Carleton student charged in deaths
The Star Tribune reports that the Carleton student driving the vehicle that killed 3 other students has been charged with Careless Driving in Dakota County. 21 year old William Sparks, of Illinois, is charged with driving too fast for conditions. On Feb. 28, 2014, Sparks and four other students were on their way to an Ultimate Frisbee competition when Sparks lost control of the car. The 1997 Toyota 4Runner, driving on packed snow and ice, crossed the centerline and was broadsided by an oncoming semitrailer truck. The crash occurred on Hwy. 3 at County Road 47. Killed were 20 year old James P. Adams, of St. Paul; 21 year old Paxton M. Harvieux, of Stillwater; and 20 year old Michael D. Goodgame of Connecticut. Sparks, and a passenger, 19 year old Conor J. Eckert of Seattle, were injured in the crash. The truck driver was not injured. According to the criminal complaint, a State Patrol crash reconstruction showed that Sparks’ failure to slow down on the icy roads likely contributed to the crash. He faces up to 90 days in prison and up to $1,000 in fines if convicted. Deputy Chief Mark Dukatz was honored in February for saving Eckert’s life at the scene. Of the 4 young men in the car, He saw one of them move his head and without any more thought, Deputy Dukatz climbed through the back window and opened Conor Eckert’s airway and kept it open for over 30 minutes while firefighters worked to open the roof of the vehicle and free the three deceased. Letters from Conor’s parents and Conor himself were read at the ceremony.
City Administrator calls for calm and compromise
City Administrator Nick Haggenmiller tackled the Land Development Code in his memo put out on Friday afternoon. He says in part, that the current LDC represents the values of Northfield as identified in the comprehensive plan. However, revisions were needed. The Planning Commission put forward amendments that have been well vetted and seek to make the code friendlier to administer for citizens, developers and city staff. He said Councilor Pownell’s recent amendments brought forward matters several councilors had issue with back in December. With the current political impasse he added that staff has brought forward proposed compromises. He reiterated that the Council has a right to make amendments and that this does not dismiss or undermine the Planning Commission’s efforts. The key amendments the council will consider concern height of buildings in the downtown district, windows and the involvement of the Heritage Preservation Commission. This is on the agenda tomorrow night in a special meeting which is open to the public. Haggenmiller said council will be given information on incentivizing two story development in hopes of using this as a bridge towards moving forward with the code and partnering with the EDA on programming. Haggenmiller made it clear that debate must be efficient and respectful and that compromise must be a priority. If you’re interested in learning more about the proposed land development code, have questions or even suggestions Haggenmiller urges you to contact City Hall or come to the meeting on Tuesday.
NAFRS looking to add 6 firefighters
The Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Services joint Powers Board met last week. Mayor Graham is on the Board and also on the personnel committee. He said they’re looking to add 6 more firefighters by this Summer. He also said they received a report on the 10 year plan for equipment replacement.
Dundas Council meets tonight
The Dundas City council meets tonight at 7 o’clock. On the agenda is the use of City Hall. City Administrator McCarthy says there’s been an unwritten policy of permitting City Hall to be used by groups to hold meetings. However, due to the growth of the City and additional concerns regarding data security, he’s asking Council to review that policy. McCarthy will be in studio tomorrow morning at 8:45.
Huge crowd at PEHS annual Auction for the Animals
A huge crowd of 350 people showed up for Prairie’s Edge Humane Society’s annual dinner and Auction for the Animals on Saturday. There were numerous items to bid on, certainly something for everyone. Sam Daly of Northfield Kennels and Canine Service Partners gave an emotion laden talk on his efforts to train IED and Bomb sniffing dogs in Afghanistan and his current mission of getting trained service dogs free of charge to veterans with PTSD and other issues related to war. Attendees were treated to a demonstration by Trainer, Shahar, with “Hero”, a rescued lab mix, eager to please.
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The post Today’s news update – Carleton student charged in deaths; City Administrator calls for calm and compromise; NAFRS looking to add 6 firefighters; appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.