide a loop trail system connecting both downtowns.

Dundas continues to be a family friendly small town with an active group of volunteers who organize events including an annual skating party, Easter egg hunt and other activities.

Volunteers recently pitched in to construct a warming house and expand an ice sheet to the benefit of the entire region. The annual community festival, Celebrate Dundas, continues to expand. Our Dundas Dukes, from the “Town of Baseball”, fill Memorial Park with some of the best town ball in the state.

The City is well positioned to continue its growth with newly built infrastructure and space to grow. In Dundas a person is rarely more than two or three blocks from the river, woods or a cornfield.

John McCarthy is Dundas City Administrator. He can be reached at 507-645-2852.

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Submit a column or letter to the opinion page.

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Sid & Martha Kasper 612-483-1323

Bob Stangler 507-581-9373

Linne Jensen 612-309-2174

Paul Reiland 952-292-5999

Erik Severson 952-292-5999

Judy Hill 612-810-2913

Leigh Schrader 612-290-1430

Jesse Steed 507-301-6785

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Sonja Freeland 507-202-2378

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Anne & Darvin Laue 507-254-6145

Diana Baretto Lobo 954-600-5529

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Meg Tilley 507-645-4491

Tracy Corcoran 612-424-5099

Cheri Johnson 507-384-4334

Larry Lason 912-298-9268

Jan Sasse 507-645-1180

Paul Smith 507-645-1185

Millie Harbaugh 952-210-6157

Rachel Van Den Boom Broker/Mgr 507-645-1178

progress anniversary: quality appliance Name of company: Quality Appliance Address: 1180 Highway 3 South Owners: Carl and Sharon Vollbrecht and their two sons Ryan and Casey Year started: 1978 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: We feel our success in the Northfield business community comes partly from the fact that we specialize solely on home appliances; sales, service and installation.

We are happy to have earned the trust of our customers and enjoy helping them choose items based on their individual needs.

What is the best thing about operating

42 /7

a business in Northfield?

One of the best things about operating a business in Northfield is that we have a wide customer base: both rural and city. Unlike a larger metro-based store or “box” location, we can try to make their decision making easier by knowing a bit more of their lifestyle and try to “fit” their wants/needs.

Being around 35 years, we now see some of our first customers children/ grandchildren shop with us...that’s rewarding knowing they enjoy the experience shopping with us.

We thank the Northfield community and surrounding area for allowing us to survive... we’ve been fortunate and work hard each day to do what you expect from a family business.

Northfield News NorthfieldNews.com

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507-645-4491 or 800-646-4491 Please visit our professionals at www.northfield.edinarealty.com or mobile website, m.edinarealty.com

PAGE 6A

Northfield News Progress

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

State’s unemployment rate dips again in June Healthy Community

Initiative making Northfield a better place

By Faribault Daily News staff

Editor@faribault.com

The Minnesota unemployment rate fell to a seasonally adjusted 5.2 percent in June, reaching its lowest point since May 2008, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The U.S. unemployment rate in June was unchanged at 7.6 percent.

State employers added 400 jobs in June; a 2,500 increase in private sector hiring was offset by a 2,100 loss in government employment. May figures were revised upward by 1,900 jobs, from 8,400 jobs gained to 10,300. Over the past year, the state has added 54,100 jobs, a growth rate of 2 percent. The U.S. growth rate during that period was 1.7 percent.

“The Minnesota economy continues to improve, with the unemployment rate reaching a post-recessionary low point and private sector employers adding 2,500 jobs in June,” said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. “We have now recovered 95 percent of the jobs that were lost in the recession.”

Professional and business services added 3,600 jobs last month to lead all sectors. Other gains occurred in trade, transportation and utilities (up 1,900), leisure and hospitality (up 1,400), logging and mining (up 200), and education and health services (up 100).

Job losses occurred in June in government (down 2,100), finan-

By Zach Pruitt

From DEED

cial activities (down 1,200), construction (down 1,000), manufacturing (down 1,000), information (down 900) and other services (down 600).

Over the past year, professional and business services added 16,500 jobs. Other gains occurred during that period in leisure and hospitality (up 11,600), education and health services (up 11,000), trade, transportation and utilities (up 10,000), government (up 5,100), construction (up 2,100),

logging and mining (up 300), financial activities (up 300) and information (up 100).

Year-over-year job losses occurred in manufacturing (down 1,400) and other services (down 1,300).

In the state Metropolitan Statistical Areas, job growth occurred in the past 12 months in the Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA (up 2.9 percent), St. Cloud MSA (up 2.2 percent), Mankato MSA (up 0.8 percent), Rochester MSA

(up 0.6 percent) and DuluthSuperior MSA (up 0.4 percent).

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota. com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Northfield Senior Center buzzing with activity As I look out from my office into the lobby of the Northfield Senior Center, I am enthralled by the ‘buzz’ – people checking in to swim, to attend a class, a group that has just come out of the fitness studio that now linger on the couches to catch up with each others’ plan for the day, the early morning fitness group that stays after their workout to do the newspaper trivia quiz, the book club group that is so involved with the discussion that the bridge players wanting to use the room next will wait to set up.

And this is only a moment in time at the Northfield Senior Center. Multiply that by 365 days and you have a constant energetic mix of vitality, pleasure, and people engaged in healthy lifestyle activities.

The Center is a busy place.

Each year, there are more members and people participating — there are now 1,603 members, and in 2012 there were 86,366 times that people participated

Progress View

Healthy Community Initiative

Progress View Lynne Pederson

at the Center.

On average, there are 325 people using the Center each day. Weekly, 60 hours of classes were offered in the fitness studio, 14 aqua classes, and open and lap swim in the warm water pool; lifelong learning classes; arts, including the gallery, painting and drawing classes, theater productions, and dance.

The Center also saw plenty of social interaction — playing cards, quilting, attending book club, going on a trip, visiting with others; community engagement — 450 active volunteers, the Popcorn Wagon and Used A Bit Shoppe operations and services — information and referral, including weekly blood pressure checks, foot care, massage, Medicare counseling,

community blood drives.

For individuals, age 50 and better, and community users, it is a place where healthy minds, bodies, and spirits are nurtured.

During this past year, a committee made up of representatives of the original building partners (the Northfield Senior Center, the Community Action Center, Three Rivers Community Action Council, and the Northfield School district) completed a study of the feasibility of management and/ or transfer of ownership, of the City owned building, NCRC, where the Center is located.

