The KYMN Radio Podcast

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig discuss Monday's packed City Council meeting, including the Northfield Police Chief's quarterly report, Northfield being designated as an LGBTQIA+ sanctuary city, 2026 road construction, and more.

President and CEO of Northfield Hospital + Clinics Zander Abbott discusses his background, settling into his new role at NH+C, some of his goals for the organization, and more.

In the lead-up to the Defeat of Jesse James Days, each year we have the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador candidates. About the Program:The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassador Scholarship Program is designed to provide young people an opportunity to learn lifelong skills of public speaking, interviewing, volunteering, networking and learning a lot about Northfield's favorite celebration! The three ambassadors that are selected spend the entire year making over 100 appearances throughout Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Their “job” consists of 1) promoting and raising wareness about Northfield and DJJD by attending other festivals, coronations and parades, 2) promoting volunteerism at organizations such as Salvation Army, Feed My Starving Children, and Special Olympics as well as many local groups such as Laura Baker Services Assn, Three Links Care Center, Give Cancer The Boot, and Northfield Retirement Community, and 3) making valuable networking associations with other communities while developing as leaders that serve as positive role models. At the completion of their year, each will receive a $2,500 scholarship, and one will be selected to spend a weekend at St Paul Winter Carnival and then almost a week at Minneapolis Aquatennial, vying for a title which is also an educational scholarship opportunity with a deep commitment to community & volunteerism.

KYMN got an opportunity to visit the new location of Loon Liquors while its under construction and talk with owners Mark Schiller and Simeon Rossi about the expected opening date. 

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025:Loon Liquors Aims To Open Before DJJD; Set to Close Current Location on FridayPolice Report Shows A Continuing Downward Trend of Crime in NorthfieldDundas Dukes Are Heading To State; Play at Miesville For #1 Seed Spot Tonight

Recorded from inside the Northfield Historic Depot on July 15th, 2025, Alice Thomas shares a set of stories about the depot and its connection to Northfield through the lens of Cows, Colleges, and Community. 

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025:Northfield Public Schools Part of A Pilot Program With State To Improve Student Attendance Friends of Downtown Receive National Recognition

Northfield History Center Director Sean Allen and Outreach Coordinator Mark Thornton discuss tonight's History Happy Hour, the Rock And Roll Revival 30th Anniversary exhibit, a preview of Defeat of Jesse James Days, and more.

Ronica Roberson, managing editor of the Entertainment Guide, highlights some of the upcoming events in the area.

Director of the Dakota County Fair Mark Langer discusses this year's fair, running now through Sunday, August 10th.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Monday, August 4th, 2025: Northfield City Council Meets Tonight; Meeting Rescheduled Ahead of Tuesday Night To UniteConstruction Projects in 2026 Focus on Jefferson Parkway & Prairie Street  

Director of Library Services Natalie Draper discusses upcoming events this month at the Northfield Public Library.

Welcome to the first ever edition of the KYMN News Quiz! Will be debuting a news quiz each month on-air and online, at the end of the month. The news quiz for August will be on Monday, September 1st (Labor Day). Each question comes directly from one of the news stories from this past month. There is no prize for playing, just a fun time to see how well you followed the news this month and maybe learn a fact or two. 

Ray Coudret and Rob Ryden discuss the first ever Northfield Porchfest, happening on Saturday, August 16th.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Thursday, July 31st:907 Crashes on Northfield Roads in the Last 10 Years; Focus on Safety in Future Designs Vintage Band Festival Takes Place Saturday with 11 Different PerformancesDundas Dukes Advance To Section 1A Playoffs 

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel introduces Rice County's GreenCorps member Jack Butler, and discusses the mission of Minnesota GreenCorps.

Anika Rychner and Anjelica Linder talk about the annual fundraiser for the Community Action Center, Runway Revival. The event is being held Thursday, August 21st from 6-9pm at the Weitz Center for Creativity. Buy Tickets HERE

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Wednesday, July 29th, 2025: Completion of the Second Street Project Gets Northfield One Step Closer To A Train Quiet ZoneUnited Way's Pickle Paddle Raises Over $8000 for Partner Agencies!Northfield Fire Department & Colleges Work Together to Improve Safety and Operations 

Executive Director of the Rice County Historical Society Dave Nichols discusses the upcoming Vietnam War exhibit, other upcoming events, and the centennial anniversary of the historical society.

Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen discusses the July 28 City Council Meeting. Topics include upcoming maintenance projects in August, and the first draft of the 2026 General Fund Budget.

