Jensen back in jail 
Matthew David Jensen is in the Rice County jail again, accused, again, of burglary. According to Police Chief Monte Nelson, the 31 year old Northfield man was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of 2 burglaries in the 600 block of Washington Street last weekend. He’s charged with 1st and 2nd degree burglary. Both felonies. Jensen is the same man accused of burglarizing at least 2 other homes in the College Street area in May of last year and killing 2 separate family’s dogs. He is charged with 7 felonies related to those incidents. He was out on bail and living in Northfield at 605 Washington. Jensen has pleaded not guilty to all previous felonies related to the charges from May of last year and is scheduled to go on trial August 11th. Chief Nelson said that case has been followed closely by the community and his investigators wasted no time talking with the Rice County attorney to make an arrest. Nelson wouldn’t speculate on bail for Jensen. The Rice County attorney will have to decide on how to proceed with that. Chief Nelson gave an update just prior to this newscast: Jensen posted bail on the 2 recent burglary charges and was let out yesterday afternoon. Working with the Rice County attorney, Northfield police re-arrested Jensen last evening on probation violation for the previous 7 felony charges. He IS currently in the Rice County jail.
Skateboard Park designer balks at insurance while emotions bring out the name-calling
The Skateboard Park is so close yet a million away. Issues over the City’s requirement of a $2 million liability insurance policy had the Design firm, Spohn Ranch, balking at, what they estimate to cost them anywhere from $4500 to $9,000. They currently carry a $1 million policy. Bearance, the City’s insurance company, stands by their recommendation of $2 million. Public Works Director, Joe Stapf said this isn’t the first time a design consultant has taken issue with the $2 mil requirement. As their attorneys go over Northfield’s standard contract, that section is red-lined for change. Stapf says they tell them, “it’s our way or the highway”. Mayor Graham said that perhaps $2 million IS too high, however, (Spohn Ranch) knew what was in the contract and chose to wait till now to take issue with it. Mayor Graham took issue with the inference that the council was dragging their feet. In fact, they’ve committed an additional $60,000 to the Skateboard Park. A motion was made to add the additional cost of the insurance in a contract with Spohn Ranch allowing for the City to pay for it. Ludescher made a motion to amend it with a cap of $2,000. Mayor Graham said it would be setting a bad precedent. His suggestion was to learn more from the other company, Pillar Design, who also responded to the RFP. Emotions ran high as there was a personal attack leveled in an email sent to the Mayor and all the Councilors. In it, a sitting member of the School Board called a sitting member of the Council an “Evil Captain Kangaroo”. Graham said “that’s just wrong”. [He continued on, you can listen to his interview this morning on this website] . Graham was referring to School Board member Rob Hardy. Council chose to postpone their decision until June 17th to find out more from Pillar and the exact cost of the additional insurance for Spohn Ranch. Construction is still possible this year.
One more files and another drops out
Yesterday was the last day for filing for the three opening council seats. For Ward 4, incumbent Jessica Peterson White is the only candidate. In Ward 1, incumbent Suzie Nakasian, Joe Gasior and Jeremy Bishop have filed. councilor At-Large Rhonda Pownell will face Dale Gehring, Jon Denison and Neka Sharp. Aaron Reuvers withdrew yesterday. Elections are November 4th.
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The post Today’s news update – Jensen back in jail; Skateboard Park designer balks at insurance while emotions bring out the name-calling; One more files and another drops out appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.