The committee presented to the City Council in February 2013 the recommendation for the building partners to reinstate the original Governing Council and manage the building for the City, for the next two years, with the possibility of ownership transfer after that time.

No decision has been made by the City Council and they

progress anniversary: kymn radio Name of company: KYMN Radio Address: 200 Division St. Ste 260 Owner and/or Manager: Jeff Johnson Year started: 1968 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: Wayne Eddy signed KYMN on the air for the first time at 10 a.m. on Sept. 27, 1968.

From that time on, KYMN’s commitment has been to serve the broader Northfield area with news, information, and entertainment.

Through the years, we’ve prided ourselves on our local programming. In 2013 alone, more than 1,000 different local voices will be heard on KYMN throughout the year.

KYMN offers a wide variety of music not heard on other radio stations, and we are the Minnesota Twins radio affiliate for the area along with your home for Northfield Raider athletics.

Being hyper-local, keeping up with new technology and listener demands and having a solid staff of employees has helped KYMN remain vital and relevant well into the 21st century.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

From the standpoint of being a media outlet, having a listener base that is active and engaged with the community is the best thing we could hope for, and Northfield and the surrounding area is just that.

progress anniversary: specialized flooring Name of company: Specialized floor coverings.

Address: 236 Railway Street North, Dundas Owner: Josh Horejsi Year started: 2003 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: I started out scraping floors by hand with a 4-inch scraper. As years passed, I mastered floor installing of all types and found my customers to be extremely happy with quality of work.

I thought I would try and take things to the next level and open a flooring store.

My first location was in Dennison, which many thought would not work. Being I have passion for what I do, it panned out to be a great start to success, thanks to the many referrals I got and continue to have!

SFC has remained a vital business to Northfield because we offer great product's, installations and that hometown close knit shopping experience!

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

The best part of owning a business in Northfield is dealing with the people. We like to take care of our customers. That is why I have been able to hire employees to keep up the demand for quality service!

Shop local.

continue to study the recommendation.

Lynne Pederson is center director at the Northfield Senior Center.

The Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) is nearing the end of our 21st year.

Started by the Northfield Hospital, Northfield Public Schools, and City of Northfield coming together with other youth-serving partners, HCI has spent the past two decades working to empower local youth, strengthen families, and build community in Northfield.

As a coalition, HCI has the privilege of partnering with an amazing group of organizations, youth, parents, and community leaders.

In looking back over the past year, I am amazed and inspired by the people and organizations who work together to make Northfield a better place for youth. A couple of highlights of their efforts from this year include: • More than 300 low-income youth, minority students, and potential first-generation college students in grades 6-12 received academic and college access support from the TORCH program, which has become a statewide model.

• More than 1,100 Northfield youth spent time in free summer and after school programs through the PRIMEtime collaborative, which was recognized this year by the National League of Cities as an outstanding communitywide collaboration.

• Over 4.5 tons of medication has been collected in four years through the “Take It to The Box” project, which started here in our community and has now been replicated across the state.

Zach Pruitt

• A number of partners came together to successfully apply for Rice County to be one of 10 communities nationwide selected into a year-long national drug court training program.

Looking to the future, HCI is partnering on the launch of “Northfield Promise: Every child. Cradle to career.” This collective impact initiative seeks to align all the major community institutions together to work collectively to achieve a set of shared benchmarks for youth in Northfield.

Communities that have adopted such an approach have seen significant, positive changes for young people in their community – from improving kindergarten readiness to closing academic achievement gaps to making sure all youth have connections with caring adults.

HCI is excited for the potential of Northfield Promise and looks forward to the collaborative journey ahead.

Zach Pruitt is director of the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative.

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

PAGE 7A

Business Park tops progress news coming out of Lonsdale Progress View Joel Erickson

to businesses and 31 acres will be retained by the City and incorporated into the City’s park system.

The City entered into the agreement so the business park

project can move forward and get constructed with the ultimate goal of creating jobs and increasing the City’s tax base.

The impetus for the business park project was the fact the City was awarded a $1,500,000.00 Capital Project grant by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in September of 2012.

The Park Board has been working hard and is continually improving our park system. This year, new playground equipment has been installed at Sticha Park and Kalina Park. In addition to the playground equipment at Sticha Park, a pavilion has also been built. Both of these projects will be completed in the next several weeks.

The City continued with its

• Being involved with the community • Keeping customers happy.

• Keeping up to date • When you believe in a brand such as Dairy Queen, it is what makes the business last. Good, quality products produces longevity.

• A manager with a great attitude who is a mentor and works well with the employees.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

The people.

“Bob has a wonderful story,” says general manager Joni Steele. “He has worked hard to build this business and has helped make it a part of this community in so many ways.”

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

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© photo courtesy of Northfield News

Name of company: Northfield Dairy Queen Address: 900 North Highway 3 Owner and Manager: Robert Manderfeld (owner/CEO) 1961 until the present Dairy Queen ( 1963 in Northfield); Joni Steele (General Manager) - 1988 until present Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: Being a vital part of Northfield has many factors: • The Brand • Pride ... in everything from the outside to the inside • Good workers

Joel Erickson is the Lonsdale City Administrator. He can be reached at 507-744-2327.

September 4-8, 2013

or a small fende-bender.

My staff works hard to be responsive and welcoming. One customer stated, “you’re always here for us,: which is my desire.

Insurance is an ever-changing industry, and even though I can’t do much about rates, I strive to provide service to my customers with integrity and dependability.

What is the best thing about operating a business in Northfield?

The best thing about doing business in Northfield is the people. Through the years, I have met many smart and interesting people with a wide variety of interests.

It is fun to meet new people and get to know longtime customers even better as they journey through life.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARY: NORTHFIELD DAIRY QUEEN

permits have been issued this year. The developed residential lots have ran their course and are back in the ownership of builders. It is anticipated that since the lots are owned by builders, new housing starts will increase.

Join us the first weekend after Labor Day.

PROGRESS ANNIVERSARY: ROB MARTIN AGENCY Name of company: Rob Martin Agency Address: 150 Water St. South Owner and/or Manager: Rob Martin Year started: 1968 Tell us about your business and how you have remained a vital part of the Northfield business community for so long: As many know, starting a business is hard work.

I began building relationships and welcoming referrals since 1983 and deeply appreciate every person who trusts me to manage their insurance needs. I still have many customers from those early years.

