A Montgomery man is in jail facing several charges including fleeing an officer and 2nd degree DUI. According to the criminal complaint, 49 year old Christopher Todd Johnson, was clocked by a Rice County deputy traveling 123 mph on Dundas Blvd. Johnson eventually wound up in a water ditch just north of 130th street. The vehicle was in about 2 feet of water. Other law enforcement arrived and they found Johnson in another field with the smell of alcohol on him. He has 2 previous DUI’s and a revoked drivers license. He’s also charged with refusal to submit to breath test, driving after cancellation and fleeing an officer on foot. His initial court appearance is January 22nd. Criminal complaint: Johnson, C 49
Dundas planning downtown development
Dundas Council remains status quo as they took care of appointments to commissions and boards. Administrator John McCarthy said they were all, basically, reappointments although they do have 2 openings on the Park & Rec Board. As Dundas looks to the development of a new City Hall at the corner of Bridge St. and Railway, they’re looking for others interested in further development of that section of downtown. They’ve been working with the City Planner to develop an idea of what they want to see happen there and offer that idea to folks that may be interested in development. McCarthy said the Council would like to see it developed in the old downtown look, with individual buildings 2 to 3 stories high, some masonry on the front similar to what’s there. McCarthy said they’d look for small shop businesses, a residential component and businesses oriented toward service and entertainment. Dundas is located right on the Cannon river and Mill Towns trail, lending it a great location for outfitters.
Nfld hears from HRC
The Northfield City Council meets tonight for a work session. They have two presentations. One from the Human Rights commission and the other regarding the Age Friendly Survey. Council will discuss the authorization for a 25 cent increase to the PEG fees charged to subscribers of Charter Spectrum. The PEG fees go for Northfield’s Cable access channel, NTV. Mayor Pownell will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20 with details.
“under construction” at NHS
The Northfield Historical Society museum store is undergoing some renovations. Executive Director Cathy Osterman explains they’re looking for more retail space and cutting the counter in half. For the safety of the community, they’ll be closed for a couple of weeks. On another note, the Historical Society is holding their Winter Social on February 3rd at Willingers Golf Course. It’s a chance to meet and mingle with others with the same interest. If you enjoy history, are a member or not a member but would like more information about NHS, this is a great opportunity to learn more about what they do. The Speaker this year is Curt Brown. He is a retired reporter for the Star Tribune but writes a feature in the Sunday paper that takes a look at strange and/or unique events in history. Tickets are available online at northfieldhistory.org. You will not have to pay any additional fee. It’s $20 for members $25 for non-members. If you become a member at the door, you’ll pay the $20 price. The Social includes a buffet dinner. There will be a short annual meeting before the Speaker.
Township candidate filing
Townships will be holding elections in March. If you’re interested in running for Supervisor or Clerk, you have until 5pm January 16th to file. Rice County has at least one Supervisor seat open in each township as well as Clerk. For more details go to the Secretary of State website. Candidate filing information.
