Nimrod city council member Patrick Rathcke pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge in Wadena County last week.
The charge stems from an incident during the Nov. 14 Nimrod city council meeting. At the meeting, Nimrod citizen Deb Yates claimed that the council had been harassing her and her partner, Linda Branstrom.
As the discussion escalated into shouting, Rathcke said to Yates, "You're just like a buddy of mine said the other day, why don't you leave Nimrod before somebody shoots you?"
Branstrom then asked Rathcke, "Is that a threat?" According to the criminal complaint, Rathcke's answer is inaudible. The entire meeting was audio and video recorded.
Rathcke previously pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea before the scheduled hearing Monday.
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He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with all jail time stayed and fined $237. He has the option to do community service in lieu of paying the fine.
If Rathcke commits any similar violations in the next 12 months, a prosecuting attorney can make a motion to have him serve the 30 days.
