by Rich Larson
Dakota County officials announced on Friday that two more arrests have been made in connection with the death
investigation of Chris LaFontaine.
In a statement, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department said 29-year-old Nicholas Alan Taylor and 22-year-old Ryann Elizabeth Smith were arrested Friday after outside of Laurel, Montana after a pursuit with multiple Montana law enforcement jurisdictions.
Currently, Mr. Taylor is being held in Yellowstone County, Montana on suspicion of felony criminal endangerment, possession of dangerous drugs, and two counts of being a fugitive from justice. Ms. Smith is being held in Yellowstone County on a fugitive from justice count. The Dakota County Attorney’s office, however, has issued warrants on charges of 2nd degree murder for both, and they are expected to be extradited to Minnesota shortly.
On July 2, Dakota County deputies responded to a burglary in progress on Foliage Avenue in Greenvale Township. A witness had reported three individuals leaving from Mr. LaFontaine’s home in a what was believed to be his vehicle, prior to the deputies’ arrival. Upon their entrance the deputies found the body of Mr. LaFontaine. Two of the three individuals that fled the scene, 36-year-old Timothy William Tuit of Wadena and 25-year-old Stephanie Marie Peabody of Red Wing, were arrested soon after by the Northfield Police Department. The third individual later identified as Taylor, evaded police and has been on the run for a week. Smith was not on scene at the time the other three fled, however through investigation was identified as a suspect in the homicide.
Tuit was released on Tuesday but was taken back into custody on Saturday night and was expected to be charged this morning with 1st degree burglary. Last week, Rice County authorities charged Peabody of Red Wing with two counts of fleeing a police officer after leading Northfield police on a high-speed chase in the vehicle believed to have been owned by Mr. LaFontaine. Rice County Attorney John Fossum said that Ms. Peabody has outstanding warrants in Wisconsin and will be extradited upon resolution of this case.
Hillmann’s job performance roundly praised
The Northfield School Board will meet tonight, and among the items on the meeting agenda will be the summary of the annual performance review for School Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann. Last year for the school year of July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020, the board praised Hillmann’s performance with what was called a “near perfect score.” This year, Hillmann appears to have improved his job performance.
The school board evaluates the superintendent for 44 job responsibilities organized around 8 major topics. Each member gives a numerical ranking of 1-5 for each responsibility and then makes additional comments. In 2020, Hillmann’s overall average rating was 4.94. The report for the 2020-21 school year shows that number has jumped to 4.98.
In her report, School Board Chair Julie Pritchard singled out three areas where the board feels Hillmann truly excelled, beginning with his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic situation. In a year that involved ever changing conditions and constantly forced new adaptations, the report said that Hillmann’s handling of things was “phenomenal.” Hillmann’s work to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, his communication skills, and his overall leadership were large reasons the district was able to succeed as well as it did. One board member is quoted in the report saying, “I was impressed, thankful and proud to have him lead our district during this historic time.”
Hillmann is also praised in the report for his fiscal stewardship. While many school districts in the state teeter on financial disaster in aftermath of the pandemic, Northfield has come through things in relatively strong condition. And the report say that the board feels very comfortable for the years to come based on Hillmann’s commitment to a sustainable, five-year, priority-based budget beginning with the 2022-23 school year.
The report says that Hillmann has led the district with his commitment to racial equity, as well. His anti-racism work, specifically with regard to the re-naming of buildings, retiring of the High School mascot, and the adoption of a land acknowledgement statement, were singled out as “tangible actions” that show the district’s racial equity commitment.
Pritchard states that her report is “a reflection of not only his incredible work but also of his strength of leadership and the board’s confidence in moving the district forward.”
New Northfield Strategic Plan published to city website
And Northfield’s new strategic plan has been published and posted to the city’s website. 
The plan consists of the six strategic priorities that have been identified as the issues of greatest importance to the City of Northfield over the next three years: Economic vitality, Housing affordability, Quality facilities, Diversity, equity and inclusion, Service excellence, and Climate action
Associated with each priority is a set of desired outcomes, key outcome indicators, and performance targets, describing expected results and how the results will be measured. The plan also includes strategic initiatives that will be undertaken to achieve the targeted outcomes.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said the strategic plan said she hoped the community would take the ideas in the plan to heart.
“When we bring our community together to build relationships, celebrate our accomplishments, and honor people, we build positive momentum that can help us accomplish our goals.”
The City Council adopted the new strategic plan last month.
The Northfield Strategic Plan Can be read by clicking here
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. He can be reached at rich@kymnradio.net