I feel a deep responsibility to my customers to have everything in place should they experience a catastrophic event

tree planting program by planting trees along Idaho St. SW. Last fall, the City upgraded the ball fields at the Jaycee Park by installing tile, safety fencing and covered dugouts to both fields.

Currently, the Park Board is creating a design for a plaza that will be located on Main Street North in the downtown business district.

Three new home building

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

Site work has begun on the Lonsdale Business Park, which is located on the east side of Lonsdale.

Recently, the City entered into a purchase agreement for the property. The project is currently out for bids and construction of the public improvements is anticipated to begin in September.

The project consists of 75 acres, of which, 44 will be sold

Events subject to change without notification

Soap Box Derby • Raid Re-Enactments • Music & Entertainment Center (Great Bands) • PRCA Rodeo • Sunday’s Grand Parade • DJJD Bike Tour • Classic Car Show • Exciting Arts & Crafts Fairs • Kiddie Parade • BINGO on the Square • Great Food • Antique Tractor Pull • Pedal Tractor Pull • Western Steak Fry • Carnival • Northfield Historical Society Bank Site and Museum • 5K Run & Non-competitive Walk • Information Booth on Bridge Square

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PAGE 8A

NORTHFIELD NEWS PROGRESS

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Healing Happens Here

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

THANK YOU NORTHFIELD

It has been two years since Apple Autos became your Northfield Chevrolet Buick dealer. In that time we have built a new store to better serve you and added over a dozen jobs to the community. We have enjoyed the pleasure of meeting many of you at our dealership.

Business has nearly doubled in that time. Sure, that’s a sign the economy is improving but it also is a testament to the loyalty of our friends and neighbors.

I “I grew up in Northfield. When I accepted the opportunity to be the General Manager of Apple Chevrolet Buick, I was thrilled to move back with my family. All of us at Apple Chevrolet Buick Northfield look forward to serving you, and I invite you to call me personally if there is any way I may be of service.”

CHEVROLET CUSTOMER RETENTION AWARD

-Justin Olson , General Manager

THE BUICK DISTINGUISHED DEALER AWARD

1600 Cannon Lane, Northfield, MN 55057 | 507-581-8611

Online at AppleAutos.com

Apple Chevrolet Buick is to proud to have won the Chevrolet Customer Retention Award as well as the Buick Distinguished Dealer Award for outstanding customer satisfaction.

Sales Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri & Sat 8am-6pm Service Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-5:30pm, Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm

PAGE 2B

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Nelson’s ties to Northfield community make him a better police investigator

By KATE FRIDLEY

intern@northfieldnews.com

L

ike many who work in law enforcement, Sgt. Monte Nelson began his career as a police officer because he wanted to help people.

“I’ve always had a strong sense of trying to do what is right,” Nelson said.

Now the Sergeant of Investigations at the Northfield Police Department, he deals with everything from drug cases to robberies. His job is not a mundane one.

Even though Northfield is a small town, the police department has had a busy year.

“When gunfire happens, we’re the only people running towards it,” Nelson said.

Last November, in an incident that escalated into a manhunt involving SWAT teams from nearby towns, police captured a man and his girlfriend after they robbed a

local hotel. Not only did Nelson and his team connect the suspects to the robbery, they also were able to tie the pair to numerous robberies in surrounding areas.

“That doesn’t happen unless you have a lot of people doing good work,” Nelson said. “I’m really proud of our officers and the work they’ve done.”

Nelson began his career as a patrol officer in South Dakota.

Originally from Minnesota, he returned after five years and worked for St. Olaf College’s public safety department before joining the Northfield Police Department, where he has remained for 17 years.

Nelson has experience in many areas of the police department. He worked as the school resources officer and as a patrol officer before being transferred to investigations.

He became interested in investigative work because of its chal-

lenges. Conducting interviews and gathering accurate evidence is often a long and complicated process. Nelson says that over time, he has the chance to form relationships with those involved in the case, which is often rewarding.

Interim Chief of Police Chuck Walerius says Nelson’s strengths are his organizational skills and persistence on the job.

“He’s able to really see the bigger picture when it comes to some of these cases,” Walerius said. “The tenacity he shows in doing investigative work is just excellent. He’s also very handson and very knowledgeable of what’s happening crime-wise in the community.”

Aside from police work, Nelson is a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and serves on the boards of the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative and the HOPE Center in Faribault. He is also a member of the Cannon

River Sportsmen’s Club, where he helps teach the youth firearm safety course. Nelson sees these involvements as a way to form meaningful connections, both personal and professional, with Northfield residents.

“These are really positive ways to tie in to the community as a police officer,” he said. “You get to know the families in the area.”

Nelson admits that his job is not without its difficulties.

“People don’t usually call us when they’re having the best day of their life,” he said.

The duties of a police officer are demanding and often scary, but Nelson maintains a healthy attitude and stays true to his original goal of helping others.

For him, the lives and well-being of Northfield citizens comes first.

Kate Fridley is an intern at the Northfield News. She can be reached at 507-645-1106.

“When gunfire happens, we’re the only people running towards it.”

Monte Nelson, a Sergeant of Investigations at the Northfield Police Department, dusts a firearm for prints at the Public Safety Building. (Kate Fridley/Northfield News)

Sgt. Monte Nelson, Northfield Police Departmnent

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NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

PAGE 3B

Making Music: Coudret, Rustad forces behind ‘411 Concert Series’

By ASHLEY KLEMER

aklemer@northfieldnews.com

I

t all started with a group of friends listening to a few original playlists sitting around a fire.

Without the “CD Club,” as they call it, Ray Coudret and Dan Rustad, the co-founders of the 411 Concert Series, may have never met.

“The CD Club is a group of 12 guys who share music once a month,” said Coudret. “It’s just an excuse to get together around a bonfire for a few hours.”

The two were introduced through a mutual friend at the CD Club gathering. Then, along with a group of other friends, the two ran a “concert co-op” that they refer to as the Red Barn Concert series. All of the members of the group would all pay a portion of the cost to book a musician to put on a concert, not open to the public.

It didn’t take long after the creation of the Red Barn Concert Series before Coudret and Rustad thought about bringing a concert series to Northfield residents.

“We just thought of it as a way to do more with music,” said Rustad. “We’re obsessed music fans. A lot of people in Northfield are.”

The duo say that they spend approximately 20 hours per show preparing. The inaugural year of the series had three shows. Coudret is the “sound expert” and sets up all of the equipment in the performance area. Rustad “does the other stuff ” that goes along with operating the series, like the dayof-show logistics.

