With nearly 100,000 people descending on St. Paul Saturday for the Womens March, there was just one arrest. Sources tell me it’s the same man who has yelled his gospel of hell and damnation on Bridge Square in Northfield for at least 2 summers. Paul
David Pearson was arrested on suspicion of felony assault charges after spraying a group of marchers with pepper spray. He was displaying a counter protest sign against gays and yelling at Marchers. When some marchers approached him, according to a witness, he punched a woman and then started spraying the crowd, which included children. A mother and daughter from Northfield were hit with the spray, they were taken to a medical tent and, while it was painful, they’re okay. Pearson was last known as a “Brother” for Old Paths Baptist Church in Northfield. They have a reputation for anti-gay protests at events that promote tolerance of gays. I tried calling the church, the number listed is no longer in service, so I have left a message through their website. Ramsey County Sgt. John Eastham told me that Pearson was cited with
“Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct”. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine up to $1,000, or both. Pearson has had a long battle with downtown Northfield businesses and shoppers as he screamed out his messages from the street corners along Bridge Square. Northfield Police officers have done what they could but, so far in Northfield, he hasn’t technically broken any laws. They say it’s a matter of free speech.
Non-registered sex offender living in Nfld is back in jail
A non-registered sex offender is back in jail. Agents of the Cannon River Drug and Violent offender task force executed a search warrant at 218 Dresden Avenue in Northfield last Friday. Inside agents found 34 year old Samuel George Baisley Jr., a 
predatory sex offender who is required to register his residence. Agents found that he was living in one of the bedrooms where they also found meth pipes and a baggie with traces of methamphetamine. The female in the residence told agents that he moved in last summer, she told him to move out but he refused. She also knew he was a sex offender as she was with him when it happened. Baisley is in Rice County jail charged with 5th degree drugs and failing to register, a felony with a maximum sentence of 5 years. His initial court appearance is February 6th. He has multiple convictions for burglary and driving after revocation.
Court rules on Carleton request for dismissal
A US District Court has made a ruling in Carleton College’s request to dismiss a complaint filed last May by a 2015 graduate. In the suit, the victim alleges she was raped twice and the college’s treatment of her caused even more trauma. In the 49 page lawsuit, filed under Title IX, it’s alleged that Carleton College continued to harm the woman by placing the burden on her to “get over the rapes” without offering her the help, services or accommodations she was entitled to. Carleton’s Eric Seiger confirmed certain legal claims were dismissed in full, others were significantly narrowed, and others will proceed to the discovery phase. The College will continue to defend against the remaining claims as the case moves forward in the legal process.
NAFRS Chair says they have 6 months to get parties on board
The NAFRS joint powers board met last week. On the agenda were votes to approve a Fire Facility project management agreement with Northfield and Pre construction costs. Chair Glen Castore said they felt it would be prudent to delay action until the next meeting. Adding that, “what we’re trying to do here is set up an arrangement where the NAFRS manages the project, and that’s in the Joint Powers Agreement that NAFRS will do that. On the other hand Northfield is bonding for the project for the entire amount”. Northfield will hold the contracts as well. Northfield Council gave their support to the Fire Hall overhaul. Castore commented, “and the intent there was to sort of force the issue with each party to get questions on the table”. Dundas has consistently raised questions for months. Dundas Mayor Glenn Switzer will now be on the Facilities Committee. Rural has concerns over ownership of the building and how the cost is split. Castore explained that, “so over the next 15 years, we would expect, for example that Northfield might annex part of Bridgewater Township, there’s 2 developments sitting right there on the edge of Northfield. If that happens, that changes the, sort of the, financial dynamic between both the city and township regarding taxes”. Castore says they have 6 months to work these kinks out if they want to start construction in 2018. It will be August or September before they ask for financial commitments. They’ll also have a firmer estimate of cost. If anyone’s not on board, the project would halt.
1-24-17 News
