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Principal arrested

Blaine high school principal Dan Newell was arrested May 12 at 1 a.m. and cited to Blaine municipal court for driving while intoxicated, according to Blaine police.

Newell was stopped after failing to stop at the intersection of Sweet and Odell roads. “An officer observed the vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed,” said deputy police chief Mike Haslip. After a series of field sobriety tests Newell was taken to the police station for an interview and a breath analysis for blood alcohol content, after which he was issued a citation to Blaine municipal court for driving under the influence of alcohol. “Mr Newell was polite and cooperative. He was very gentlemanly,” Haslip said.

Long-time Blaine teacher John Freal spoke in support of Newell at the school board’s regular meeting May 20. Freal discussed Newell’s accomplishments and encouraged the board to allow Newell’s return to duties as early as possible. The principal is currently on administrative leave.

Saying she was not responding specifically to Newell, board chair Jane Woods said that a leave is often a mark of compassion by employers wishing to allow employees time to deal with issues and to allow emotions to dissipate.

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