Coudret and Rustad presented their idea of the 411 Concert series as a way to feature local artists and bring in nationally known musicians to Ann Mosey, the executive director of the

Northfield Arts Guild, in hopes of forging a collaboration between the arts organization and the new series. Mosey had no hesitation, according to Rustad and Coudret.

As a result, the NAG Theater serves as the venue of the 411 Concert Series. The NAG also handles ticketing and “getting people in the door,” according to Rustad.

When it comes to finding the musicians, Coudret and Rustad share the work.

“Actually, a lot of the people we’ve booked, we heard for the first time in the playlists we listened to at the CD Club,” said Coudret with a laugh.

Coudret and Rustad agree that they could have each run the concert series on their own — but, it wouldn’t have been as much fun.

“We probably could have done this independent of each other, but so much more is pos-

sible with collaboration,” said Rustad.

For the second year of the 411 Concert Series, the pair has a few new things and surprises in the works.

“We’re keeping the same basic principles,” said Coudret.

“We get the best acts we can and make it a variety. We’ll keep the local element with the opening musician.”

“It’s all about bringing in national artists and keeping a local feel,” added Rustad.

The lineup for the 2013-14 411 Concert Series is set. The series will feature Martha Scanlan, The Pines and Eilen Jewell. The local musicians who will perform in the upcoming concerts have yet to be announced.

Reach reporter Ashley Klemer at 645-1115 or follow her on Twitter.com @AshleyKlemer.

Ray Coudret (above) and Dan Rustad (left) are the creative forces behind the “411 Concert Series” in Northfield. (News file photos)

411 CONCERT SERIES What: The 411 Concert Series features the best of nationally known folk, roots and contemporary musicians. The series will

also feature local and regional opening acts.

2013-14 lineup: • Nov. 16: Martha Scanlan • Jan. 25: The Pines

• March 1: Eilen Jewell – Source: Ray Coudret and Where: All performances Dan Rustad will be held at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater

Whether wet or frozen H20, Watkins has Northfield’s summer covered

By JORDAN OSTERMAN

josterman@northfieldnews.com

I

f you’re a fan of variety, Allison Watkins has you covered.

As Northfield’s recreation manager, Watkins has plenty of things to juggle on a daily basis, not the least of which are managing the city’s ice arena and Memorial Pool.

“I’m not just sitting behind a desk doing paper work,” Watkins said of the favorite aspects of her job. “I am directly involved with two of my favorite activities in hockey and swimming.”

The real kicker, though?

“I get to drive the Zamboni every now and then,” she said.

Add that to the list of Northfield’s resident water boss; whether you like your water frozen or wet, she’s the one you’re looking for. It was the chance to work with recreation facilities that drew the former K-12 physical education teacher from Ann Arbor, Mich., in January 2011, and she’s been overseeing things ever since.

“I loved teaching and working with kids, but I really wanted to get back to the operation side of the facilities,” Watkins said.

“Northfield was a perfect fit; there was a pool and an ice arena — which I had experience in — and it is a nice small community where I could still be involved with working with the community or the hockey association, trying new things or improving

Allison Watkins, City of Northfield recreation manager

Any time spent at the Northfield Ice Arena or Memorial Pool comes under the direction of Allison Watkins, who helped the push for ice at the arena through the end of July. (Jordan Osterman/Northfield News)

on what was already here, and really feel like I was making a difference.”

That difference has been evident this summer as youth hock-

to make it happen.

“It is always exciting to see something you have worked for actually get up and running,” Watkins said. “Summer ice is a great opportunity for the hockey program to get stronger. More ice time makes better players.

“Plus, I think it is just smart business at this point. This keeps our community members in town. Where they usually would be spending money in other communities now they can either save more or spend that money on saved gas on lunch here in town or at any of the shops. This is a huge time saver for parents here, too. Now they have a local commute for the ice times in-

ey players took to the ice through the month of July, a summer’s worth of ice time never available in Northfield before Watkins spearheaded the efforts needed

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“I loved teaching and working with kids, but I really wanted to get back to the operation side of the facilities.

Northfield was a perfect fit; there was a pool and an ice arena.”

Allison Watkins helped make the push for summer ice at the arena, allowing players from Northfield’s boys and girls programs to play in town through July. (Jordan Osterman/ Northfield News)

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stead of going out of town.”

That community-friendly mindset is part of what has driven Watkins’ priorities as she continues to explore new ways to use the city’s recreational resources.

“I look forward to being able to provide the best service we can at the arena and pool,” she said. “I am a firm believer that youth and adult recreation activities makes a well-rounded community. Using both facilities to the max is my goal.”

Reach Sports Editor Jordan Osterman at 645-1111, or follow him on Twitter.com @NFNJordan.

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PAGE 4B

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Safety is a concern for Kessler in Northfield and Dundas “Houses are something to live in, but there’s more science to the operation of a house than people understand. I’m here to help people build things and build them right.”

By KATE FRIDLEY

intern@northfieldnews.com

J

Jim Kessler, City of Northfield building inspector

Jim Kessler wears many hats as a Dundas city councilor and building inspector for the city of Northfied. He also helps with the Waterford Warriors snowmobiling club. (Kate Fridley/Northfield News)

Kessler has a keen eye when it comes to building plans. He says the number of new houses being built in Northfield is on the rise, as well as remodeling projects. (Kate Fridley/Northfield News)

remained unused for on the long complicated process Recent incidents have involved anything from dead ani- two years. In the case of a fore- of figuring out whom it belongs mals to a swimming pool that closed house, Kessler embarks to and how to get it cleaned up.

Besides teaching, Northfield’s Guggisberg wears many hats in youth sports organizations

By JORDAN OSTERMAN

josterman@northfieldnews.com

R

ich Guggisberg can be a hard guy to avoid sometimes. Not because you’re looking to stay away from him. On the contrary. You would be hardpressed to find someone looking to head the other way when catching sight of Guggisberg.

No, he can be a hard guy to avoid sometimes because he’s seemingly all over the place. In the past four years, Guggisberg has been the Northfield High School softball coach, a Northfield Basketball Association board member, its president, a freshman football coach, a youth softball coach, and a youth basketball coach. And a teacher. And a father.

S l e e p much?

