Just Under 900 Runners Participate in Jon Francis Half Marathon
 
The inaugural Stillwater Marathon and Jon Francis Half Marathon took place Sunday morning (May 24th) on what turned out to be a picture perfect day with bright sun and a glistening Saint Croix River.  The winner of the Jon Francis Half Marathon was 23 year old Andrew Bolt from Stillwater with a finish time of 1 hour 13 minutes and 6 seconds.  Bart Johnson took second place, finishing in 1 hour 14 minutes and 4 seconds, and the first female half marathon finisher was Susana Emond, coming in at 1 hour 23 minutes and 47 seconds.
 
Pete Hoyem, also of Stillwater, won the Marathon with a time of 2 hours 50 minutes and 32 seconds.  Jessica Mike was the first female finisher at 3 hours 9 minutes and 26 seconds.
 
Lots of volunteers and friends of Jon turned out as runners and volunteers, honoring Jon's memory with their presence.  For more information and race times, click http://www.onlineraceresults.com.  JFF thanks the race organizers and JFF co-sponsor Jelly Belly for their partnership with us. 

Governor Pawlenty Signs Brandon’s Law During Ceremony at the Capitol

The family of Brandon Swanson of Marshall, Minnesota and the family of Jon Francis of Stillwater, attended a ceremony, on May 7th, hosted by Governor Pawlenty, serving as the official signing into law of the new Minnesota Missing Persons’ Act, which was passed by the Legislature in April.  Brandon's Law will take effect on July, 1st, expanding Minnesota’s Missing Persons' Statute to include adults and provides updated criteria for law enforcement for reporting, investigating and solving missing persons' cases.

Brandon's Law resulted from the efforts and collaboration between the Jon Francis Foundation, the Swansons, Minnesota Law Enforcement and legislative leaders and staff from both parties.

Minnesota Lawmakers Provide National Leadership by Passing Missing Persons’ Legislation, Brandon’s Law (HF 1242)

The April passage of the Minnesota Missing Persons’ Act or Brandon’s Law, named in honor of 19 year old Brandon Swanson, missing near Marshall, Minnesota since May 14, 2008 was a significant step in broadening the State’s missing persons’ protocols and procedures.  The legislation will have a positive impact on those who suffer the misfortune of having a loved one go missing.

“The law expands the definition of a missing person, acknowledging the rest of humanity–those over 18 years of age and endangered persons, adults missing under dangerous or precarious circumstances.  David Francis, president of the Jon Francis Foundation said.  “We are pleased that Brandon’s Law has been passed. I believe that this is good public policy that resulted from the leadership of Minnesota lawmakers and law enforcement, and particularly families and individuals who are suffering because of our growing number of unsolved missing person’s cases.”

“I hope that Brandon’s Law will save others from the pain that I encountered when local law enforcement resisted filing a missing persons’ report and said to me, ‘well ma’am your son is 19 and he has a right to go missing,’” said Annette Swanson, mother of Brandon, who initiated this legislative effort.  For more information please visit the full story.