Jeremiah Jon Smith preyed on the kindnesses of others when he told people he had terminal cancer. Yesterday the 38 year old from Faribault, pled guilty to theft by swindle in a case that began three years ago. In October of 2015 he set up a gofundme page claiming that he had stage 4 cancer and had 18 to 24 months to live. A month later, he said he had 6 months to live. He received $6800 in donations. A benefit on Feb. 6th, 2016, netted Smith $6600. Another benefit, held at the Northfield Ballroom 2 weeks later, netted $9000. Smith’s wife found no evidence of bills, records or other indication that he had cancer. For months, Faribault and Northfield police questioned Smith and asked for medical records. Finally in February of last year, detectives spoke with the Doctor who supposedly diagnosed Smith. He
confirmed that he never diagnosed him with cancer or treated him for it. In total, Smith bilked the community for $23,000. Rice County Attorney John Fossum said Smith is expected to be placed on probation for 10 years, be required to do 480 hours of community service, and return for sentencing on January 8th. People who contributed to Smith’s fundraisers are encouraged to contact the Rice County Attorney’s Office. Gofundme has indicated that they’ll reimburse those who donated through them.
Utilizing the Cannon
The Cannon River offers plenty of opportunities but has Northfield utilized them? Mayor Pownell and Council are creating the Riverfront Enhancement Advisory Committee. City Administrator Ben Martig explains that the City’s guiding documents include using the Cannon River as an asset. This committee will be a “project based” working group. The City set aside $50,000 to add more developed take-out points for canoes and kayaks. They’re eyeing Riverside Park and possibly Babcock Park as they look for ways to connect a trail to the new hotel.
Shop with a Cop making positive connections
Last night the Northfield Target store was filled with Cops and Kids. Salvation Army Chair Ed Little says Shop with a Cop is one of the programs they support through the Red Kettle Campaign. Thirteen Officers from Northfield, Dundas and Rice County roamed through the aisles with 15 kids searching out winter clothing and other necessities. Each child is given $100 to spend, a backpack of school supplies and were treated to pizza with the officers afterward. These kids often see officers in negative situations, this is an opportunity for the kids and the cops to have a positive interaction and they most certainly did by the looks on the faces of the kids and the cops. I’ll have pictures on kymn.net later today. In Faribault, officers and Rice County Deputies shopped with the kids at Walmart. [envira-gallery id=”72937″]
Malecha named DJJD General Chair and Dokmo donates
The 2019 Defeat of Jesse James Days General Chairman was elected this week. Galen Malecha will be leading the Board for the next 2 years. He’s held various positions for decades and is our Rice County Commissioner. Jessica Irwin was elected Treasurer, Debby Larsen will continue as Secretary and Sandy Vesledahl was elected to a 3 year Board term. The DJJD committee was presented with a check from Clancy Dokmo and Jacob McQuiston of Dokmo Ford Chrysler for $4580 at their October meeting. The funds were from the Drive 4UR Community fundraiser to benefit the DJJD bleacher project. 229 people test drove new Ford vehicles. For each test drive Ford donated $20. Dokmo Ford has been a long time supporter of the Defeat of Jesse James celebration.
