In August of 2016, 41 year old Chad Michael Gibson never even slowed down when he slammed into a vehicle on I-35 and Hwy 60. Gibson of St. Paul, pled guilty yesterday in Rice County court to criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation. Last April, Rice County attorney John Fossum commented on KYMN that Gibson had his cruise control set at 78 mph and didn’t touch the brakes. He slammed into a Kia which burst into flames. There were warning signs for at least 4 miles leading up to the construction zone. A 63 year old Eden Prairie man was killed, his wife was severely injured. The crash caused a chain reaction. Gibson’s jury trial had been set for January 22nd. Fossum, who prosecuted the case, said “We appreciate Mr. Gibson accepting responsibility for his
conduct. We will seek a prison sentence consistent with the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.” That would be 7-8 years in prison. Gibson and his lawyer intend to ask for a downward departure to keep him out of prison. The case was investigated by the Minnesota State Patrol, The Faribault Police Department and the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. “Excellent investigation and an unimpeachable reconstruction report by the State Patrol led to this plea,” Fossum added. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13th. Full press release: Press Release Chad Gibson
Gibson’s been convicted of multiple driving offenses, burglary, criminal sexual conduct and not registering as a predatory offender.
Fynboh seeks jury trial
A Northfield man charged with fleeing police after reaching speeds of 120 mph has demanded a jury trial. 41 year old Jesse Andrew Fynboh was in Rice County Court yesterday for a plea hearing. According to the criminal complaint, in August Fynboh was traveling east on hwy 19 in Lonsdale when he was spotted swerving and crossing the fog line, he made a u-turn and hit the gas when the Trooper turned his lights on. Fynboh lost control at Panama Ave and 200th st. east. He was located a half hour later in a nearby swamp. He already had a warrant out for his arrest for drug possession in Hennepin County. He’s charged with fleeing an officer, a felony, and 4th degree dui. A trial has been set for March 19th. Fynboh has alcohol related charges dating back to 1995. Fynboh complaint
Postponed – HPD recognition
The Northfield Council postponed the passage of 4 buildings into the Historic Preservation District. Neither the HPC or the City had notified the building owners of the Council action. Councilor Colby said the owners need to be told about action coming forward. There had been significant outreach to building owners prior to the action last night according to HPC Chair Jason Menard and Community Development Director Chris Heineman. The vote was 4 to 2 to postpone. Mayor Pownell and C. Nakasian wanted to continue. Pownell said there are 2 readings for this type of ordinance. She said they “probably thought that you could go through with that First Reading and the second one, the owners could be there”. This will come back to council Feb. 13th. The properties include 515, 517 and 519 Division St. and Mark Quinnell’s State Farm Insurance building on Water St. Administrator Martig comments on what it does for building owners, saying, “it just creates some extra processes involved in reviewing, like if they’re going to be particularly exterior changes to a building. It identifies some goals and priorities to be in conformance with the look and the feel of downtown”. It could also give them a possible tax credit. At the previous public hearing, a couple of the building owners, including Randy Malecha of Willie’s Shoe Service, spoke in opposition to the inclusion. A concern is over regulation. There have been multiple studies done by the Heritage Preservation Commission along with a consultant.
FiftyNorth celebrates
The Northfield Senior Center has been quietly rebranding. Their name change to FiftyNorth will be celebrated on Thursday (jan 18) from 11am to 3pm with free soup and sandwiches till 1pm followed by music, dance and social time. As Northfield has been highlighted multiple times as the place to retire to, a large part of that has been the quality of the formerly named Senior Center. The draw is part of their slogan, “Where Active Adults Gather’. FiftyNorth signifies those 50 and over are welcome to membership. They offer 54 fitness classes, a number of group activities, classes, talks and much more.