Northfield Public School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann talks preparation for the upcoming school year, new high school Principal Chris Dibble, and goes over more topics from the most recent school board meeting.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025:Northfield Sees Better Than Expected Result In Bond Sale; The New Debt Set To Cover the Costs of Road Construction and the Fire Department Equipment Northfield Public Library holding two open houses for community input on vision planning efforts; First Meeting This Thursday Community Town Hall Meeting Tonight at Northfield High School; Topics include Street, Bike, and Pedestrian Projects for the Next 5 Years

Ronica Roberson, managing editor of the Entertainment Guide, highlights some of the upcoming events in the area.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Monday, July 28th, 2025:Northfield's Archery Range Set To Move From near the Water Tower to Meadows ParkNew Northfield High Schools Improves Traffic Flow; Separates Buses & Car Traffic

Northfield Shares board members Erika Campbell and Joe Hargis discuss the mission of Northfield Shares, the importance of their youth board members, and their current grant cycle.

Northfield Area Family YMCA CEO Tyler Powell discusses the YMCA's mission and various opportunities and events occurring at the Y.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Friday, July 25th, 2025: Hunt for the Radish offers Kids a fun Experience at the Riverwalk Market FairPicnic in the Park with local first responders, Monday Evening at Spring Creek ParkCommunity Action Center Struggles with Funding As Needs Grow 

CC Linstroth of Age Friendly Northfield discusses upcoming events with Age Friendly, such as the Transportation Domain Resource Fair, dancing at Third Thursdays, and more.

NAFRS Chief Tom Nelson discusses the recent Joint Powers Meeting work session, ways to prevent calls to the fire department, and more.

Today is Crazy Days in Northfield, KYMN's takes the opportunity to talk with Jane Bartho, President of the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, and organizer of the event, about some of the happenings throughout the day. 

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Thursday, July 24th, 2025:It's Crazy Days Today! Here's all the information you need to knowFederal Funding and the Northfield Public Schools

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig go over last night's City Council meeting. Topics include road construction budget, moving the archery range, potential modifications to early voting, and more. 

 After a busy spring for the City Council, which included items like the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan, the Ice Arena Project, the Water Treatment Plant, and the start of the discussion regarding the 1% for the Arts. All of these major projects and ordinances raise the question: how exactly does the City Council and Government work? Mayor Erica Zweifel stated that Northfield chose a unique layout for its government.  To answer some of these questions, KYMN's Maya Betti talks with Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel about the roles of the mayor and city council members, the process of proposing a project or ordinance, and other aspects of city government.  

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025:Council Weighs Bike Lane Options; Townhall Meeting Scheduled for July 29th Registration to Host for Night to Unite Party Ends on FridayLearn more about Northfield City Government with Mayor Zweifel Northfield Knights & Dundas Dukes Near End of Regular Season

Oliver Casillas, owner of West Wind Tattoo, discusses his career history and opening a new tattoo parlor in Northfield.

Martha Larson, owner of Hot Spot Music, talks about the history of Hot Spot, current projects, and upcoming events.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2025: Northfield Students Represent Rice County at Statewide Envirothon CompetitionChamber of Commerce Works To Promote A Wide Variety of Tourism Northfield City Council meets tonight to discuss key projects and 2026 election prep 

 Ronica Roberson, managing editor of the Entertainment Guide, highlights some of the upcoming events in the area. 

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Monday, July 21st, 2025Model Festival Tuesday Mid-Day at Rodeo Grounds; DJJD Bank Raid Reenactments Set To Take Place at 11:30am and 12:30pmNorthfield Public Broadcasting Looking For More Community Contributions Northfield Fire Department Operations Budget Remains Steady; Capital and Equipment Budget Harder To Control

A look back at headlines from this past week. 

A look back at the news headlines from this past week. 

Mrs. Moxie stops in to discuss tomorrow's show at The Grand, Mrs. Moxie's Wet Hot Summer, where they will also be taking donations for the Northfield Union of Youth.

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Friday, July 18th, 2025:Northfield City Council Hears Initial Budget Proposals; Tax Levy Increase for 2026 Ranges Between 9.9% and 17.4% Pies, People, and Community: Dacie Moses Pie Baking Contest at Carleton College Saturday Afternoon.Assassins at the Paradise Center for the Arts; Flora & Ulysses at the Arts Guild Both Close This Weekend 

 Northfield Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer discusses upcoming events such as Picnic in the Park (July 28th) and Night to Unite (August 5th), issues around speeding and scams in the community, and the potential for a community wellness dog owned by the Northfield Police. 

The news from Northfield, Minnesota on Thursday, July 17th, 2025:Third Thursday This Evening Downtown; Helen Forceythe & The Pan Handlers to PerformNorthfield Memory Mile Raises $12,550 for the Alzheimer's AssociationRice County Officers cite 21 for speeding during pre-holiday enforcement

 In this week's edition of Something I Have Always Wondered About, Logan talks with two members of the Friends of Downtown, President Josh Zimmerman and Christopher Tassava. They talk about the organization's history starting as the Downtown Development Cooperation, the accreditation as a Mainstreet America organization, and what events, grants, and programs they help lead for downtown. 

 Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig discusses last night's work session, the beginnings of the 2026-27 budget planning, and more.