By Teri Knight, News Director
Several campers and RV’s were ransacked and damaged at the Rice County Fairgrounds. On Saturday morning Faribault police officers were called to the Fairgrounds to find windows smashed and items stolen. Chief Andy Bohlen said they’ve taken reports from six victims so far. A few hours later, the Lonsdale Police department received a call from a camper owner who had already towed his camper back to find the interior in disarray and a man hiding inside. The Lonsdale Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene and discovered 36 year old Jacob Ryen Mello of Faribault inside the camper. He requested medical assistance and was taken to the District One Hospital. Later, he told Officer Ulrich that he’d been
living in a camper at the fairgrounds for a few months. He entered the barn through an open sliding door or window. He admitted to breaking windows on other campers to find blankets and pillows, hygiene products and a toaster oven to try to keep warm. The owner of the camper said he believed that Mello may have been living in his camper since October 2019 as that was about the time that he had parked it at the fairgrounds. He had taken the camper back home on Saturday and didn’t notice any broken windows. When he opened it up, he saw that blankets had been hung up and a “barricade” appeared to have been made with a mattress. The camper appeared to have been severely damaged. He observed thick mold everywhere and the camper had an almost unbearable odor. That’s when he called police. He believes the camper is a total loss. Mello is charged with 3rd degree burglary and 1st degree damage to property. Both felonies with sentences of up to five years.
Why Community Matters – All Walks of Life
KYMN started a new mini-series Friday on Why Community Matters focusing on Laura Baker Services Association. Today we focused on All Walks of Life including a staff member with an autistic two year old who has struggled with insurance issues and more, the Melbys who have two daughters with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are now living at LBSA. They discuss the life moments they missed, the strain on the whole family with their daughters having different needs the toll on their own marriage. Derek Melby said, “you just don’t get the breaks when you have special needs children, particularly when they get older. You don’t have the ease of finding the people to watch them or be there so that you can get away. Our time away for 20 years was largely individual. We didn’t get to spend time away very often as a couple”. And when they did, it was a day here or there. They found out about Laura Baker when they discovered the Special Olympics here in Northfield. They started with the girls taking music lessons at LBSA. It’s been just over a year since both girls have been moved out. Derek commented, “I think it probably took us half a year before, when we decided that when we wanted to do things, that our immediate mind didn’t go to how are we going to arrange this, and realizing, well wait, Kirstie isn’t here, she’s in her group home. It was a huge burden lifted off of us”. They had discussions about what would happen to their girls when they weren’t around and were so grateful to know that their daughters are safe and always will be. NH&C CEO Steve Underdahl discussed his role on the Board of LBSA and his own personal connection to those with intellectually disabled. On tomorrow’s segment we’ll discuss the Revolving door of staff, the challenges including the uncertainty of government funding and more. That’s at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.
NH&C offering Video Visits
Northfield Hospital + Clinics now offers face-to-face Video Visits for clinic appointments. These visits are possible through a phone, computer or tablet and help you and your provider manage chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, or treat common illnesses like sinus infections, rashes or allergies. These visits can be used for a variety of ailments including UTI’s, stomach issues, medication checks to counseling and supportive therapy. Call your clinic and they’ll help you decide what type of appointment is best – Video Visit or in-person. If your best option for care is an in-person visit, it is safe to go to the clinic or hospital. A Video Visit usually costs the same as an office visit, including co-pays. Check with your insurance plan. A Video Visit is treated like an in-person clinic visit, and patients are responsible for any co-pays. Call Northfield Clinic – (507) 646-1494
Closure
Maple Street between Sibley Drive and Meadow View Drive will be closed Tuesday, April 28, 2020 due to work related to the Sibley Elementary School Addition and Renovations Project. A detour will be posted utilizing Sibley Drive and Meadow View Drive.
