The Northfield Police Department has been notified that someone is attempting to cash in fake $100 bills to local businesses, in exchange for smaller $10’s and $20’s. Sgt. PT Haider says they’re looking for a silver Dodge sedan (with Illinois plates according to a Chamber release) and 2 people. The female, described as a black woman about 5 feet to 5 feet 1 with a nose ring is going into Northfield businesses while the driver waits. They’ve hit 4 so far. Investigators are actively searching for the vehicle and occupants at this time. If you see a vehicle matching this description, or the suspects, please contact the Northfield Police Department at 507-645-4477.
Sheriff waiting for BCA results in Webster shooting
It’s nearing 4 weeks since 4 people were shot at a party in Webster Township. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said, “we’re waiting for some test results back from the BCA and from the ATF on some shell casings. We did recover a handgun from the area and we’re waiting for tests on that as well”. While they continue to collect evidence, Dunn said, “unfortunately we’re still not getting a lot of cooperation from the attendees at this party and I still find it hard to believe that, with all of those people there, that somebody didn’t see something and they’re afraid to come forward”. The attendees were not local people. Dunn said the persons shot are all in stable condition right now but one person still has a bullet in his body. Doctors aren’t sure if they’ll remove it as it would be dangerous. The Sheriff’s office is offering a $2500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the shooter or shooters. Contact investigators at 507-334- 4391.
Arbor Street will get a crosswalk and more
Northfield Council approved a crosswalk on Hwy 246 at Arbor Street across from the Middle School this week. The item had been carried over as some council members wanted confirmation from the school district that they would build a sidewalk on their side. The District is also providing an adult crossing guard and pitching in $20,000 toward the $100,000 project. City Engineer David Bennett said the City added that the option for pedestrian activated rapid flashing beacons to be used when a crossing guard isn’t there. In addition they’ve talked about broader improvements such as bump outs or a median refuge. Mayor Graham said Council agreed that, if budget allows, they could put in a bump out, but, “let’s make sure we get this crossing in this year”. Legally the City must go out for bids on projects over $100,000. That would set back the project not allowing it to be complete before the school year begins. The Hwy 246 and Jefferson Pkwy study is not yet complete however it indicates, so far, that there may be more improvements. The Arbor Street crosswalk is a temporary help. According to Bennett, the flashing beacons will be about $18,000, a bumpout in the median is about $10,000. Construction will begin in August and be complete before school starts.
Animal ordinance stricken, permit denied
Northfield City staff will continue crafting a new Animal Ordinance but in the meantime the Council voted to strike down Code 10-39 which says residents can only have up to 3 animals over the age of 6 months in their homes. The kerfuffle came about after council twice denied a resident a permit to have more than 3 dogs due to the condition in which they lived. In April, a Rice County Judge found City Code 10-39 “unconstitutionally vague as it was applied to Defendant, because it gives the Northfield City Council the arbitrary power to determine who obtains an animal permit and who doesn’t”. Councilor Ludescher, acting as the 78 year old woman’s attorney, recused himself and once again argued for a permit saying, “there’s no basis under the statute to say why she shouldn’t get one. So give her one”. In a 3 to 2 vote, Council chose not to issue a permit. Right now the City can’t enforce any animal limit on any resident.
Hwy 3 work in Farmington
Starting this afternoon at 5 o’clock, the northbound lanes of Hwy 3 in Farmington will close from Hwy 50 to just south of 213th street. MnDot says the road will open with 1 lane in each direction on Monday, the 11th. The closing allows workers to install a pipe under the road. Crews have been working to resurface the highway, install new traffic lights and update pedestrian crossings between Farmington and Empire Township and hope to have it all complete in the Fall.
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