The town of Castle Rock is breathing easier this morning after a cloud of anhydrous ammonia dissipated. Last night, just before 8 o’clock, NAFRS firefighters were called by a farmer in the area of 280th St. and Denmark, saying that a hose became pinched and was releasing fumes of anhydrous into the cap of his tractor. Unable to get out of the tractor, he kept driving west, into the wind, to keep away from the fumes. Two firefighters suited up with full gear and took the 4-wheeler out in the field. They were able to shut off the leak and get the farmer out of his tractor. He was alert and talking but taken to Northfield Hospital for observation. Chief Gerry Franek said they closed about ¾ of a mile of 280th street west of Castle
Rock for an hour and a half. He said, luckily, everyone in town had their windows closed and were able to shelter inside. Liquid anhydrous is injected into the soil as a fertilizer, according to Franek.
On Saturday, firefighters took 2 calls. One for a burning motor inside a building, which was extinguished quickly, however, just as firefighters arrived back at the fire hall, they received a call about a fire at the Masonic Lodge at 113 Linden St. Two blocks or so from the fire station. A passerby reported flames in a basement window. Getting there in just moments, they gained entry through a window and put out the fire quickly. Chief Franek said it was all very fortunate that, first someone spotted the flames and called, and they were there so quickly. The building suffered some smoke damage.
NPD releases description of armed suspect – asks for community’s help
Northfield police released a description of the man believed to have robbed Premier Bank on 5th St. last Saturday morning. He is a black male, medium build, no facial hair, about 6’0”, mid 20’s wearing a black zip up jacket, black stocking (beanie style) hat and carrying a black backpack with a pink and yellow design. If you have any information about this man please call 507-645-4477. No tip is too small. If you wish to remain anonymous, use TIP411. This man is considered armed and dangerous. Do not attempt contact, call police. The FBI joined the investigation just hours after the robbery.
Faribault man on probation busted selling “magic mushrooms”
A Faribault man on probation is charged with 1st degree drug sale of a hallucinogen. In June, Cannon River Drug Task Force agents investigated 21 year old Mark Joseph Johnson and his supplier, a juvenile with the initials MJC. Johnson was believed to be selling psilocybin mushrooms. In June agents conducted 2 controlled buys using a Confidential Source. In total Johnson and MJC are suspects in the sale of nearly 55 grams of the illegal hallucinogen. During the 2nd buy, the MJC didn’t have enough mushrooms for the full buy. 19 year old Aaron Elliot Trebelhorn showed up and sold the minor, the amount he needed. He will likely be charged with selling psilocybin mushrooms to a minor. In the meantime, Johnson is looking at up to 30 years in prison. His bail has been set at $100,000. His first court appearance is November 13th. Another charge of 2nd degree sale of a hallucinogen has been filed relating to the sale of almost 16 grams of psilocybin mushrooms in January of this year. Johnson was convicted of 3rd degree drug sale in January of 2017 in a case involving selling marijuana to a minor.
Heads up for deceptive Medicare ads
A recent federal law change has many Minnesota seniors shopping this fall for new Medicare plans for 2019, and they may also be getting more mailings and sales solicitations with offers of Medicare coverage. The Minnesota Commerce Department, which regulates the insurance industry in the state, is urging seniors and their family members to be alert for confusing or deceptive advertising and sales offers. The full press release with tips and more information: News Release_ Minnesota Commerce Department urges Medicare shoppers to be alert for deceptive advertising and offers
