Dennison Clerk pleads guilty
The Dennison City Clerk pled guilty to theft in Goodhue County court last Friday. 58 year old Sheila Ekstrom of Randolph pled guilty to 2 felony counts of theft and 1 of forgery. In April of last year, the Goodhue County Sheriff was notified of a theft from the City. An auditor hired in June of 2013 for Dennison, found discrepancies and alleged that Ekstrom double paid herself several times in 2013 and possibly 2012. Ekstrom first claimed that a mistake had been made by the Treasurer and “what was done was done”. She later admitted to some forged signatures but would only admit to stealing about $1500. She’s accused of stealing more than $5,000. Ekstrom was just re-elected as Randolph City Clerk by 3 votes, she is currently under investigation by Dakota County. An omnibus hearing in Goodhue County is scheduled for March 20th.
Water heater likely to blame for Barn Fire
The cause of a barn fire in Northfield looks like a portable water heater for a stock tank. That’s the preliminary conclusion says Fire Chief Gerry Franek. On Friday afternoon just after 3 o’clock, the Northfield Fire Dept and Rice County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a barn fire at 5770 115th st. E. NAFRS was able to extinguish the fire saving most of the structure. It was reported that there was one pig and possibly cats inside of the barn at the time, however, there were no reports of any animal deaths after the fire was put out.
Council reiterates that advocacy groups not be at the table during work sessions
This weeks work session agenda created a furor among Council members last week who were taken aback at the invitation for a neighborhood organization to be allowed at the table in their discussion over the Skateboard Park. Mayor Graham said their work sessions don’t typically allow advocacy groups to speak but are limited to boards and commissions (advisory groups). Council felt strongly that NESNA, the neighborhood organization of the area selected for the Skateboard Park, should not be at the table. Councilor Peterson White reflected the opinion that it was “inappropriate” for the neighborhood group to speak at the work session when they’ve had multiple opportunities to speak at regular council meetings as well as write letters. She continued that the work sessions should be for council to discuss issues amongst themselves along with advisory boards, such as, in this case, the Park Board. Groups are urged to write letters and submit them to the Mayor and Council members prior to tomorrow’s work session. Another point made was that everyone, groups or individuals, are invited to speak at regular council meetings.
Dundas Council will choose acting Mayor and Board positions
The Dundas City Council meets tonight. They’ll choose an acting Mayor and have several appointments to boards and commissions. This is their first meeting of the new year. City Administrator John McCarthy will be in studio tomorrow morning at 8:45.
Minute with the Mayor video series
The City of Northfield posted a new video on Friday called Minute with the Mayor. They plan to make this a series of minute interviews with Mayor Dana Graham talking about a variety of subjects. From the front page of the City’s website, click on media center.
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The post Today’s news update – Dennison Clerk pleads guilty; Water heater likely to blame for Barn Fire; Council reiterates that advocacy groups not be at the table during work sessions; Dundas Council will choose acting Mayor and Board positions; Minute with the Mayor video series appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.