It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Waterford Historic Bridge gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Northfield, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riverside Lions Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ole Store Restaurant or visit Historic Ames Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Northfield, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Northfield, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Northfield, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Last week, KYMN aired a news special about the Ice Arena Project, and this week during the news, we will be highlighting some of the important topics covered. You can find the full show here.Today, we are answering the question: Why does Northfield need a new Ice Arena? There are two main reasons: first, the mechanical systems of the building. Northfield Public Works Director Dave Bennett stated that th...
Last week, KYMN aired a news special about the Ice Arena Project, and this week during the news, we will be highlighting some of the important topics covered. You can find the full show here.
Today, we are answering the question: Why does Northfield need a new Ice Arena? There are two main reasons: first, the mechanical systems of the building. Northfield Public Works Director Dave Bennett stated that the refrigerant system is nearing the end of its life and will need to be replaced soon, which would be a significant cost to do in the old building. The second main item is that the building is currently not up to code and is in need of improvement, including accessibility issues and overall lack of features.
Northfield City Councilor Brad Ness cited that the ice arena, built in 1975, had few features to begin with:
“It was built to get a roof over a piece of ice. They didn’t consider a whole lot more. If you look at the existing one.The locker room space is not adequate for today’s usage. The insulation and all that in the building is probably not up to codes today, so there would need a lot of money in that existing facility to bring it up to code and even a whole lot more to bring it up to current standards.” – Brad Ness, Northfield City Councilor
City Councilor Jessica Peterson-White cited the issue of accessibility as one of her main concerns:
“And there are some pretty significant issues with accessibility and you know, I think we all know like we got a lot of really engaged grandparents showing up for their grandkids’ games these days. And, you know, people of all ages really need accessibility” – Jessica Peterson-White, Northfield City Councilor
Another issue cited with the space was the lack of adequate restrooms and lockrooms, forcing players to share space with audience members. Here’s Public Works Director Dave Bennett:
“So one of the challenges now is the, you know, the players during intermissions have to commingle with the visitors that are trying to use the locker room. And they’re trying to get back to listen to their coaches, but they have to share the lock locker rooms with the spectators who are using the restrooms.” – Dave Bennett, Northfield Public Works Director
Overall, Councilor Ness stated that when comparing the costs of a new ice arena and fixing the old arena, “it made no sense to invest another dime into the current facility.”
Logan Wells is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at [email protected]
After months of discussion and community outreach, the Northfield School Board last night approved approximately $6 million dollars in budget reductions for the 2025-2026 school year.
This round of reductions comes on the heels of another budget reduction just two years ago, due to declining enrollment and what many with the school district and on the board have called “chronic underfunding of education by the state legislature.” Prior to the discussion and votes, School Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George spoke of the various needs students have today, from academic help to in-school health services, to transportation, and much more. It was with those needs in mind that she lamented the need for the budget cuts.
“School in 2025 is not just reading, writing and arithmetic. It’s this reality that makes the $6 million budget reduction a heavy lift for our district staff and our students. Everyone will be doing more with less. “
The reductions were made in six areas. The activities budget was reduced by $222,000. District Services were reduced by $1.8 million. The Elementary Budget was reduced by $1.3 million, the Secondary Budget by $1.6 million, and Special Services by $1 million. Notable within those cuts were the elimination of 9 full-time elementary teaching positions, an assistant principal position and a school counselor position at Northfield High School, a counselor position at Northfield Middle School, and a 5% decrease in School Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann’s salary. A much-discussed proposal to eliminate one period from the middle school workday from seven periods to six was removed from the reductions, thereby preserving the middle school’s seven-hour day.
Hillmann addressed the school board and the Northfield School District Community after the final vote was taken, praising the board and the hundreds of people who participated in the discussions leading up to last night’s vote, and held the process up as a glimpse of hope in an ever-more polarized society.
“People expressed their understanding of the need for action. How many times did we read people saying, ‘I don’t have to like it, but I know it’s what we have to do.’ They advocated fiercely for their perspective, and they did so respectfully. So, I reject this notion that we can’t have these hard discussions in our current democracy in a way that is civil, respectful and seeks the greater good.”