“That goes b ack a long w ay s i n my own upbringing,” Guggisberg said of Guggisberg his desire to give time to youth in multiple outlets. “I look back at the teachers and coaches that had such a hand in who I would become and how influential they were… and when I went into teaching I wanted to be like they were.

I just love to do it. I love being with those kids and hopefully teaching them some things about the games, and hopefully those things transfer to their lives.”

Guggisberg has had a direct

influence on plenty of lives in his time with youth sports in Northfield, highlighted by his efforts in helping create new programs and goals in both softball and basketball: In 2008, Guggisberg was instrumental in helping the softball program start up spring offerings for youth under the high school level.

“We had to get more girls playing, so with the help of the board we jumped up a little spring league,” he said. “Got that started my first season coaching, and had between 25 to 30 kids for each grade level.

In the four years it’s been growing.”

On top of his work with the softball program, Guggisberg

to practice their driving skills under the supervision of an instructor. Kessler emphasizes that most accidents happen when trails are not groomed or a rider is not certified.

Even with the need for safety, Kessler never forgets to let the students enjoy themselves.

“It’s camaraderie, it’s fun, it’s a sport,” he said. “You can get out there and go places you couldn’t even think about walking.”

Meanwhile, with snow no longer on the ground, Kessler remains focused on his position as a Dundas councilman.

Because he is a temporary appointee after Carroll’s resignation, the city must hold a special election in November to fill the spot.

Will Kessler run for the open seat?

“I haven’t made a decision, I’ll just say that,” he said, smiling.

For now, in the city of Dundas, safety is key.

Kate Fridley is an intern at the Northfield News. She can be reached at 507-645-1106.

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Kessler says a lot of what he does is also education.

“Houses are something to live in, but there’s more science to the operation of a house than people understand,” he said.

“I’m here to help people build things and build them right.”

On a number of occasions, Kessler has found boxes of matches or spilled tiki torch fluid on top of a house’s gas hot water heater, a clear safety hazard, and there are many aspects of building and maintaining a house that people do not realize are dangerous.

Kessler’s sensible attitude about safety shows itself in his involvement with the Waterford Warriors, the Northfield snowmobiling club responsible for maintaining 75 miles of nearby snowmobiling trail.

Kessler became instrumental in the late ’90s, when he helped reorganize the club into a 501©(3). Around the same time he became an instructor for the club’s annual community snowmobile certification classes.

Every year, he helps teach as many as 75 kids the basics of snowmobile maintenance and safety. Taking place over two nights, students get the chance

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im Kessler says he has never been the type to bask in the spotlight.

However, when former Dundas city councilman Ryan Carroll resigned last December, Kessler saw an opportunity to bring his own unique experiences to the vacant seat.

“Somebody’s got to manage the city, so I went ahead and put my name in,” he said.

The council unanimously voted him in. Now, six months into his term, Kessler is hard at work on the Dundas public works committee. He has found himself humbled by the extensive planning and history that goes into running the city.

“I’m still learning,” he said.

His goals as councilor include continuing to make Dundas a more walk-friendly place, developing its trails and improving the city’s overall appearance. He is also involved in the planning stages of constructing a new building for the city’s police department.

Kessler knows a thing or two about building construction and safety from his current job as the Northfield Building Official, where he is responsible for implementing the building code, conducting rental inspections and carrying out blight enforcement.

There is rarely a dull day in Kessler’s office. Between tending to routine inspections, he receives complaints about inattentive neighbors who have left unusual items in their yards or their houses unattended.

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

PAGE 5B

Jorgensen revamps NHS’s work-based learning program

By ASHLEY KLEMER

aklemer@northfieldnews.com

T

he work-based learning program is not new to Northfield High School.

But Joe Jorgensen, the program’s coordinator of one year, has brought plenty of new things to the table during his first year in charge. And he has plans to keep the trend of change going.

The work-based learning program is a special education program that aims to help prepare students with disabilities to transition from school to adult life, according to the program’s brochure.

“This is the one area of special education I really like,” Jorgensen said — he has been teaching special education for eight years. “I feel it’s very important to get students to understand important life skills.”

Jorgensen teaches students how to apply for jobs, ace a job interview and develop skills that are valuable in the workplace. He also works with each student’s interests and local business owners to arrange for each student to work on a real job site during the class.

“I’ve worked with businesses like Bon Appetit at St. Olaf, Ace Hardware and CarTime,” said Jorgensen. “Almost everyone I have talked to [about the program] has been willing to participate — especially local businesses.”

Northfield Superintendent “The key with the work-based Chris Richardson believes the reinforces the importance of the work-based learning program also lessons taught in the classroom. learning program is it gives kids

ABOVE: Aria McAfee (left), a 2013 graduate of Northfield High School, said she enjoyed being a part of the school’s Work Based Learning program the past two years. “I liked working at the different job sites,” she said. (Jerry Smith/ Northfield News) LEFT: Joe Jergensen has been at the helm of Northfield High School’s Work Based Learning program for a year and has plans on building on the fine work of those who led the program before him. (News file photo)

the opportunity to experience the world of work while they are

still in school,” said Richardson.

“Many times, it helps kids see the relevance of the learning that they are doing.”

Students enrolled in the class spend four days a week, during their work-based learning class period, on a work site and one day a week in the classroom with Jorgensen. This can present some challenges.

“It is hard to know exactly how everybody is doing when you only see them in the classroom once a week,” he said.

Jorgensen tries to visit each work site once every week, but with 20 students at nine different work sites each semester it can be tough. During the 2012-13 year, Jorgensen gave his students a journaling assignment to keep track of their good and bad experiences on the job.

“Journaling was hard for some students,” said Jorgensen.

“But next year with the iPads, I am planning something different.”

In lieu of pencil and paper, students in the work-based learning program next year will use their iPads to create a video journal of their work experiences. Jorgensen has a lot of plans to bring business and technology into the classroom in 2013-14. There is also the potential for the two job coaches, people from NHS that go on-site with students during the week, to do a video segment with students while they are working for use in a self-reflection project, according to Jorgensen.

He started bringing business

to the classroom when he brought in business managers from the community to conduct job interviews with students during finals week during his first year on the job.

“It gave students a more authentic job experience,” he said.

“Having that real person do the interview gives the process some validity — it’s not just the teacher saying these things are important.”

Moving forward, Jorgensen’s goals are about expansion and becoming more visible in the community. He is looking for different civic engagement projects for students in the program to participate in alongside the workplace experience they already get.

He also hopes to have a series of speakers come to his class to talk about their jobs, starting with his students’ parents.

