Drug bust on St. Olaf Avenue nets 5
The Cannon river Drug and Violent Offender Task Force executed a search warrant on Wednesday at a home at 1012 St. Olaf Avenue arresting 3 residents and 2 others. The warrant included the home and all vehicles and people at the home at the time of the search. 32 year old Michael Lee Smith, 29 year old Christopher Adam Davids and 27 year old Marliese Lechuga, all residents of the home have been charged. 18 year old Ira Nelson Wells of Dennison, a
passenger in a vehicle was in possession of a digital scale with meth residue in his backpack. 21 year old Brittani Lynn Alcorn of Farmington was in the drivers seat. In her purse they found about 1/2 a gram of meth. In the home, agents found varying amounts of methamphetamine, lorazepam and paraphernalia. They’ve all been charged with 5th degree possession of a controlled substance. They are either a gross misdemeanor or a felony based on the amount of meth they had. Davids is additionally charged for the lorazepam. They are all in the Rice County jail.
Northfield “Opts Out” of temporary dwellings
On May 16th, Governor Dayton signed into law allowing temporary healthcare dwellings on residential properties. In the legislation was a clause to allow cities to “Opt Out”. Northfield Council heard from Betsy Gasior, “as a nurse I have concerns about allowing potentially mentally unstable individuals to live in temporary housing with lack of proper, safe, medically appropriate oversight”. She said family members are often well intentioned but lack the skills to care for their loved ones. As a geriatric nurse, she has grave concerns for the community’s most vulnerable adults living in these temporary structures, “simply allowing grandma to live in the backyard with perhaps minimal supervision and proper interventions can lead to severe injury or death. In my professional opinion it is NOT something in which the City of Northfield should become involved”. Council chose to “Opt Out” of allowing the structures, however, they will continue to discuss possible options. So far, multiple cities and counties are opting out. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Roz Peterson of Lakeville struggled to find a place for her elderly father to live when he got sick two years ago. She told media, “It’s disappointing that cities are opting out”. She acknowledged that the law isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Council approves bond sale
Northfield Council approved the bid on the sale of bonds this week for street projects and more. Mayor Graham said the interest rate they were able to get was 1.325{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. They approved the sale of $2.6 million. The dollars will finance the Woodley Street Improvements currently in progress, reimburse the Fire Equipment Fund for the two fire trucks purchased and finance the UV project at the Wastewater plant.
Nfld Middle School making flow changes
The Arbor Street crossing at the Middle School is coming along, at least on the School side. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillman said they expanded the driveway adding one full lane and added sidewalks on both sides. The work is near completion. The City will put in the crosswalk, there will be bumpouts and that stretch will be designated a school zone which will include speed signs. The Northfield Council approved another $37,000 for flashing beacons as well. I expect to hear an update from Northfield Engineer Sean Simonson on Monday.
DWI enforcement through Sept. 11th
As summer winds down, DWI’s go up. Northfield Police Sgt. Kevin Tussing says expect enhanced DWI enforcement starting today! Rice County Law Enforcement agencies including Northfield, Dundas and Faribault police will be taking part in enhanced DWI enforcement today through Sept. 11. Rice County Attorney, John Fossum said the Towards Zero Death (TZD) initiative has worked to build awareness and improve public safety. The TZD crew has teamed up to use overtime shifts, funded by a state grant focused on traffic enforcement. There’s more information on kymn.net
Northfield’s First Poet Laureate
The Northfield Public Library and the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) announced yesterday the appointment of local poet Rob Hardy to a three-year term as Northfield’s first Poet Laureate. In establishing the program, the Library and ACC envision the Poet Laureate as a coordinator and creative leader for poetic and literary arts in the community. ACC Chair Bonnie Jean Flom was on Art Zany this morning with Paula Granquist. You can listen to the podcast and find out more information on kymn.net.
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