A wrong way, drunk driver is responsible for a fatal crash on Hwy 19 very early Sunday morning. According to the State Patrol, 29 year old Brandon Dellwo of Shakopee was driving his Lincoln Navigator eastbound in the westbound lane of Hwy 19 at Bagley Avenue, near the Flying J truckstop, when he struck a Volkswagon EOS. That driver, 29 year old Kacy Merseal of Des Moines was flown to HCMC where she died. Her passenger 30 year old Tonya Von Weine of Story City, was taken to Northfield Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Dellwo sustained minor injuries.
He’s currently in the Rice County jail pending charges. Dellwo has numerous moving violations along with public nuisance and disorderly convictions. All of the misdemeanors. The Star Tribune reports that Merseal was engaged to be married in June 2018. Photo from Facebook
Teenager injured in ATV crash
Late Saturday afternoon, a 16 year old female was injured when her ATV hit a tree. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn reports that deputies responded to the 14,000 block of Irwin Court just after 5pm. The driver was airlifted to Mayo in Rochester. She was not wearing a helmet. The crash remains under investigation. Rice County was assisted by Lonsdale Fire and Rescue and Montgomery Ambulance. There’s no further word on the girl’s condition at this time.
Nfld Charter claims City funds are “gifts”, City refutes any wrongdoing
The Northfield Charter Commission, last month, rendered an opinion regarding Council’s approval of contributions of city funds to Big Ten LLC, the company building the new Fairfield Inn & Suites at The Crossings. Secretary Scott Oney said the Agreement contains three specific points, $250,000 for a private parking garage, Land valued at $267,000 and, what they’re describing as a loan from Big Ten LLC for $987,000 at 4.5{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} interest – this is how they’re describing the TIF District that was created. City council and officials have repeatedly refuted the Commission’s position. The City’s Charter states that “The council may contribute city funds to any entity to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the city, if the gift does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest.” The Charter Commission contends that none of those things qualifies. Oney added that enforcement of the charter against a noncompliant City Council is a question that, may need to be answered by the voters or a court. It should be noted that the Commission vote was not a unanimous decision, passing with a 3-1 vote. New members Colby and Schotzko abstained. I have the full opinion on kymn.net. Memo and Opinion to the Council on Res. No. 2016-053 A public hearing will be held at tomorrow’s Council meeting regarding a proposed amendment to the Charter regarding a mayoral duty. I’ll link you to the original story from kymn.net. What is a TIF
Pedestrian and Bicycle safety class for kids
Walk! Bike! Fun! is a way to engage children in learning pedestrian and bicycle safety. The extensive road and on-the-bicycle lessons are designed to increase bike ridership and physical activity. Call Community Services at 507.664.3502 for more information. The program will take place at Bridgewater Elementary’s lower parking lot. Class cost is $9!
Walk! Fun! (Grades K-3) Monday, August 14th, 10am – noon Class#1292-S17Walk
Bike! Fun! (Grades 4-8) Tuesday, August 15th, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Class#1292-S17Bike