Then, Jorgensen plans to use Skype or other video conferencing apps to connect with professionals outside of Northfield for the series.

“I have a lot of ideas about how to expand my program,” he said with a smile.

As “more of a five-year plan,” Jorgensen would love to see a career center for all students developed at the high school — a place to pick up job applications or ask about job interviewing techniques.

“I would like to see the influence of my program expand to not only my students, but all students,” he said.

Carleton VP, Northfield area business leader Fred Rogers recognized at national level

By KAITLYN WALSH

kwalsh@northfieldnews.com

A

national group recently recognized a local man for his extensive achievements in business and financial management.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers picked Fred Rogers, Carleton College’s vice President and treasurer, for a 2013 Distinguished Business Officer, an annual award is given to recognize outstanding achievement in the

field of business and financial management in higher education. There is a maximum of two recipients nationally each year.

Rogers, the vice president of the Northfield Economic Development Authority, has served on the Board of the Northfield Enterprise Center and assumed his current position at Carleton in 2004. He was honored at the 2013 NACUBO annual meeting July 13-16 in Indianapolis, according to a press release.

“Carleton is very fortunate indeed to have Fred Rogers as

its Vice President and Treas u r e r,” s a i d Carleton President Steven G. Poskanzer in the release.

“It’s wonderRogers ful to see that NACUBO has recognized what we in Northfield have long known: that Fred is not only an exceptionally smart and thoughtful CFO, but that his enviable record of success in leading and helping to build

stronger colleges and universities also reflects his genuine reverence for and commitment to the academic work done at such institutions.”

“Fred’s expertise, creativity, integrity and passion make him a rare colleague and a national model. We’re proud that he calls his alma mater Carleton his professional home, too.”

Rogers oversees all financial and business operations of the college, serving as the corporate Chief Financial Officer.

Following his graduation

from Carleton as a mathematics major in 1972, Rogers pursued a master’s degree in public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with distinction from its Heinz School of Public Policy in 1974. He began his career at Carnegie Mellon in Institutional Research, quickly rising to be appointed its Chief Financial Officer, nine years after graduating from Carleton.

After a total of 16 years at CMU, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Cornell University, where he served for

ten years in that role. He has since received an Alumni Merit Award from Carnegie Mellon University and the title of senior vice president emeritus from Cornell.

Rogers has served on a number of Board of Directors, including the Cornell Research Foundation, Tompkins County Foundation and the United Way of Tompkins County. He has long served as a trustee of the Lebanese American University

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Linking you to community websites.

Rich Guggisberg shouts out some instructions from the dugout during his coaching days for Northfield High School. (News file photo)

Guggisberg: Third-grade teacher big into youth sports as Northfield coach, organization president From Page 4B started coaching his daughter, Anika’s, basketball team three years ago when she was in fourth grade. With plenty of leadership experience already, he was asked to help out on the board, and this past year stepped into a new role as president.

“It’s not something I was really out pursuing to be; it was just something I felt I was able to and had some knowledge and ideas I was hoping to bring,” Guggisberg said. “We’ve gotten a lot of those [ideas] into place.”

Not least among them was the implementation of the “5,000 Shot Club,” which calls on program participants to put up 5,000 shots during the offseason. This year, that was increased to 10,000 shots, Gug-

gisberg said, because the program started about two months earlier. Providing those kinds with offerings gives players more chances to improve in a sport, but also creates an changing dynamic for what kids are asked to do.

“Not being a person that went through it as a youth, it’s been new for me learning about it. You talk to other coaches… and leaders in their community to see what works in the past, and then you try to find what works best for Northfield,” Guggisberg said. “It’s definitely a learning experience. There really is no formula that’s left behind and it changes from one generation to the next, but there’s been a lot more emphasis…to do it year-round, which creates a challenge in Northfield.”

“I ’m p a s s i o n at e a b o u t sports, but I don’t want to monopolize a kids’ time and say they have to be in basketball 12 months a year,” he added. “I try to be sympathetic to that…and think we want our kids to be well-rounded.”

Helping kids become just that both through academics — Guggisberg is a third-grade teacher at Bridgewater — and athletics has been Guggisberg’s role for quite a while, with no signs of changing.

“We’ve got to give these kids opportunities,” he said. “If I can in my small way…it’s something I enjoy doing.”

Reach Sports Editor Jordan Osterman at 645-1111, or follow him on Twitter.com @ NFNJordan.

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PAGE 6B

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Budding Farmers educator sows seeds in gardening revolution

By KARA HILDRETH

khildreth@northfieldnews.com

F

eeling passionate about organic food and growing fresh produce, Monica Irwin of Northfield has personally begun a Budding Farmers revolution.

Irwin, 29, envisioned, researched and wrote Budding Farmers, an educational program with curriculum to teach preschool and elementary youth about vegetables.

Budding Farmers, a 10-week program with lessons presented in a fun, interactive way, asks youth to become curious and experiment with food. The program encourages youth to use writing, art and science discovery skills.

Irwin wants to spread her love of agriculture to the younger generation.

Budding Farmers recently planted roots with six Rice County organizations in Faribault to purchase bulk orders of curriculum kits. The pilot programs were used in a summer school program, a daycare and a few governmental programs.

“I am also working with a local teacher I have hired to take all the lessons and pull them into line with school standards,” Irwin said.

She hopes many districts from across the state will be interested and see the value in the curriculum. “I am so appreciative of how Rice County has been very supportive of helping me develop the program for a larger audience.”

Looking to spread her enthusiasm for eating fresh and hoping to reach school districts and

ABOVE: Gardening educator and organic farming visionary, Monica Irwin soaks up the sun after harvesting rainbow chard and fresh, homegrown broccoli from her Northfield home garden. (Kara Hildreth/ Northfield News) LEFT: Monica Irwin, a Northfield Seeds Farm project manager, spent the day teaching local youth at Kid’s Garden Day in July. (Submitted photo)

community education programs across the state, Irwin wants to teach others about the intrinsic benefits of eating well, growing gardens and learning about good nutrition. She is interested in becoming a guest at garden sites

and area cooking schools across Minnesota.

Growing up in Chicago, Irwin looked forward to visiting her aunt and uncle’s hobby farm as a young girl. But it was not until college when she discovered

with cooking and trying out new fruits and vegetables.

Touting the intrinsic benefits of healthy eating beyond just becoming fit, Irwin said organic fruits and vegetables allow the body more energy and enable a person to have an overall happier mood and mindset.

