Abuse case takes toll on Northfield Police department
Police officers are tough, they have to be but sometimes there’s a case that takes it’s toll. This week 26 year old Theodore Cornelius Berg of Northfield was charged in the brutal beating of his 4 week old baby. Interim Police Chief Chuck Walerius said they spoke with “Ted Berg… the father… who admitted to the abuse”. He’s been charged with 2 counts of 1st degree assault. Walerius says police work is stressful but a case like this in which investigators have to delve into every detail of each injury and carefully go over the pictures is giving them sleepless nights. Walerius says he’s seen the pictures and it’s “deplorable what happened” to the child. He says “it’s one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen”. Berg and his wife also have a 14 month old child who is being examined. They’re awaiting results, there could be more possible charges. Currently that child has been moved to the home of relatives. Northfield police have also been interviewing the mother. They’ll present all their findings to the Rice County Attorney’s office and they will determine charges, if any. Neglect is a possibility. The newborn remains in critical condition with little brain activity. Earlier reports indicate the baby will be permanently impaired. As Walerius mentioned, there may be more charges.
Rice County Commissioners set levy and give themselves a raise…
Rice County had set their preliminary levy at 2%. Commissioner Malecha said Tuesday those chose to lower it to 1.6% to save taxpayers. Still, Taxpayers have said that they find their taxes have gone up. Malecha says they have no control over home valuations. That is set up the State. He says about 85% of what the county does is mandated by the State through statutes.
While they tabled a decision on salary increases for the County attorney, auditor/treasurer, sheriff and recorder, the Rice County Commissioners did vote themselves an increase from $29,000 per year to $33,000 per year. Malecha and Commissioner Miller voted no, feeling that right now wasn’t the time. Their salaries compared to similar counties will still be slightly less than the average of $35,000. He says the metro counties vary widely from $45,000 to $89,000. He says the pay percentage is mandated by the State. Malecha also said that if they waited until 2014 to vote themselves a raise it would not take effect until 2015. At their next full Board meeting on January 14th, Malecha will be named Chairman.
NHS presents 5th talk in Civil War series tonight
The Northfield Historical Society will present the fifth talk in a series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War tonight at 6 o’clock. This presentation will focus on the aftermath of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Presenter Jim Stark will cover several battles and events including the New York draft riots, guerrilla activity in Kansas and Missouri, and the bloodiest two days of fighting at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. It’s free and open to the public.
Rice County shares another waste saving tip
With the holidays, garbage increases by 25%. In an effort to help reduce waste, Rice County is offering tips throughout the month. Rather than wrap presents with paper, they suggest using scarves, handkerchiefs, bandannas, or other fabric items. You could place gifts inside reusable containers like cookie tins, mixing bowls, flower pots, gardening buckets or baskets. If you want to use paper, then wrap in newspaper or old posters. Another idea is to give a “treasure” map to find an unwrapped gift hidden elsewhere in the house. Check out the Rice County website for weekly ideas.
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The post Today’s news update – Abuse case takes toll on Northfield Police department; Rice County Commissioners set levy and give themselves a raise; NHS presents 5th talk in Civil War series tonight appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.