By Teri Knight, News Director
The Rice County Sheriff’s office along with Northfield Fire & Rescue and Northfield ambulance responded with State Patrol yesterday, to an injury accident on I-35 in Webster Township. Sheriff Dunn said, “how long have we been talking about seatbelts? One person in this vehicle didn’t have a seatbelt on, was ejected into the median. Fortunately the landed in the median and not on the roadway”. The two in the Ford Explorer were taken to HCMC, they’re now in stable condition. Both vehicles, including a VW Jetta, were southbound and collided sending the Explorer rolling. Dunn added, “I think it’s probably going to come down to speed and inattentiveness which we find most of the time is the issue”. Extra enforcement is taking place through the State through July 19th.
Two charged in heroin OD possibly tainted with fentanyl
Two people have been charged in connection with the heroin overdose of a woman last Sunday in Faribault. Around 1:30 that morning Faribault Officers were called on report of an overdose at the Speedway gas station. She was roused after two doses of NARCAN administered by the Officers. The woman refused further treatment but had an arrest warrant from another county and 
was taken into custody. Later that day, the woman spoke with agents from the Cannon River Drug Task Force and she gave them names of the people who sold her the heroin. 32 year old Chad Alan Smith and 34 year old Kelly Ann Tysdale were charged Monday with Great Bodily harm caused by a schedule 1 or 2 drug and 3rd degree drug sale, both felonies. Smith was also charged with 5th degree possession for suboxone. Officers believe the heroin the woman od’d on contained fentanyl. Tysdale’s bail was set at $60,000 without conditions, Smith’s at $100,000 without conditions. They both remain in the Rice County jail with court appearances scheduled for July 8th.
Heat #1 weather related killer
Rice County Public Health reminds residents of the dangers associated with high heat and humidity. Heat is the #1 weather related killer in the United States, and those deaths are preventable. They encourage you to listen to local weather forecasts and be aware of heat advisory notifications. To stay cool and hydrated during a heat wave drink plenty of fluids, slow down, stay indoors, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles, and always “look before you lock.” For those needing to be outdoors in the heat, limit activities to morning and evening hours, drink plenty of fluids, and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned building. Full press release with more info: PR Summer Heat 6.30.20
Coop to go-ahead on expansion
Just Food coop is expanding. Yesterday they announced that Board President, Michael Pursell and General Manager, Sherri Meyers, closed on the bank loan that will fund the VERY long awaited expansion. They will break ground on July 13th and will share more with the community soon.
Fireworks locations
There won’t be fireworks in Northfield on the 4th but Faribault will be shooting them off at dusk from the Rice County Fairgrounds. Cannon Falls will launch fireworks from the Cannon Valley fairgrounds at dusk. Lakeville will have a display from King Park. The park will be closed but the City says you’ll be able to see them from nearly anywhere. Elysian will launch their fireworks tomorrow, the 3rd, at 10pm at Tustin Park. Prior Lake will launch fireworks from Lakefront Park at 10pm on the 4th.
Statewide road construction
While roadwork is suspended over the holiday, there are still many construction areas. Here is the list from MnDot on those locations. MnDOT encourages Independence Day holiday motorists to plan travel, expect delays during peak travel times (1)