“Eat well keeps you calm and feeling good,” Irwin said. “I did grow up eating vegetables, but they were not necessarily the freshest vegetables.” Today she grows strawberries, pole beans, kale, peppers, eggplants, summer squash, Bok Choy, spring onions, rainbow Swiss chard with a variety of lush lettuces in her backyard garden.

Could this Northfield educator and gardening enthusiast become a revolutionary force?

“I definitely think Budding Farmers could be a revolution, and I think there is already rumblings of this interest to eat healthful that may have come from the Michelle Obama initiative,” Irwin said.

Soon Irwin and her husband will be busy learning to make fresh, organic baby food when the couple’s soon-to-be born baby girl will make an appearance in early October.

In the spring this expectant mother planted giant pumpkin seeds in her home garden bed with hopes of photographing her baby daughter smiling alongside a big, bright orange orb.

Surely, her daughter will be Budding Farmer.

ABOUT MONICA IRWIN To obtain information on Budding Farmers, contact Monica Irwin at www. buddingfarmers.com, email buddingfarmers@ gmail.com, or link in at www.facebook.com/ BuddingFarmers.

Budding Farmers program is an interactive way to educate youth on seasonal food so they learn how to cook, grow, learn, taste, smell, feel and get creative with food.

The goal is to develop an appreciation and understanding of agriculture and healthy food that will last a lifetime.

Monica Irwin is a member of Healthy Eating Minnesota Network where people can post photos, videos, events and partake in discussion about healthy eating.

Check out Budding Farmers Buzz blog at www.buddingfarmers. com Budding Farmers plans a field day at Bossy Acres in Northfield from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Aug. 24, at the farm, 5680 290th St. W., Northfield.

the world of cooking with fresh vegetables and organic gardening.

“I discovered the farmers market and I loved the whole ambiance of the place,” Irwin said. That was when she became adventureKara Hildreth can be reached some and began experimenting at (507) 645-1113.

Rogers: Carleton VP, Northfield business leader recognized nationally From Page 5B and currently serves as the chair of the NACUBO Sustainability Advisory Committee.

In the 32 years since he was first appointed CFO, Rogers has served on numerous NACUBO and EACUBO committees and groups, and has taught extensively in their professional development programs. He was very involved in the rewriting of OMB Circular A-21 language for research administraSteve Vosejpka has a passion for geneology and loves to jump into the city of Lonsdale’s past.

(Kaitlyn Walsh/Northfield News)

Lonsdale’s historian the youngest member of historical society

By KAITLYN WALSH

kwalsh@northfieldnews.com

A

t 59, Steve Vosejpka is the youngest member of Lonsdale’s historical society.

The group, 3-R Landmark School, is named for the building constructed in 1908 that now houses old photos and records of Lonsdale’s past. When people ask for them, Vosejpka leads tours of the old schoolhouse.

With his passion for genealogy and affinity for delving into the city’s background, Vosejpka may be Lonsdale’s most active amateur historian.

“I’ve been interested in history for probably 40 years,” he said.

“You find one thing and it sparks your curiosity on something else.”

It started at his grandfather’s funeral. A 16-year-old Vosejpka stood by his great uncle, who explained who was whom. Vosejpka went home and started writing down what he learned.

“It’s like a big spider web,” he said.

He often examines 100-yearold photos for clues to find out who and what is pictured and when it was taken. If he thinks he has identified someone in a faded image, he’ll find their great-greatgrandchild—or another living relative— to try to confirm it.

“I write down everything I come across. I write down current things, too,” he said. “If I come across somebody, I try to trace their family forward.”

ABOUT STEVE VOSEJPKA Grew up south of Lonsdale on a dairy farm with four brothers An amateur historian and the youngest member of the city’s historical society, 3-R Landmark School The longtime owner of the Lonsdale Feed Mill, which has buildings more than 100 years old

his wife, Tami, had his first child, James, and his daughters, JoAnn and Sarah, in the next few years.

He now has six grandchildren.

He eventually returned to his roots: agriculture. He earned an agronomy degree at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 1981.

“The biggest reason was that I didn’t want to work inside,” Vosejpka said.

For nearly 32 years, he has run one of the fixtures of the community: the Lonsdale Feed Mill.

Its buildings date back to 1902, making them historical artifacts as much as they are part of his business, which he bought from a family member around 1981.

Vosejpka, once a member of the Lonsdale Jaycees, joined 3-R Landmark School in the mid1990s.

With most members at 90 or older, the non-profit suffers from an aging membership and a lack of newcomers, according to Jean Palma, 80, the treasurer who has been a part of the group since it started in the mid-1970s.

“Steve’s definitely our youngest member and we’re very happy to have someone in his age group,” Palma said. “We really count on Steve. It’s wonderful to have somebody who is of local heritage to do [the tours].”

A story he was eager to tell involved some of his own distant relatives. His great grandpa’s brothers – John, Frank and Jim – were builders. In the early 1900s, they snagged the contract to erect the Immaculate Conception Church.

About 40 years later, John’s two sons, Ben and Emil, were the ones to demolish it.

The sons used materials from the church to build a house at 210 Ash St. in Lonsdale for their mother, according to Vosejpka.

“That’s pretty neat,” he said.

Vosejpka was born in Northfield on Dec. 28, 1954. He grew up on a dairy farm on Garfield Avenue south of Lonsdale with four brothers.

He attended the University Reach reporter Kaitlyn Walsh of Wisconsin River Falls, where he earned degrees in biology and at 645-1117, and follow her on chemistry, followed by a job in Twitter.com @NFNKaitlyn. chemical research in Minneapolis in 1979. That same year, he and

tion in his years on the Council of Governmental Relations (COGR) board where he served as chair of the Costing Policies Committee and then chair of the board.

Rogers has had a lifelong commitment to professional development, speaking extensively at several organizations and helping to found and direct the EACUBO Administrative Management Institute, which operates at Cornell each summer.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers is a membership organization representing more than 2,500 colleges, universities, and higher education service providers across the country and around the world.

Reach reporter Kaitlyn Walsh at 645-1117, and follow her on Twitter.com @NFNKaitlyn.

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PAGE 7B

Bauers named 2013 Rice County Farm Family of the Year

By CRISTETA BOARINI

cboarini@faribault.com

E

very year, the University of Minnesota Extension Office in Rice County solicits nominations for families who are role models in the farming community to be named Rice County Farm Family of the Year.

