A pedestrian was struck last night just before 6 o’clock as she was crossing Hwy 3 and 3rd St. at the pedestrian intersection. 49 year old Aaron Marshall of Farmington was traveling southbound when he struck the girl. One witness told KYMN that the driver got out immediately to help the girl. She added that the victim may have started crossing before pressing the button that triggers overhead flashing lights. The witness, who was also walking across the intersection, said she DID press the button. Police Sgt. Johnson said drivers who saw it happen said the light was flashing. The pedestrian was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital for
further evaluation. Johnson said it appeared there were no serious injuries but couldn’t confirm. Both driver and passenger were in tears at the scene. A charge of Failure to Yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is pending per the County Attorney. This is the first pedestrian/vehicle crash since the new intersection configuration was installed.
Former Northfield treatment center worker pleads guilty to stealing opioids
A Northfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court of stealing drugs from a Minneapolis Hospital. According to the Dept. of Justice, 30 year old Matthew Allen Amundson, a registered nurse, stole hydromorphone, a prescription opioid pain medication. From January through April of 2015, AMUNDSON, while employed at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, stole the drug from vials intended for ambulance patients. He then filled the emptied vials with saline solution. According to his LinkedIn page, Amundson was Lead treatment technician at West Hills Lodge, a treatment facility in Northfield, from November 2016 till his arrest in November of 2017. Based on sentencing guidelines in a document signed yesterday, he could receive 6 to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to $40,000 and 1 year supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for May 18th. Amundson plea 1-25-18
Another long break for City officials
The Northfield Council didn’t meet this week, won’t meet next week nor will they meet February 6th as that is Caucus night. Their next meeting will be Feb. 13th. Mayor Pownell commented that the Council will start more actions based on their strategic planning. A pavement management study will be taking place to check the condition of the infrastructure. Councilor Colby talked about what’s driving him, commercial real estate taxes issue has “gotten under my skin”. He said, “Jim Herreid chews my ear saying the commercial real estate taxes are too high”. Herreid is a longtime businessman in Northfield. Complaints from business owners have been abundant. The City has no authority over some of those taxes. Colby would like to see State legislators get involved as, ultimately, it’s on their plate. The full interview is online at kymn.net.
207 semi trucks of snow
Two hundred seven semi truckloads of snow were removed from Northfield streets and municipal parking lots this week. Streets and Parks Supervisor, TJ Heinricy, said each load weighed about 20 tons. They still have some trail clean-up yet to do but that will be the last of it… until next time.
