A big detour in Norg, a thorough renovation of the De Wachter mill in Zuidlaren and the wolf that plagues dogs in the Dwingelderveld. Here you can read and see a weekly overview of the most important news in our province.
The almost hundred-year-old Norger Bridge and the N373 have been closed for maintenance since this week. Traffic between Assen and Veenhuizen will have to detour via Norg, Donderen and Vries over the next six months. “Due to aging, the bridge needs to be replaced,” project leader Lambert Vlieg said earlier.
In the new traffic situation, a new sound-absorbing road surface of three kilometers of asphalt will be installed, the roadside along the Norgervaart will be widened by two meters and the crossing will be safer for cyclists. At bicycle crossings, the maximum permitted speed returns to 60 km/h, while the maximum between them remains at 80 km/h.
The route should be open again in May, although traffic disruptions will continue. Due to completing work, there will be some delays along the Norgervaart until the end of September 2026, up to and including the Kolonievaart.
Mill De Wachter in Zuidlaren has been completely renovated, partly with old techniques. Due to wood rot, miller Ton Kolkman had to replace several beams, planks and the reed on the roof. “This type of maintenance is carried out once every 25 years,” the miller explains.
The 175-year-old mill received new planks from the sawmill of the De Wachter museum and a new thatched roof, which was laid without stainless steel wire.
“Because it is a monument, regular rope is used,” says Kolkman. In the event of a fire, the burned rope will fall down with the burning reeds, so that the entire mill does not burn out. “Eventually the wood was replaced and now it is completely fine again. It is completely ready for the next hundred years.”
Thousands of fans and acquaintances gathered in Hoogeveen on Wednesday to pay their last respects to René Karst. In Theater de Tamboer they had the opportunity to pay their last respects to the singer from Drenthe. “I’m really dreading going in like this. But I just have to do it, to say goodbye while I still can,” said a lady.
The crowd drummed up beautiful stories, keeping the memory of Karst alive. “René was kindness itself. He always had time for you, always wanted to have a chat. He was a really nice guy,” said one of his fans.
“René has meant a lot to people with disabilities in Hoogeveen. He was socially committed to people who were having a more difficult time,” said another fan. “I have not yet experienced another artist who puts you so at ease. Heaven has received an extra gold star.”
The province of Drenthe advises visitors against going to the Dwingelderveld with their dogs. A wolf was spotted in the nature reserve last weekend that came close to walkers with dogs. The advice applies to the municipalities of De Wolden and Westerveld, both of which are responsible for public order and safety in the Dwingelderveld.
“The feeling of social insecurity in Westerveld society is coming from left to right,” Mayor Jouke Spoelstra (CDA) told RTV Drenthe. He wants more measures and states “that this can no longer be the case. More must be done to keep the wolf population in the Netherlands manageable.”
Deputy Egbert van Dijk (BBB) speaks of a ‘problem wolf’, but also knows that the province has no choice but to provide advice for the time being. “A lot of people in the provincial government are working very hard to see what we can do as quickly as possible.” For example, chasing away the wolf with a paintball gun is being considered. “A permit is required for this and we must investigate what is required for this.”
Friday was all about Jetta Klijnsma, who resigned as King’s Commissioner. A secret cultural program awaited her in the Provincial House.
There, the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso from Assen paid tribute to Klijnsma, while Isa Zwart from Emmen also performed and Klijnsma’s anthem Sing, fight, cry, pray, work and admire by Ramses Shaffy and Daniël Lohues’ I’m getting out of here sang. In addition, the Dutch Don’t Dance Division from The Hague performed a dance performance, her ‘own dance club’, because she is chairman of the board.
Very administrative Drenthe, and also many northern and Hague colleagues such as Commissioner of the King of Limburg Emile Roemer, former Speaker of the House Gerdi Verbeet and former mayor Jozias van Aartsen of The Hague who was acting Commissioner of the King of Drenthe for another year, were present during the farewell of the commissioner.
“Thanks to you, The Hague came this way more often,” said deputy Gert-Jan Schuinder (BBB) in his speech. “Although for many the road from The Hague to Assen is longer than the other way around. Drenthe got more color in their cheeks, more self-confidence.”
In her speech of thanks, Klijnsma called for honoring naobership. “Make sure that everyone can always rely on you. Always again. Because it is much more difficult to ask for help than to give it. Neighborhood is the best thing Drenthe has.”