The Northfield Police Department continues to investigate the stabbing that took place at a residence on Kennedy Court last week. Police Chief Monte Nelson reports that the victim has been released from the hospital and is expected to recover. NPD Investigators are requesting help from the public. They would like to speak to a man who picked up a woman in the downtown area and dropped her off on Kennedy Court, last Friday morning between 10:45 and 11:30. Nelson said, “we have no reason to believe that the person who picked her up is a suspect, we are looking for that person as a witness,
someone who can help us put the pieces together”. If you’re the person who provided the ride, or if you saw this take place, please contact police at 645-4477. Currently, they do not have a good description of the car or a suspect description. Investigators would also like to speak with anyone who observed suspicious activity in the Kennedy Court area, around the same time. Again call the non-emergency number. The original call for help was just after noon last Friday. At the scene, Officers discovered a woman, about 40 years old, who had suffered at least one serious stab wound. She was treated at the scene and the Northfield Hospital before being flown to HCMC for surgery.
Nfld councilors look at levy levels from high to higher
The Northfield City Council was presented with 4 options for the preliminary tax levy that went from high to higher. Mayor Rhonda Pownell said the range was from 6.2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} to 16.4{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} but they didn’t choose either of those, saying it, “would not be fiscally responsible”. In 2014, the levy was less than 1{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}, it jumped to 3.2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} for 2016 and was 2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} for 2017. Administrator Martig commented that what’s driving the increase is the employee wage package. He said, “in the City, in the last 2 years, has been working on a compensation study to update that and we found that we were quite a bit off on our market on a number of positions to attract and retain good people”. He said they’ve already seen it pay dividends with hiring key staff. Unfortunately, he said other areas of revenue have remained flat or decreased so they’re relying more on the levy. Staff is recommending 8{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. Two councilors, Zweifel and Peterson White urged 9{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. Martig commented that, on a $200,000 home, the owner pays about $1,070 per year of City services. Adding, “but if we did that 8{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}, it’s about a $24 increase, about 2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} increase, if your values stay the same”. The valuations come from Rice County and they’re not in yet. That normally comes to your home in October.
Scammers getting $ from residents
In the last several weeks, Northfield Police have received scam reports that have resulted in significant monetary loss. Chief Nelson said, “what’s really frustrating is the many many angles they’re trying”. Nelson said a person received messages and instructions via email and then phone calls demanding payment. The suspects claimed to have obtained the victim’s account numbers and passwords; they threatened to share those numbers if payment was not received. They wanted payment in department store gift cards. Another person received a phone call from suspects claiming to be the IRS demanding payment or the victim would be arrested. They were told to purchase iTunes cards and provide the information to the caller/suspect. – Another received a call from someone claiming they were an attorney in Wisconsin, and the victim needed to send money to bail out the victim’s son. The attorney “info” was legit, but the caller/suspect was not. The victim was able to confirm their son was not in jail and avoided the scam. I have the full press release on kymn.net. 091317 – NPD Release – ScamWarning.docx As always, if it doesn’t make sense or sounds too good to be true, it is almost guaranteed to be a scam. Unfortunately, Nelson added that, in terms of prosecuting these people, “it is almost impossible”. If in doubt, call the police. Click on the link for helpful information to protect yourself: FTC -identity-theft trifold
Master Naturalist class begins Monday
The Carleton College Arboretum will host a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training program beginning Monday, Sept. 18 and running through October 26. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday evenings at the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum. Two additional Saturday field trips will take place Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. Students will join experts at the Carleton Arboretum to learn about the plants, animals, geology, ecology, and history of the “Big Woods Big Rivers” region. They need 4 more people to sign up to be able to hold the class. Register
To learn more about the program or to register online, visit www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org.
