Just before noon, 41 year old Martin Fernandez-Velazquez was charged in Rice County with Attempted murder, first degree assault and 2 counts of 2nd degree assault in the stabbings of 2 men. Early yesterday morning, Faribault Police along with Rice County deputies responded to a stabbing in the 1400 block of Hulett Ave. On arrival, they discovered a 58 year old man and a 26 year old man each with multiple stab wounds. Both were airlifted to a metro trauma center. Police Chief Andy Bohlen said this morning, “I think our First Responders did a phenomenal job because even in my career I’ve seen a lot of bad scenes but there was an enormous amount of blood loss at the scene, so I think the reactions of our First Responders and to get them to a trauma unit was probably what saved at least one of their lives” The victims are in stable condition.
There were 2 calls to 911, the first by Velazquez, the other by a victim saying he was bleeding out. Bohlen added that alcohol was a factor. Attorney John Fossum said, Fernandez-Velazquez is facing up 20 years in prison for the most serious charge. He’s claiming self-defense. Fernandez-Velasque Complaint
Technology and nursing will be key as community ages
NRC’s CEO Kyle Nordine has seen the growth of the Northfield Retirement Community quadruple over the last 15 years. And it’s going to get busier. He said by 2022 there will be over 1 million people over the age of 65 in Minnesota and 60,000 people will turn 65 each year from now through 2035. He added that 80{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of those aging-in-place want to continue to live in their home and technology will be key to that. The Northfield Council just gave the first nod to a Senior Housing Campus across from the Hospital. Nordine said, “and the market today already says that there’s a need for a 100 plus unit in the community and we have looked at a number of plans as well and had actually hoped that we would have been part of the Hospital’s conversation with the Developer (Yanik) but the developer wanted to go with Benedictine primarily because it’s somebody that they’ve worked with in the past”. Skilled workers are a huge issue, “not only finding good workers, people that want to do the job but also just pure numbers”. The concern now by professionals is, “will this thing crash the same way as the housing market did? At some point will you reach the cap of what it costs to get the care and services? And then if that happens who will be left out? And will be end up with a two class system, the Haves and the Have Nots?”. His full interview is on kymn.net.
Nfld Chamber announces 2018 award winners
The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced their annual Awards. President Todd Bornhauser said this morning on KYMN the 2018 Business of the Year is one of the newest businesses in town, Imminent Brewing! Business Person of the Year is Rick Estenson of First National Bank and Ambassador of the Year is Julie Haley of Tekton Engineers. Imminent Brewing at 5th and Division, turned a 3 stall garage into a thriving brew pub. Bornhauser added that, “even more important is how they have embraced the community and haven’t gotten involved”. They were brewing for events before the pub ever opened up. They’re heavily involved in events and fundraisers throughout the City. Rick Estenson has long been involved in community and civic activities that improve local businesses as well as Economic Development efforts that have led to significant improvements. Bornhauser said, “when we talk about small business, that’s Rick Estensen. He’s really out there trying to help anyone who’s in need of either starting or expanding their business”. He’s also very active in Rotary. Julie Haley has thrown herself into the role of Ambassador volunteering to be the Chair. She’s active in the Be Local – Buy Local, Fall Gala and Home & Garden show and much more. Congratulations to each of them. The winners will be honored at the annual meeting on January 24th at The Grand Event Center. Get your tickets at northfieldchamber.com and help celebrate! Read the full press release below:
