By Teri Knight
The two people killed yesterday on Hwy 19 have been identified by the State Patrol as Northfield resident 28 year old Bobak Barjasteh and 59 year old Richard Banidt of Goodhue. Barjasteh was eastbound in a Sonata and Banidt was westbound driving a semi trailer hauling liquid fertilizer when they collided head on. Barjasteh was not wearing a seatbelt. According to an eyewitness, Barjasteh entered the opposing lane and hit Banidt who went into the ditch. The tank then toppled over the cab. A vehicle behind the semi was damaged with debris but there were no injuries.
Faribault man did “terrible things” charged
A Faribault man is charged with 2nd degree sexual assault of a child. 21 year old Jesus Alavarado-Reyes is accused of inappropriately touching a female relative under the age of 13 for several years. On October 13th Faribault Police talked with a Rice County Social worker regarding the situation. The incidents took place multiple times in the child’s home. Alavarado-Reyes told police that he had done “terrible things” that he wished he could go back and undo. He is facing up to 25 years in prison. His initial court appearance is October 28th.
Staab shares how to help someone in abusive situation
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Hope Center Director Erica Staab discussed what friends and family might be able to do to help those they think may be in need. She said, “so one of two things either you can call us and we can talk through a script and we can ask what are you seeing and we can help talk about how to bring it up to that person or if you feel comfortable just being able to say to that person, you know I’ve noticed that you’ve been a little off lately. Is there something that I can help with?”. Many of those in domestic abuse situations live in denial as they live it daily. Staab said, “realizing that other people are seeing it can be very scary but it can also be affirming and it can really be that nudge that people need to say, yes I’m not okay, I need help”. Contact the Hope Center at 800-607-2330 or go to their website. Staab’s full interview is HERE.
Nfld Council meets tonight
The Northfield City Council has a carbon reduction fund resolution on their consent agenda this evening. They will also add a St. Olaf college student to their Citizens Police Policy Review Board which will then consist of 13 people. The Board will meet for three months and then dissolve. Council will call for a public hearing on implementing franchise fees to replace street assessments. CC mtg 10-20 agenda. You can comment on the city’s website till 4 this afternoon. Meetings begin at 6 and are streamed live on their website. Administrator Ben Martig will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20am.
Energy Awareness as we enter Winter
Building emissions generate about 85% of the City’s greenhouse gases. October is Energy Awareness month. City Program Coordinator, Beth Kallestad discussed the CERTS program which helps residents lower their energy usage. Things like setting your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and lowering a few degrees at night. She suggests, “things like installing a programmable thermostat so that you can help remember to set those temperatures and be able to walk away from it. EnergyStar appliances, that sort of thing. LED lightbulbs can actually save a fair amount”. Northfield and Faribault are partnering with Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Squad and offering home energy visits which can also be done virtually. Her interview along with more information on the CERTS program is HERE.
