Northfield authors Joy Riggs and Susan Hvistendahl will be participating in the Cabin Fever virtual edition of the Deep Valley Book Festival on March 6-7. Riggs will be involved in two live and one pre-recorded panel discussion. Riggs is the author of "Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters." Hvistendahl's books are "Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band" with co-author Jeffrey Sauve and three Historic Happenings books about Northfield, St. Olaf and Carleton. This free family-oriented festival is for book lovers of all ages. For further information and to get links to events, go to www.deepvalleyfestival.com.

The 45th Annual Lucia Fest was not held in person this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the Northfield Swedish Club invited local families to celebrate the Swedish Christmas season safely in their own homes.

The event is typically held the Friday before Lucia Day (December 13), and includes a potluck supper, a pageant with Lucias and their attendants, the singing of Christmas carols, and folk dancing around the Christmas tree.

Five young women were selected to serve as this year's Lucias. They are:

• Libby Brust, a senior at Northfield High School. "I haven't finalized my college plans yet, but I plant to study either microbiology or biochemistry next year. I've enjoyed participating in the Sankta Lucia celebration for many years, and my favorite Scandanavian holiday tradition is decorating gingerbread houses."

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(Press release from the Northfield Education Association)

NEA 2020 Northfield School Board Candidate Endorsement

We, the teaching staff of the Northfield Education Association, have a keen interest in the upcoming school board election. An endorsing committee, at the direction of the membership, has been given the task of screening candidates to make recommendations for the four open seats. The following value statements serve to offer perspective in guiding our decision.

We believe…

1. A school board member must see the Board as an oversight and policy-making body as opposed to one that manages the daily workings of the district. Through its efforts it affirms and sets goals for the district that align with the goals of the community, the school personnel, the realities and constraints of what can be done, and a sense of how to sustain quality.

Voters can vote early using an absentee ballot. Absentee voting for the November 3 General Election begins on September 18, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the City of Northfield is encouraging voters to vote by mail using an absentee ballot for the upcoming elections.

As part of an ongoing effort to encourage community members and share the message to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, the City of Northfield is making “Mask Up” window clings available for anyone to pick up at a variety of locations. People can attach the window clings to the inside of their window at home or in their office, dorm room, business or vehicle.

“COVID-19 is front and center of everyone’s mind. With the wear a mask order, we wanted to get the message out in fun way and to tailor it to Northfield,” said Michelle Mahowald, communications and human resources director.

The window clings come in two designs. One design features a cowboy hat and mask with the words “Mask up, partner.” The other features a cow wearing a mask with the words “Mask up, Northfield.”  

The City of Northfield is launching a free video streaming website for its public access television stations.

Northfield Public Broadcasting (NPB) manages community channels 180 and 187 through Charter Spectrum. The website allows anyone to stream the cable broadcast live online regardless of individual television subscription.

Programming includes local historical biographies, library programs, gardening shows, city council meetings, school board meetings, church services and a variety of informational videos. A complete catalogue of NPB’s previous programming is available for viewing at any time.

Northfield Public Broadcasting (NPB) was formerly known as Northfield Community Television (NCTV) and NTV26. The new branding is part of an overhaul of Northfield’s public access cable stations. While the channels were previously managed by an independent contractor, NPB functions as a new organization within the City communications department.

On August 7, 2020, Water Street in Bridge Square will resume two-way traffic and the pedestrian barriers over the Fourth Street Bridge will be removed.

The City Council passed a motion in June to temporarily close Water Street and add the barriers from June 19 until August 7.

“The temporary situation approved earlier this summer provided additional pedestrian enhancements to improve access in the heart of downtown, near Bridge Square and the Cannon River,” said Public Works Director David Bennett.

The City of Northfield urges motorists to always drive with caution and watch for pedestrians in city limits.