Trying to thaw a frozen pipe, a man gets burned. On Tuesday, Faribault Firefighters were called to 1407 Hullet Ave. where smoke was reported coming from a mobile home. Chief Dustin Dienst said the fire started when a man was trying to thaw a frozen water line. He went by private vehicle to District One Hospital where he was treated and released. The Red Cross was contacted and has offered assistance to the family. Dienst commented, “Thankfully, the occupant of the home was not burned worse.” Mobile Home Fire CRTP lot 73 Media Release
Nfld man incompetent to stand trial for now
Criminal proceedings have been suspended for a Northfield man, until he regains competency to stand trial. 21 year old Spencer Fredrickson, was ordered by a Cook County Judge to be detained at a secure Treatment Center after a doctor found him suffering from “cannabis use disorder” and other psychotic problems. In August, Fredrickson went on a drug-induced rampage during the annual Rainbow Gathering in Superior National Forest. He allegedly raped a woman, bit off part of a man’s finger and attacked a sheriff’s deputy. Fredrickson is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree assault and assault on a peace officer. The doctor said Fredrickson is at risk of harming himself and others, and jail is not a proper setting for him. Fredrickson was under the influence of hallucinogens LSD, LSA and “morning glories,”. According to the Star Tribune, the 40 year old woman he allegedly attacked came to authorities some time later and described a far more violent sexual attack that led to the rape charge being added in mid-November.
Charter Commission moves to open applications
The Northfield Charter Commission, last night, accepted a District Judge’s order that Greg Colby was no longer a Commissioner, having missed a number of meetings. It was unanimously agreed that a vacancy existed, and that a notice of vacancy should be posted. Applications will be open for two weeks. You can find the application process on the City’s website. Charter Commissioners are the only Board members that are appointed by a District Judge. All residents are welcome to apply, including Colby.
NH&C receives nod for expansion
Northfield Hospital and Clinics is expanding. With a nod from the Northfield Council this week, they’ll move forward on plans for a Birthing Center and expanded clinic. CEO and President, Steve Underdahl, explained that the vote gives them the green light to move forward on RFP’s and putting more detail together. There will be further steps of approval from the Hospital Board and the Council before actual construction would begin. They need to add about 12 exam rooms to their clinic, or about 7,000 sq. ft. As for the OB unit, they’ll add about 4,000 sq. ft. that includes space for an exclusive C-Section room along with more delivery rooms and exam space. They do 550 births a year but the plan is to accommodate 750 or more as NH&C is sought out by prospective parents. As they look even further forward, they’re keeping in mind technology that will mean more visits that are NOT in person. The $13 million project will be paid for with their Reserve Funds.
