Farmington man jailed for stalking Northfield woman
A Farmington man on parole for 2nd degree murder is in jail for stalking a Northfield woman. According to the criminal complaint filed in Dakota County, 33 year old Andrew Michael Smith sent threatening text messages to the woman and employees of a local tattoo parlor on September 19th and 20th. Using Facebook and text messaging Smith allegedly mentioned a .40 caliber gun and said they were now enemies. Officers found him at his mother’s home in Farmington. He admitted to sending the messages. Smith is charged with Stalking with a pattern of stalking and terroristic threats, both felonies. His next court appearance is October 16th. Smith was convicted of 2nd degree murder in 2001 after a jury tried him in the beating death of a man in a Lakeville Park in 2000.
Police consider another aerial search for Bohlen
Using helicopters, blood hounds and several law enforcement agencies, Northfield police have yet to locate 39 year old Joshua Ben Bohlen. Bohlen’s family reported him missing on Sunday. The area in which he may be is in a State Park where the terrain is rough and a stream runs through it. Public Safety Director Mark Taylor
says they’re in touch with the Civil Air Patrol to launch another aerial search. Police believe this is the most effective way to search at this time. A number of area residents have contacted Northfield police about a volunteer search effort. Taylor says they’re not encouraging or discouraging those efforts but ask that you contact local authorities including the Rice County Sheriff Department to coordinate any effort. They want volunteers to remain safe. The DNR is not allowing a search of the State Park area at this time. Northfield police are asking your help for information about Bohlen and/or his whereabouts since September 20th when he was last seen. Call their Dispatch number at 507-645-4475.
PSC design plans include footprint for fire but will fire be there
Designs are moving forward for the new Public Safety Center. Public Safety Director Mark Taylor said the plans include a footprint to add the fire department. However, where the fire department will be housed is still in question. Taylor says that fire administration has voiced to the council, their desire to stay at the current facility for now. The other issue is whether Northfield joins a Fire Service District. A fire service study group made up of representatives from Northfield, Dundas and surrounding townships was formed. They’ll have their 3rd meeting this afternoon. Taylor says in the meantime there will be minimal funding to upgrade the current facility with so many things in flux. Over the next several months staff will be going over details with the architect selected by the Council. Once the plans are more fully developed, Taylor says they’ll look for some citizen input and bring in public safety personnel from all departments to look at the layout. If everything stays on schedule they hope to occupy the new Safety Center in 2014.
Film viewing under the stars
The Northfield Golf Club is showing a movie under the stars tonight. Dr. Suess’s “The Lorax” will be shown starting at 8 o’clock with a pre-party at the Club at 7:30. The cost is $5 per person. Bring a blanket to sit on.
Vote today on youth PSA
You only have a couple days left to vote on this year’s youth video PSA. The theme of this year’s contest is “Youth Under Pressure,” with videos focusing on stress and young people. The three finalists were selected from entries across the community. The contest is sponsored by the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative and the Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use. Voting ends this Sunday (September 30, 2012). To view the videos and vote go to northfieldhci.org. The top vote getter will receive a $200 cash prize!
http://northfieldhci.org/votingpage2012
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