A semi-tractor trailer was struck by a train yesterday afternoon in Walcott Township. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said 77 year old Donald Weed of Dundas, the truck driver, was leaving the Jennie O Turkey Store Feed Mill traveling w/b across the railroad tracks. A southbound Union Pacific train struck the semi. The trailer came to rest on the east side of the tracks and the tractor rolled over onto the driver side on the west side of the tracks. When deputies arrived, Weed was sitting on the overturned tractor. He was assisted by responders and taken to Allina Hospital Faribault with non-life threatening injuries. Weed had been wearing his seatbelt. Dunn said he told them he never saw the train. The Sheriff added that Weed may likely be charged with inattentive driving.
Lawsuit filed against Rice Co Attorney’s Office and the City of Faribault
What is a Brady designation? Rice County Attorney John Fossum explained that it stems from a case over 50 years ago wherein the Prosecution has to disclose it’s evidence to the defense, including information that, Fossum says, “we might know about that impeaches our own witnesses, that says our witnesses might have information in their background that a jury would need to hear in evaluating their credibility”. Further, he says, it’s not enough that they have to disclose what they know but also look to see if there’s any other information that they may need to disclose. From his standpoint it’s a Constitutional obligation. Faribault Police Officer, Lisa Petricka, was labeled a Brady Officer in 2015, based on evidence that Chief Bohlen says proved she’d been untruthful on several occasions. She was dismissed but reinstated after a Union arbitrator ruled in her favor. However, another disciplinary action again labeled her “Brady”. In April, Bohlen removed her from Patrol Officer duties as her testimony in a case may compromise it. She was reassigned to community events and parking enforcement. She has filed a lawsuit against the City and County attorney’s office. Petricka wants an injunction, Fossum said, “to say we can’t disclose the information. And our position is still that the case law, the Constitution requires us to disclose it”. She’s not asking for money. The Faribault Daily reports Petricka is the plaintiff in another lawsuit filed against the City in 2016, accusing the city of not paying her properly after she was injured at work in September 2013. That’s currently set for trial in January. No dates are yet scheduled for the suit against the city and the county.
Detox, DWI’s, but “relatively quiet”
A Northfield man was taken to detox Saturday night with a blood alcohol content of .29, more than 3 times the legal limit. According to the criminal complaint, officers received a call on a man reported laying with his arm in the road at 200 Spring St. 31 year old Jordan Jeffrey Olson, was initially unresponsive. Officers found a plastic container in his pocket which tested positive for cocaine. Olson is facing 5th degree drug possession, a felony. His initial court appearance is Sept. 26th.
Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson noted that overall it might have been one of the best attended and quietest Defeat Days celebrations as far as policing issues. He said, aside from Mr. Olson, there were 2 DWI arrests. There were no fights. And although the preachers were at 6th and Water Streets, they did not present a problem. He added, some people who opposed them, however, did create challenges for officers.
Public hearing in Dundas
The City of Dundas Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, September 20th at 7pm at City Hall on a text amendment regarding an extension of the time period to complete surfacing the overflow parking area of the Dundas Dome. Complete notice here: Public Hearing notice on Dundas Dome text amendment