This year, the winners were the Mark and Sue Bauer family of Cannon City Township, where they farm about 1,700 acres of crops.

“Their involvement in the community, their place at the forefront of crop efficiency — it stacks up,” said extension office director Mike Donnelly in a presentation to the Rice County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

Born on a dairy farm, Mark Bauer went on to run an 18,000head hog farm with his wife Sue. “Ever since we got married, we always said we would be out of the hogs by the time we were 50,” Sue Bauer said. “The time came, things in farming were changing and we switched to doing just crops and focusing on crop efficiency.”

Mark and Sue Bauer missed their goal by just one year, switching from hogs to crops at the age of 51. But during and after the transition, Donnelly said

Sue Bauer and her son Skyler shake hands with the Rice County Board of Commissioners as their family is recognized for achievements in farming. (Cristeta Boarini/Daily News)

the family has been a leader in crop efficiency and has been a big help to other families looking to use the same methods.

“From the standpoint of getting more people to recognize the importance of farming, it’s critical to have some kind of involvement in the community,” Sue Bauer said.

Even the Bauers’ children, Skyler and Brandi, help out around the farm by taking soil samples.

When they found out they were winning the award, Sue Bauer said, “We were shocked, just totally surprised.”

The Bauers join a long tradition of other Rice County fami-

lies who have earned the title of “Farm Family of the Year.” The extension office’s website shows the award goes back to 1979.

The Bauers’ name will appear on a plaque in the Commissioners’ Room of the Rice County Government Services Building along with past winners such as Joe and Pat DeGrood from 2012.

The Bauers, along with the 86 other county Farm Families of the Year, will be honored at Farmfest in Redwood County on Aug. 8.

Reach reporter Cristeta Boarini at 333-3135. Follow her on Twitter.com @FDNCristeta

“We were shocked, just totally surprised.”

Sue Bauer, When she found out her family was named 2013 Rice County Farm Family of the Year

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Welcome to the Weitz Center for Creativity:

e 2013

The Man Issu

MAN E! ISSU

Pick up Your FREE Copy!

INSIDE:

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In this issue:

Man Issue!

Pick up your FREE copy at these fine Northfield businesses: Allina Medical Clinic • Anna’s Closet • Archer House Bittersweet Eatery • City Image Salon • Coldwell Banker

Community Resource Bank • Cram Chiropractic Wellness Ctr Cub Foods • Curves • Dr. Heidi Cole Dermatology • Eclectic Goat Econofoods • Heritage Dental Care • Hideaway James Gang Coffeehouse • Johnson Dental • Just Food Co-Op Maui Sun • Millstream Commons • MN Orthodontics Monarch • Monkey See Monkey Read • Northfield Athletic Club Northfield Chiropractic • Northfield Hospital • Northfield Liquor Northfield News • Northfield Urgent Care • Pat Dunn Nutrition Perkins Restaurant • Premier Bank • Professional Drive Dental Quick Lube • Rooms by Tagg • Salon Synergy • Walgreens The Sketchy Artist • Swag • Northfield Retirement Community

www.girlfriends.mn Find us on Facebook!

Carleton’s Weitz Center for Creativity hosts many free and public events throughout the academic year, including theater and dance performances, film screenings, and gallery tours. Learn more at go.carleton.edu/weitzevents.

Hold your next event at the Weitz Center. Various spaces are available to rent during Carleton’s holiday and summer breaks. E-mail Noel Ponder at nponder@carleton.edu or call 507-222-7185.

PAGE 8B

NORTHFIELD NEWS PORTRAITS

• Softball Game at the City Park

• Truck & Tractor Pull

• Bingo Under Mainstreet Tent Hosted by Dennison Lions &

• Basketball Shootout at City Park

Nerstrand Volunteer Fire Department

All kids invited! Hosted by the Dennison Lions

• Sign Up for Clutmen Truck & Tractor Pull

• Games & Kids Activities at the City Park

Around Town All Day Sponsored by SEMA Equipment

• Food Stands Open • Basketball Tournament for Kids

• Citywide Garage Sales & Street Vendors • Classic Car Show

Prizes Warded!

Hosted by Darwin & Lori

2:00PM

Immediately following the Basketball Shootout.

18 & under.

Hosted by the Clutchmen Car Club

• Euchre Tournament at City Hall

Prizes and Trophies!

Presented by Fireside Lounge.

Hosted by Dewy Egland and Wormy

8:30PM - 12:30AM

• Live Music from “Lost Highway”

on Mainstreet Stage 18+ Event.

Must be 21 to drink.

Presented by Fireside Lounge & Supper Club

• Parade Downtown

A Kiddie Parade Leads Off Main Parade (Ages 12& Under) Sign up at 1PM South Mainstreet. Hosted by Dewy Egland 507-649-0442

• Horse Shoes in City Park Hosted by The Dennison Lions

Hosted by Jen Eggum 507-649-0602

• Keg Toss

1:00-3:00PM

• Kids Barrel Wagon Rides

8:00AM

• Family Feud

8:00 PM

Hosted by Duwain Egland 507-649-0442

Hosted by the Dennison Lions (Weather permitting)

Hosted by Jen Eggum 507-649-0602

6:00PM

Under the Big Tent

Parade Sign Up

• Wagon Rides

• Sign Up for Euchre Tournament

www.magicianmattdunn.com Under Mainstreet Tent Presented by Dennison Lions

1:00PM

11:00AM - 2:00PM

Begins north of Car Show

• Magician Matt Dunn

Noon - 2:00PM

10:30AM

7:30AM

4:00PM

Hosted by Flom Brothers Construction

North of Car Show, Sign up begins at 7:30AM

(Includes eggs, sausage, French toast, bacon, potatoes, coffee, juice or milk Under Mainstreet Tent) Sponsored by Kwik Trip & Dennison Lions

Hosted by Cindy Law and Tim Murry 507-581-6218

11:30AM

Hosted by Matt Braun 612-328-2095

$8 for Adults, $4 for Kids 12 & Under

• Road Rally

Watch for Times All Day. Hosted by MarLeas

• Kids Pedal Pull Mainstreet.

• All You Can Eat Breakfast

2:30PM

• Dunk Tank

9:00AM

7:30-11:00AM

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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Over 12,000 trees in our nursery with evergreen and deciduous varieties including Clump River Birch, Austrian Pine, Black Hill Spruce.

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