Hillmann himself was thanked by several members of the board for his leadership through the process. Each reduction package was passed by the board unanimously.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Reach him at [email protected]
With Earth Day this week, KYMN is covering some of the local organizations that are working to preserve the planet.Today we are talking with the event organizers of the Northfield Earth Day Celebration Mary Jo Cristofaro and Sarah Fortner about the event happening both Friday evening and Saturday. Find the full schedule of programs here: https://northfieldearthday.com/...
With Earth Day this week, KYMN is covering some of the local organizations that are working to preserve the planet.
Today we are talking with the event organizers of the Northfield Earth Day Celebration Mary Jo Cristofaro and Sarah Fortner about the event happening both Friday evening and Saturday. Find the full schedule of programs here: https://northfieldearthday.com/
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
July 10, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm –
Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm –
May 18, 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm –
June 20, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 7:30 am – 3:00 pm –
Full Northfield Events Calendar
Copyright © 2024 KYMN Radio
Carrie Carroll, Executive Director of Northfield Shares and Board Chair Erika Campbell highlight National Volunteer Week, ‘Love our City’ event on May 17, volunteer opportunities, and more. Visit northfieldshares.org for more information.
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
Chau Troung, owner of Tin Tea in Northfield, talks about how she began her business while still in college and the delicious products available at her store.
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
Northfield Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann and School Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George talk about the budget reductions approved by the School Board at its April 28 meeting.
Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen discusses the April 28 City Council meeting. Topics include approval of the request from the Dundas Dukes to name the baseball field at Memorial Park “Bill Nelson Field at Memorial Park”, and approval of a quote for the watermain project. The Council also discussed policy relating to sidewalk repair during a work session.
Jon Olson, retired Naval Intelligence Officer, professor and author, discusses national security issues relating to the attack in Kashmir last week and the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel, Northfield VFW Commander Tracy Closson and VFW Auxiliary President Nola Matheson talk about the mission, events, and activities sponsored by the Northfield VFW, Post 4393. May 3 will be clean-up day at Veteran’s Park followed by a free lunch for first responders; Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at Veteran’s Park (St. Olaf gym in inclement weather) followed by Beyond the Yellow Ribbon lunch.
Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas talks about the recent tornado in Rice County, distracted driving, and more.
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
July 10, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm –
Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm –
May 18, 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm –
June 20, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 7:30 am – 3:00 pm –
Full Northfield Events Calendar
Copyright © 2024 KYMN Radio
Craig Swenson, Assistant Director/Fitness Manager, provides information about upcoming programs, activities and events at FiftyNorth.
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
Brent Nystrom of Northfield Rotary talks about the Taste of Summer Fest to be held on July 10 at the Red Barn Farm, 5-8pm.
June 16, 2025
Erica Zweifel, Jeanne Hatle and Anika Rychner talk about Carleton College Lighten Up Garage Sale to be held Friday June 20, 7:30am to 3pm, and
June 13, 2025
MN District 58A Representative Kristi Pursell summarizes the Special Session held on Monday, June 9.
June 13, 2025
July 10, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm –
Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm –
May 18, 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm –
June 20, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 7:30 am – 3:00 pm –
Full Northfield Events Calendar
Copyright © 2024 KYMN Radio
The Northfield Public Schools served 65,267 breakfasts and 228,250 lunches in the first half of this school year. Those numbers were shared as part of the annual update on Child Nutrition to the Northfield School Board. The number of meals served by the school district rose significantly between 2023 and 2024 when the Minnesota State Legislature passed a new law providing free lunch for every student in the state. Between the last two years, the number has largely stayed the same.Stephany Stromme is the Director of Child Nutrition for...
The Northfield Public Schools served 65,267 breakfasts and 228,250 lunches in the first half of this school year. Those numbers were shared as part of the annual update on Child Nutrition to the Northfield School Board. The number of meals served by the school district rose significantly between 2023 and 2024 when the Minnesota State Legislature passed a new law providing free lunch for every student in the state. Between the last two years, the number has largely stayed the same.
