A suspicious fire “warranted an extensive investigation”. That according to Faribault Fire Chief Dustin Dienst. Just after 3 Monday morning , Faribault fire, police, Rice County deputies and North Memorial ambulance were called to 415 Western Avenue on report of a fire outside a mobile home. Police found an active fire burning on the deck and on the front door of the residence. Firefighters quickly forced entry, luckily no one was found inside. The fire was quickly extinguished but it did cause minor smoke and some structural damage.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting Faribault Fire and Police with the investigation. Emergency responders cleared the scene three hours later. Chief Dienst said, “The home had working smoke detectors“. Police Chief Andy Bohlen said the case is considered an active and ongoing investigation. As they work together to identify a cause of the fire they ask anyone with information to contact the police department of fire department. Full press release: 415 Western Ave Media Release.doc
He fractures wife’s hip
A Faribault man fractured his wife’s hip during an altercation. Last Wednesday, Faribault dispatch took multiple calls on report of a woman being thrown to the ground. Officers found the victim lying in the driveway crying and screaming. She told them her husband, 48 year old Michael George Schwanke, and their minor daughter got into a verbal altercation, she left and then the woman and Schwanke got into an argument eventually becoming physical with him shoving her to the ground. The 2nd time he threw her to the ground she heard a pop and couldn’t get back up. Officers found multiple bruises and scratches on her as well. Schwanke is charged with felony 3rd degree assault, interference with an emergency call and 2 misdemeanor counts of domestic assault. His initial court appearance is Dec. 11th. Schwanke complaint 2907
Levy Public hearing set for Dec. 5th
There will be a public hearing on December 5th at Northfield Council Chambers for the 2018 budget and levy. Administrator Ben Martig said they have 2 options planned, 8.5{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} (recommended by Staff) and 8{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. The final approval could be that night, but there is another meeting in December if need be. Ultimately the State requires a decision by the end of the year. If they don’t make a decision, by law, the City would remain at the same budget/levy as last year. Last year it was 2{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}. The Dec. 5th meeting agenda will be very full. Items will be listed for eComments on the City’s website by December 1st at the latest. The Council meets tonight for a work session with the Hospital Board at the Northfield Hospital Conference Center. It is open to the public but will not be streamed live. They’ll discuss the Senior Housing project NH&C has been working on for over a year. Mayor Pownell will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20.
