Ludescher holds off on litigation, Clack collects signatures
Attorney and candidate for Northfield Council-Member-at-Large, David Ludescher, has released a statement concerning possible litigation concerning financing of the new Public Safety Center. He lists 7 reasons why his group will hold off on filing a lawsuit for now. You can listen to the entire press release by clicking HERE. Northfielder Tim Clack will be on Bridge Square tomorrow and Sunday from 10 till 2 collecting signatures from residents to present to the Council asking that they reverse their decision on the current financing mechanism for the new Public Safety Center.
Northfield mother sentenced to 1 year in prison
A Northfield mother receives a year in prison for the death of her 17 month old child. 21 year old Melissa Louise Ohmann (formerly Hokanson) was sentenced today in Dakota County court in connection with the death of her 17 month old son Nicholas Arthur Miller. Miller died in June of 2009 due to blunt force injuries. Ohmann pled guilty in March of this year to Manslaughter in the 2nd degree, neglect of a child. She will serve one year in Dakota County jail and 10 years probation. The investigation found that, had she sought prompt medical care for her son, he would likely have lived. Ohmann’s former husband and stepfather to Nicholas, Tylar Hokanson, was convicted of 1st degree murder with a past pattern of child abuse. He’s serving a life sentence. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said “while Ohmann didn’t cause the death of her son, she should’ve exercised reasonable care in taking him to an emergency room after his need for medical treatment became apparent. Judge MacDonald allowed Ohmann work release and to continue her therapy. She cannot have contact with any children younger than 15, including her own, without supervision. Ohmann’s other two children are in the custody of family members. She’ll report to jail Oct. 4.
HRA and Three Rivers move forward on 28 unit townhome complex
The HRA met last night. They discussed the Award of Tax Credit granted by the MHFA for a 28 unit townhome complex and what the next moves will be. Three Rivers Community Action representative Jenny Larson said they will go through the processes of approval from the City, the Council and the Planning Commission and start building next Spring. The complex has to be completed by the end of next year. If they don’t have all the certificates of occupancy by the end of next year, Three Rivers and their partners will face substantial penalties. This is estimated to be a $7 million project. Larson feels confident everything will come in on time. The entire meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net.
Public Safety says “heads up”
Pedestrian deaths in Minnesota have risen sharply this year. Already 23 pedestrians have been killed – the deadliest year in the last 5. Deputy Chief Chuck Walerius says most of these accidents have occurred in the morning. He warns motorists whose cars have sat outside to wipe the dew off their car so they have clear vision. Sunglare also obstructs your view. As a pedestrian, you need to always look both ways regardless of whether you have the walk signal. Public Safety Director Mark Taylor says don’t assume a driver sees you. He says one of the most prevalent “new” violations he sees is people texting. It’s comparable to drunk driving.
Sober Cab program use is up
The new Sober Cab program was utilized extensively during the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. Rice County attorney Paul Beaumaster says
the company was inundated with requests and will work to have more cabs available. Beaumaster says this is a testament to KYMN and other media outlets who have informed the public of the service. People are now becoming aware that they don’t have to drive drunk. He says it’s also a testament to the bar owners who participate. Beaumaster says if you can’t afford a ride home, they’ll buy you a ride. It’s a lot cheaper than a DWI and certainly safer for everyone. Deputy Chief Chuck Walerius added that they had no calls related to Defeat Days despite the huge influx of visitors.
River Cleanup set for tomorrow
Dress to get dirty. The 4th Annual Cannon River Watershed Wide Cleanup tomorrow from – 9AM – Noon and they’re looking for volunteers. Organizer Beth Kallestad says they’ll break into groups and hopefully get to the riverwalk here in town. She says they focus around the cities along the Cannon for logistics reasons such as access and being able to have dumpsters nearby. Bring work gloves if you have them, waders or boots if you want to get in the water but there’s usually plenty of debris that washes up on shore. They’ll be meeting at Sechler Park and at the Carleton arboretum. To learn more call (507) 786-3915 or look them up on their website at crwp.net. Beverages and a light lunch will be served at Sechler Park at noon. Kallestad encourages everyone to recycle.
Recycle your junk
Speaking of recycling, Rice County Environmental Services is sponsoring an appliance recycling day tomorrow at the Rice County Fairgrounds from 8a to 3pm. They’ll accept refridgerators, stoves, ovens, furnaces and more. For a complete list go to the Rice County website. They will not accept small appliances. You can get rid of your junk for free but be sure to bring proof of residency in Rice County.
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