Stephany Stromme is the Director of Child Nutrition for the School District:
“We know that research is showing that starting the day with breakfast can really help to enhance the day for our students. It helps with better academic performance, their concentration and even their test scores. We have seen a slight increase for this school year, about a 1%. Increase, which we’re happy to see even though enrollment has declined.” – Stephany Stromme, Northfield Schools Director of Child Nutrition at the 5/12/2025 School Board Meeting
This past year, expenses outpaced revenue, with higher-than-expected supply costs being the primary reason. Stromme says that their main supplier is anticipating food costs to increase in the coming year due to a variety of factors, including inflation and tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration:
“Our expenditures are so much higher for next year because we actually went with a 7% increase on our expenditures, whereas in the past we were probably closer to that 5 to 6%. So we wanted to give ourselves a little bit more of a buffer with that” – Stephany Stromme, Northfield Schools Director of Child Nutrition at the 5/12/2025 School Board Meeting
Stromme noted that a new program, called Buy American, mandates that the district buy 90% of food items from the United States. But that new mandate nationwide was raising concerns that suppliers would be able to keep up with the demand. The School District’s Director of Finance, Val Mertesdorf, stated that they were cautiously watching the situation for the future
“I also think as as we know more with the tariffs, we can respond more to the products that we’re choosing. We have some amazing options for students and that might have to be scaled back in the future unfortunately, but we don’t want to. React prematurely and be doing that.” – Val Mertesdorf, Northfield Schools Director of Finance at the 5/12/2025 School Board Meeting
The School Board is set to approve the Child Nutrition budget in June. Will have the full budget report listed on our website in today’s news.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> Click here to listen on Spotify> Click here to listen on Apple PodcastDo you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
Video from last year’s event by Aramis Wells
The Minnesota Fire Engine Club’s annual takeover of Bridge Square with the Pumpers in the Park event is this Saturday. The free event features several fire trucks on display from different eras, many of which actively spray water into the Cannon River throughout the night.
Len Schrader is with the Minnesota Fire Engine Club:
“Will have Pumper fire trucks that will actually be flowing water, and Sunbelt Rentals gives us a big 2500 gallon per minute pump. They just donate it for the weekend, and we’re going to throw a suction line in the Cannon River, and we’re going to pull water from the Cannon River, and we’re going to throw it right back up.” – Len Schrader of the Minnesota Fire Engine Club on the KYMN Morning Show
Also featured at the event are food and fire safety activities. The event starts at 5 pm and goes until 10 pm. As night sets in, lights are attached to each truck, lighting up the water setting up a unique and beautiful scene.
According to Scharder, the Fire Engine Club is a non-profit group of hobbyists who collect real working fire apparatus that have been retired from service:
“ But the Minnesota enthusiasts and collectors who get together and we just have a blast. We just go out and throw water. We do different parades and static displays, and we get together once a month for a meeting and then again for our events. And we’ve got approximately 55 pieces of apparatus and probably as many members.” – Len Schrader of the Minnesota Fire Engine Club on the KYMN Morning Show
Pictures from last year’s Pumpers in the Park in Northfield. Pictures by Logan Wells/KYMN News
The fire engine club hosts events across the area and state, with Northfield’s event being one of the longest running of its current events, starting in 2019, with a brief break for the pandemic in 2020.
Pumpers in the Park takes place tomorrow from 5pm to 10pm at Bridge Square.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> Click here to listen on Spotify> Click here to listen on Apple PodcastDo you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
Next Monday is Memorial Day, and the Northfield community will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. In the lead-up to the service next week, KYMN News will be talking some time to share about the work and stories of veterans in our community. See all the stories in this series here.
Today, we are focusing on the Memorial Day Service itself. The event starts promptly at 9 am with the Posting of the Colors. Several songs will be sung through the event, including the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, America, and each song of the military branches. Music will be led by the North Star Brass Quintet the 34th ID Band.
The Commander of the Northfield American Legion Post 84, Chris Rietveld, will give this year’s Commander’s Address, and Jack Hoschouer, a retired US Army Lt. Col, will give the Memorial Address.
The service will include several moments for reflection and remembrance, including placing wreaths for the Navy Dead, POW/MIA, and a wreath for each major conflict in US history. The ceremony ends with the last call, where the bell is rung for every Northfield veteran who has passed away this last year, and a carnation is laid on their monument, and 21 gun salute to end the service.
The service starts at 9 am at Veterans Memorial Park in Northfield. Bleachers will be provided, but bringing your own lawn chair is recommended. The service will be at St. Olaf College in case of bad weather. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will host their regular picnic afterwards at the Riverside Lions Park Shelter. All are welcome to both events.
Cover Page of the Service Program
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> Click here to listen on Spotify> Click here to listen on Apple PodcastDo you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
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