The charge associated with carfentanil overdoses in Northfield is rarely used. Rice County Attorney John Fossum explained that the charge, selling drugs that caused great bodily harm, “is a much more specific idea. You’re selling these drugs that cause substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm and because you’re selling these drugs, you can be responsible for the harm that’s caused”. Fossum said this law isn’t new but he’s never seen it used before. Adding, “my Drugs Prosecutor and I read through the Statute Book and we pulled out these statutes and decided that this fit pretty well and I think it accurately describes the conduct. These are
presumptive commit to prison offenses”. The presumptive sentence is 4 years. 22 year old Joshua Tarka is also charged with First Degree drug sale. Tarka’s accomplice, 21 year old Paul Brekkestran, was helping make deliveries. He’s charged with third degree drug sale. Both of them have omnibus hearings in May.
City closes the books on Library construction – picks up the tab for unpaid private pledges
The Northfield Library renovation and expansion was a public/private partnership but not all those who pledged paid up. The City will kick in the rest of those dollars. The total project was a little over $3 million. Administrator Ben Martig said 38{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of the project was privately funded, about $900,000. The shortfall is $135,000. Martig said, “it’s basically being written off and is being covered by city transfers from a reserve fund”. There were about $42,000 in unexpected costs related to engineering fees. The Finance Director wanted to close the account. Council approved the dollars and closed the account last week.
Library offers new streaming service
The Northfield Library has a new program called Kanopy, a video streaming service. Reference Librarian Debby Nitz explained that it started at Universities to assist in curriculum. The content is unique, largely educational including documentaries. You download the app and then you can use your IOS or Android mobile device, Chromecast, Apple tv, on your smart tv. She said it’s just like Netflix. Get your account on the Library’s website, you’ll be directed from there. You need a valid library card, which is free! There are over 10,000 classic movies, lots of foreign films as well as the documentaries, business and career information.
DNR urges composting yard waste instead of burning
Annual burning restrictions will be coming soon, says the DNR. In an effort to prevent wildfires, they’re urging woodland property owners to compost their yard waste rather than burn it. Fire Prevention Supervisor, Casey McCoy, said “Burning should be a last resort for yard waste—especially in April and May, when wildfire risk is especially high”. He added, “Composting prevents wildfires and reduces air pollution, so it’s the safest possible way to manage yard debris.” The University of Minnesota Extension offers a step-by-step guide to composting yard waste on its website. For those who feel they must burn yard debris, now is the time to do it. Burning restrictions will take effect immediately after snowmelt occurs. If a yard waste fire does escape, the homeowner is responsible for any damage it does to nearby property. For information and daily updates on open burning restrictions and current fire danger, visit mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions.
