A check forger with a very lengthy criminal history and an affinity for Kwik Trip pleaded guilty in Rice County Court last week. 46 year old James Joseph Schmidt Jr., of Bloomington, forged 17 checks throughout the month of October at various Kwik Trips in Faribault and Northfield. The total came to $1163. Schmidt used a made up drivers license number for the first forgery and then used a DL from a deceased person. He was sentenced to 25 months in prison. Schmidt’s history goes back to 1989 with convictions for assault, forgery, escape from custody, manufacturing of methamphetamine and more. Schmidt 3052
What happens after 911 call
What happens when Emergency Medical Services arrives after a 911 call? Northfield Hospital EMS Director, Brian Edwards, takes us through the process. For example, when called to a home, they immediately start assessing the home, inside and out, “all of our senses come into play, does anything smell out of the ordinary, are we seeing anything that’s unusual, trip hazards, things of that nature”. They then go through the patient’s medical history, ask what prompted the call, “we have to have a starting point. So we ask what was the reason for the call”. They also want a family member at the scene to tell them what’s “normal” behavior for that person. For example, an Alzheimer’s patient may have certain reactions that seem abnormal to most, but for them, might not be. For Emergency Personnel it’s all about gathering clues to best assess what type of treatment they should start with. Knowing medications is essential as well as allergies. Another question is who’s responsible for the patient. There is much more information in Edwards interview posted on kymn.net including how to prepare for yourself or a loved ones wishes.
Arts Guild awarded nearly $10k
The Minnesota Historical Society announced 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants (up to $10,000 each), totaling over $324,000 in 22 counties. Small grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofit and educational organizations preserve and share Minnesota history. In this cycle the Northfield Arts Guild, was awarded $9,600 to hire qualified professionals to edit a manuscript on the history of the Northfield Art Guild. There’s already been a lot of work done including audio interviews conducted by Paula Granquist, host of Art Zany Radio.
Chamber celebrates Business!
Last night the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce honored Imminent Brewing as Business of the Year. Open just 7 months they are a model of how to open a business in a small community. The 4 co-owners, Derek and Laura Meyers and Randy and Tonya Clay, became Chamber members before they even opened the doors and were hosting charity events from the start. They renovated an old garage and have revitalized the area on the south end of Division St. As they accepted the recognition, Laura couldn’t hold back the tears and neither could Randy. They remarked on how surprised they were and how much more growing they have to do!
As Business Person of the Year, Rick Estenson, Vice President of Business development at First National Bank, really needed no introduction as every business and nearly every charity knows who he is. To say “Pillar of the Community” would be an accurate statement.
Ambassador of the Year, Julie Haley of Tekton Engineers, gave a heartfelt speech about how much it’s meant to her to be a part of the Chamber after suffering for years with PTSD.
