A startling incident at a Minnesota daycare facility operated by a local city council member has sparked controversy and calls for resignation.

According to Daily Mail, South St. Paul City Council Member Pam Bakken is appealing the indefinite suspension of her in-home daycare license after a three-year-old boy in her care tested positive for methamphetamine in December 2024.

The case gained attention when the toddler began exhibiting unusual behavior during his time at Bakken's daycare facility. Staff members noticed the child was unusually talkative, fidgety, and had difficulty focusing after returning from preschool. The situation escalated when the boy vomited after lunch, prompting his mother Victoria Kane to pick him up and seek medical attention.

Mother Describes Child's Concerning Behavior in Emergency Room

Kane's testimony revealed disturbing details about her son's condition. The concerned mother observed her child's erratic behavior firsthand at the hospital. Medical tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and other amphetamines in the boy's system.

According to Kane, her son revealed he had consumed what appeared to be "onion crumbs" from a bathroom floor in Bakken's home. An investigation later suggested these substances could have been methamphetamine crystals.

The Lakeville Police Department, which handled the investigation to avoid potential conflicts of interest, documented that the child was dropped off at Bakken's daycare at 7:10 am before attending preschool from 8:25 am to 11:30 am on December 6.

Legal Proceedings and License Suspension Details

Within 72 hours of the incident, Minnesota authorities temporarily revoked Bakken's daycare license. The Minnesota Department of Human Services later made the suspension indefinite on March 4, citing imminent risk to children's safety.

Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena declined to pursue criminal charges, stating prosecutors couldn't prove beyond reasonable doubt that Bakken was at fault or acted with intent or recklessness. The timing of symptom onset raised questions, as experts noted they appeared faster than typical methamphetamine exposure cases.

Victoria Kane's mother shared her son's experience at the emergency room:

My son says that he ate onion crumbs off of the floor at [Bakken's] house and we figured out that's what meth looks like. He didn't stop talking the whole time as we sat in the ER room in a bed. He just talked and talked and talked.

Community Response and Political Implications

South St. Paul residents expressed their outrage at a February 18 city council meeting. Many constituents demanded Bakken's immediate resignation from her council position, which runs until January 1, 2029.

A recall effort gathered the required 2,763 signatures and received approval from the city clerk on April 11. However, the Committee to Recall Bakken suspended operations after learning criminal charges would not be filed.

One concerned resident, Molly Fehrman, addressed Bakken directly at the council meeting:

My question is this, Pam. How can we trust you to make good decisions, to exercise good judgment in managing the things facing our city when you can't even manage what takes place inside your own home?

Daycare License Appeal Process Moves Forward

Bakken maintains her innocence and plans to contest the license suspension at a hearing scheduled for July 31 in Hastings. The Department of Human Services cited additional concerns, including Bakken's alleged failure to complete required background checks for a household member.

The Committee to Recall Bakken expressed continued opposition despite suspending recall efforts. They maintain their position that Bakken should resign, citing poor decision-making and subsequent attempts to "hide information and gaslight the community." Despite avoiding criminal charges, Bakken faces significant challenges in regaining her daycare license and community trust.

Final Outcome Pending Further Investigation

Pam Bakken, a South St. Paul City Council member, faces mounting pressure over a December 2024 incident where a three-year-old boy tested positive for methamphetamine after attending her home daycare facility. The toddler reportedly consumed what appeared to be "onion crumbs" from a bathroom floor, which testing revealed to be methamphetamine.

While criminal charges were declined due to insufficient evidence, Bakken continues to appeal her indefinitely suspended daycare license. The case's resolution awaits a July 31 hearing in Hastings, where she will contest the Minnesota Department of Human Services' decision to revoke her childcare provider status.

Why This Story Matters

This incident disrupts a community and serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities borne by those in caretaker roles, especially elected officials. It underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols in childcare environments and the consequences of their breach. This story also reflects the community's expectation for transparency and ethical behavior from their leaders, amplifying the call for accountability in public service.

In conclusion, the distressing incident at Pam Bakken's daycare serves as a crucial narrative on public safety, accountability, and the profound impact of community trust. It highlights the need for unwavering vigilance in childcare settings and the collective responsibility to uphold safety and integrity, especially by those in positions of power. The community's ongoing response will likely shape the discourse around safety standards and public trust for years to come.