The warm weather and a motorcycle run brought out a lot of bikes this weekend. Unfortunately, one man didn’t make it home. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a car was at a stop sign at the bottom of the exit from southbound Highway 52 in Dakota County, when it pulled out in front in front of the motorcycle, which was heading west on Highway 50 in the Hampton area. State Patrol said 19 year old, Caitlin Christen of Faribault, had an obstructed view and slowly crept out, saw a break in traffic and continued to cross 50. That’s when 47 year old William Slattery of Mound t-boned the car. He died at HCMC. Christen suffered no injuries.
Cell phone legislation could impact those holding their phone
A bill is moving through the legislature regarding cell phone use. Rice County Attorney John Fossum explains that, “the basic theory is that if you are using a cell phone and not using a hands-free device, they’re going to turn that into a Careless Driving itself”. There’s also a proposed change that, if while driving and holding a phone, you’re involved in a crash, Fossum said, “that would be treated the same way as criminal vehicular operation and the same way we treat someone being under the influence of alcohol”. He said there’s research that shows you are distracted while driving and holding a phone. Fossum says there could be some finessing of the bill.
Dundas Planning Commission holds public hearing tonight and the Council hears about the proposed Ice Arena
Jerry Anderson has plans for 399 Stafford Rd N. in Dundas. Mostly paved over for an auto dealership, he wants to build a commercial office space with possible retail. The property is serviced by a shared road access with 401 Stafford. The Dundas Planning Commission is holding a public hearing tonight at 6:15pm to consider a lot split and consolidation of 1 acre of land at 401 Stafford Rd. N, owned by June and John Chester. This will then go before the Council. They’re meeting at 7 tonight. They’ll be hearing from the Northfield Hockey Association and Northfield Administrator Ben Martig regarding a proposed Ice Arena and possible ½ cent sales tax. They’ll also be voting on proposed changes to the cost allocation for the Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Squad joint powers. Administrator John McCarthy will be in studio at 8:45 tomorrow morning with a recap. Dundas packet 4-23
Local FFA members receive highest State honors
Three Randolph FFA members received their State Degree at the Convention this weekend on the University of Minnesota campus, the highest level attainable at State. FFA leader Ed Terry named Hannah Neal, Max Johnson and Maddie Grand. He added only 300 of 11,000 kids reach that level. The Randolph FFA is one of the largest in the State, despite the smaller territory.
E. Cannon River trail
The E. Cannon River trail is closed at Cemstone due to flooding. We’ll keep you posted as to when it reopens.
Immunizations offered through Rice County
This is National Immunization Week and Rice County is reminding parents to get their children vaccinated. Giving babies the recommended immunizations can protect a child from 14 serious childhood diseases. Rice County Public Health provides immunizations for children and adults who need them and don’t have a regular source of health care. Walk-in immunization clinics are held every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Rice County Public Health in Faribault. Vaccines are supplied by the Minnesota Department of Health and available for children who are uninsured or underinsured, or on Minnesota Health Care programs.
