Ryann Elizabeth Smith, age 23 of White Bear Lake, pled guilty yesterday to one count of Assault in the First Degree (Aiding and Abetting), becoming the fourth person to enter a guilty plea in connection with the death of 55- year-old Chris Lafontaine at his home in Greenvale Township last July. Smith had originally been charged with Murder in the Second Degree.
On July 2, Dakota County Deputies discovered LaFontaine’s body in a bathroom in his home. His hands and feet had been bound, and a rag had been tied in place over his mouth. An autopsy performed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner determined he had died of asphyxiation.
Shortly after discovering the victim’s body, Northfield police officers located Lafontaine’s Dodge Durango, which had been reported missing, driving South on Highway 3. After a brief chase that began when authorities attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled into a parking lot and all three occupants fled into a wooded area. Officers apprehended the driver, Stephanie Peabody, and the front seat passenger, Timothy Tuit at the scene. The third occupant, later identified as Nicholas Alan Taylor, fled on foot and was later apprehended in Montana along with Smith.
Both Tuit and Peabody pled guilty December 1 to one count of Aiding an Offender as an Accomplice After the Fact and will be sentenced on May 11. Taylor pled guilty on February 17, to one count of Murder in the Second Degree. He will be sentenced June 2.
Judge Christopher Lehmann ordered a pre-sentence investigation prior to Smith’s sentencing. Like Taylor, she will also be sentenced on June 2. Until then, she will be held in the Dakota County jail without bail.
Hillmann says district numbers are moving in the right direction, encourages vigilance
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Northfield Superintendent of Public Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann has said, when discussing
the numbers of cases and the prevalence of the virus, that the school district is a microcosm of the community.
That statement has been shown to be true time and again. And because of that, the numbers Hillmann presented yesterday regarding the state of Covid in the district are reasons to feel optimistic.
The first number Hillmann gave was the total number of active Covid-19 cases within the district. An active case is defined as anyone who either works or studies in one of the district buildings that had tested positive within the past five days. At any given time in the month of January, the district was reporting the number of active cases in the hundreds, numbers that, in fact, eclipsed the spike in late 2020 that sent the district into distance learning for a second time.
As of March 1st, the total number of active cases within the district was 18.
Hillmann then talked about the Influenza-like Illness rate, which has dropped dramatically as well. Five of the seven district buildings are reporting less than 1% of the people who either work or study there have Influenza-like symptoms.
Last week, the Northfield School Board relaxed the mandate that masks must be worn in all district buildings to an optional suggestion. And after a ruling by the CDC, as of this past Monday, masks were no longer required to be worn on school busses, either.
“We are moving in the right direction,” he said.
He then cautioned that the virus could make a resurgence at any time, as was the case with the Omicron variant last fall.
Dr. Hillmann pointed out that Spring Break is next week. Hillmann said he thinks the break is coming at a very good time, and the idea of families getting away to somewhere warm right now, or even just taking a little time to relax is a very good one. But just to be on the safe side, the district is asking all students to take a Covid test before returning to class on the 14th.
“We have lots of Covid-19 tests available, so we are really encouraging all district families, especially those who are going away, to grab a test or two from your school. You can also get them from the district office. Testing your student before they come back to school is something that could really help us keep a lid on the virus.”
Hillmann said vigilance against the virus is still a top priority. The school district has a method for reactivating the health protocols, he said, and they are going to do everything they can to keep from doing that.
U of M Extension, Faribault Fire Department to host farm safety seminar
The University of Minnesota Extension, the City of Faribault Fire Department, and Community Co-op in Faribault will host a
farm safety refresher seminar for local farmers and agricultural professionals on Wednesday March 16, from 10am until 2pm at the Faribault Fire Department
First responders from the Faribault Fire Department and UMN Extension Educators will discuss some of the most common farm hazards. Topics include silo gas and manure pit gas safety considerations, grain bin safety, and first aid reminders for the farm.
A statement released by the University Extension office reminded people that farming can be a dangerous job.
“Too often, we hear or read of farm accidents where a farm worker or family member was seriously injured or killed,” the statement read. “Being prepared with personal protective equipment and first aid kits are important safety measures. Attendees of this Farm Safety Seminar will have the opportunity to receive free personal protective equipment, first aid materials, and gas monitors.”
The event, along with the safety equipment, will be funded with the support of a CHS Seeds for Stewardship grant. The statement said the local Community Co-op and CHS both strive to help keep local farmers and first responders safe.
Those with questions about the workshop, or those wishing to RSVP, should visit z.umn.edu/FarmSafetySeminar or contact Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn.edu or call 507-330-0447.
The event is free to attend. Lunch will be provided.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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