Northfield man convicted – faces more charges – UPDATED with more comments from Rice County Attorney John Fossum:
Joshua Barron is currently in federal custody and made an appearance in federal court yesterday. A three count indictment was unsealed charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm , and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Because of his criminal history, Barron may face a sentence of 30 years to life if convicted at trial. Now that Barron is in federal custody it may be some time before he can return to Rice County to face his pending charges. I have attached a copy of the federal indictment. Barron – Indictment
A Northfield man who led multiple law enforcement agencies on 2 pursuits in February pleaded guilty to 2nd degree assault with a deadly weapon. 32 year old Joshua Paul Barron, will remain in the Dakota County jail until his sentencing on July 19. Rice County Attorney John Fossum said, at that point he will be transferred to Department of Corrections custody. Once he is in prison, Fossum’s office will seek a writ to have him come to court for his cases in Rice County, of which there are 3 open files. Fossum remarked
in February that, at the time of the chase, Barron was out on $160,000 bail from charges in Rice County, “and at least one of those files is 1st degree controlled substance where he was found in a stolen truck with 65 grams of methamphetamine. Which is a lot”. Twenty grams is a 1st degree felony. He also had a gun. When Rice County gets him for the 1st degree drug charges, Fossum said, because of his criminal history score, he’s looking at 20 years. Fossum added that he also faces the “Career Offender” penalty which is up to 40 years in prison. He also has pending cases in Steele and Morrison counties.
4-way stop in the future for 5th and Washington?
A 4 way stop at Washington and 5th street in downtown Northfield is being talked about once again. The item was on Northfield Council’s consent agenda this week. It was pulled for discussion which they never got to as the meeting was dominated by The Crossings hotel project. Mayor Graham commented that this was something he’s pushed for although there are some who are concerned stop signs don’t do anything. He added, “but we’re not doing anything right now”. There are no stop signs on Washington Street from Woodley St to 4th street, so a lot of people use it to avoid the congestion on Division. Graham says neighbors would like to see a stop sign.
Candidate filing update
In filing news, Ward 2 councilor David DeLong filed for re-election yesterday and Brad Ness filed for Councilor-at-large. A Primary election will be held in August for seats with more than 2 people running. Filing ends at 5pm on May 31st.
HRA asks for more $ for dilapidated property
The Northfield HRA met this week to approve additional dollars for the rehabilitation of a property they purchased. The extent of the rehab rose considerably. HRA Director Janine Atchison said they had $25,000 in the budget but she’s asking for another $38,000 to properly address the issues and have some for contingency. (There’s an extensive list of issues. Click HERE) The property at 2007 Hidden Valley Rd was purchased for $39,000, they’ve also had work done in the basement. They have $50,000 into the property at this point. There are a multitude of issues with the severely neglected property. Members chose to approve the additional monies, it will now go to Council’s consent agenda.
4 finalists for Rice Co. Admin
Four finalists have been named to fill the Rice County Administrator seat. Commissioners this week chose Patrick Casey, currently Town Administrator of Salem, WI., Sara Folsted, currently Renville County Administrator, Brentt Michalek, currently the Director of Conservation, Planning and Zoning for Sauk County, WI and Robert Wilson Asst Administrative Officer in Sioux Falls, SD. I have their resumes posted on kymn.net. Twenty two candidates applied. Commissioners will conduct interviews June 8th and 9th and hope to have their selection on the 9th. Rice County Administrator Finalists
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