COVID-19 On The Rise + City Recognized For Solar Power Usage

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

A.M. sprinkles, then breezy. High: 55 Low: 24.

Here are the top stories in Northfield today:

1. COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in Rice County. (Northfield Patch)
2. The city of Northfield received recognition from the national SolSmart program for its work to use solar power and its Climate Action Plan. (kymnradio.net)
3. Are you leaving Northfield for the holidays? Here are the best and worst times to travel.(Northfield Patch)

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Today in Northfield:

• Mankato, save with Sam's Club Membership & Donate 25% to end Hunger! (9:00 a.m.)
• Environmental Quality Commission Meeting (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Carleton College: "We 💛 Northfield! Carleton and St. Olaf recently made their annual donation to the city—a tradition that’s been been going on since the 1920s. #CarletonCollege ➡️ https://www.carleton.edu/news/stories/st-olaf-and-carleton-make-their-annu..." (Facebook)
• St. Olaf College: "We are so excited to share with you tomorrow the Special On-Demand Premiere: 2021 St. Olaf Christmas Festival "Love Divine"! Tune in with us at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 15, to watch the fully-edited version of the 2021 St. Olaf C..." (Facebook)
• Northfield Youth Choirs: "Congratulations to all on a beautiful Winter Concert, back in Skinner Chapel where we belong! We are beyond proud of these singers for their fantastic performances - a product of their hard work, teamwork and commitment to artistry. ❤️ T..." (Facebook)
• City of Northfield, Minnesota: "Northfield has been awarded a SolSmart Silver designation for our efforts to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar! We are proud to be recognized as a national leader in advancing solar energy. Funded by the U.S. Depart..." (Facebook)
• City of Northfield, Minnesota: "Would you like to join our team? The City of Northfield is recruiting for the following positions: 1. Assistant to the City Administrator; 2. Assistant City Planner; and 3. Public Works Operator I or II – Streets & Parks Division Complet..." (Facebook)
• Northfield Arts Guild: "Auditions are coming up for our May show, Native Gardens! "Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this hilarious comedy of good intentions and bad manners. Native Gardens’ playwright, Karen Zacaría..." (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Spring Creek: "This sweet guy was hanging out on our front porch. - Corner of Heywood and Creek Lane. When I went out to see if I could see any identification the police happened to come by. If this if your pooch, he’s now with the Northfield Police." (Nextdoor)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Morgan Reddekopp

About me: Feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, or story ideas at morgan.reddekopp@patch.com and follow me on Twitter @ReddekoppMorgan for more news updates. I grew up in Eagan, MN before attending Winona State University where I majored in Creative Digital Media and minored in Journalism and Creative Writing. I am very excited to be a reporter in my hometown! In my free time, I like to paint, draw and write. I am currently working on my poetry manuscript, and also enjoy hiking and being outdoors.