On Friday, a Faribault man pleaded guilty in Rice County court to 3rd degree criminal sexual misconduct with a child under 13. In August, 34 year old Israel Rivera, was taken into custody accused of molesting a girl between 2008 and 2011 when she was 8 to 11 years old. In a heavily redacted criminal complaint, the victim states that she was sexually assaulted several times between the ages of 5 and 11 by 3 different men who were members of her church, Evangelical Christian Spiritual Church in Faribault. The girl, with support from her aunt, was interviewed in April. Two of the men are unnamed in the complaint, one has fled Minnesota. The victim said she told her parents about it a year ago and stated that the church did its own “investigation” and suspended the man.
In the complaint Rivera told told Investigators he was “on Parole” from the church for viewing pornography. When the young victim’s name was brought up, he became visibly upset and then confessed to “touching the girl” and later admitted to more. Two counts of 1st degree sexual misconduct were dismissed. Sentencing is January 5th. He’s been in jail since August.
Hay bale fire makes for a long day for NAFRS firefighters
A fire early Sunday morning had NAFRS firefighters on the scene for nearly 7 hours. Reported around 5am as a structure fire about 3 miles out of Northfield on Eveleth, it turned out to be about 400 hay and straw bales, according to Fire Chief Gerry Franek. He said the bales had just been moved to the field. The had to get an excavator to move the bales as they were under a powerline and close to the road. Farmington fire was called to assist as they went through about 20,000 gallons of water. Franek explained that they had to keep cooling off the excavator and putting out hotspots as the bales were being moved from the area. No one was injured.
It’s an Up/Down year for Dundas – in a good way
The Dundas Council codified their utility rate change last week. City Administrator John McCarthy said Water went up about $1 per month but garbage is going down about $1 per month, depending on the size of your container. Council will hold a public hearing on December 11th on the tax levy. McCarthy said, “because of some very fortunate structure we’re going to actually be increasing our levy by about 20{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}, which seems unusual and is unusual, but the tax rates for the City are going to go down by about 15{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9}”. Two things are happenings, new construction (which raises the tax base) and TIF projects expiring at the end of the year. They’ll hold a quick meeting on the 18th to approve the tax levy and budget.
Snowflake ornament hunt begins
The first clue of the 2017 hunt for the Winter Walk Snowflake is on kymn.net. Clues will be posted online at 8 o’clock each morning through Thursday, if necessary, and read on KYMN radio. Cluemaster Tim Freeland, has hidden the 3 to 4 inch snowflake somewhere within Northfield City limits on public property. Rules are much the same as the DJJD Horsehoe hunt but there’s no need to register for the Snowflake and the winner will get $500 in Northfield Area Chamber Bucks. The 4th and final clue will be revealed on Thursday, the morning of Winter Walk. If the ornament is not found by 5pm Thursday, the hunt will officially end for the year. The location will then be revealed. The rules and further details are on kymn.net. Anyone can hunt but you must be at least 18 to win.
Nfld YMCA holds Community Celebration today
The Northfield Area YMCA’s Capital Campaign pledge goal has been achieved! Over 9.4 million dollars was raised and Executive Director Virginia Kaczmarek says it’s time to celebrate. They’re holding an official unveiling of their permanent donor wall at 4:30 this afternoon. They’ll have light hors d’oeuvres and offer tours of the facility. Kaczmarek said the donor wall is a stunning piece of artwork with all capital campaign donors listed. Join them for a much deserved celebration of a major community accomplishment.
