Minnesota News Network

Friday Morning Headlines

>>Opponents of Proposed 75-Cent Delivery Fee Rally at State Capitol

(St. Paul, MN) — Opponents are at the State Capitol today (Friday), pushing House Democrats to drop plans for a 75-cent delivery fee statewide on everything from pizza to Amazon. Backers contend it’s a better alternative than increasing the gasoline tax. Minnesota Retailers Association’s Bruce Nustad (NOO-stad) says he totally understands the need for road-and-bridge funding, but a delivery fee is remarkably unpopular. He says it’s a “pretty regressive” tax, especially on the elderly and people with disabilities who rely on delivery. The 75-cent delivery fee is in the transportation budget bill the House passed but is not in the companion Senate bill.

>>Legislative Auditor Flags Improper Pandemic Spending by Some State Agencies

(St. Paul, MN) — The legislative auditor says 18 agencies they spot-checked on nearly 400 million dollars in pandemic-related spending “generally complied” with legal requirements, but a just-issued report also spotlights some problems. Auditors say the state Department of Employment and Economic Development did not obtain emergency authority before it bypassed required purchasing processes… the state Education Department used its emergency authority for a non-emergency purchase… the state Health Department did not conduct complete physical inventories. And the legislative auditor found the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s Office inappropriately used about 29 hundred dollars in federal COVID funding to respond to civil unrest. The Star Tribune reports agencies in their responses to the report generally defend their work, contending all the purchases complied with state law even if they deviated from usual practices.

>>Dedication of 34th Infantry ‘Red Bull’ Monument at Fort Snelling Cemetery

(Fort Snelling, MN) — A monument honoring the National Guard’s 34th ‘Red Bull’ Infantry Division will be unveiled Saturday at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Kevin Gutknecht (GOOT’-neck) of the 34th Infantry Division Association says a group of retirees recognized there was not a Red Bull statue at Fort Snelling and raised 17 thousand dollars for the project. He says 100-year-old World War II veteran and Red Bull soldier Donald Halverson of Crystal is taking part in the public dedication tomorrow morning (Saturday 11am). Gutknecht (GOOT’-neck) says they raised enough money to put another moment in the State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.

>>Prayer Vigil in Winona Friday Night for Madeline Kingsbury

(Winona, MN) — There’s a prayer vigil in Winona tonight (Friday 7:30 pm) for 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury, who disappeared on March 31st after dropping her kids off at daycare. Police are inviting the community to gather in Veterans Memorial Park for the “Shining a Light for Madeline” event. Those attending are asked to download the Candle App to their phone instead of using real candles. Organizers hope this will be the shining light that brings Maddi home. There have been multiple law enforcement and volunteer searches for Kingsbury since she went missing more than a month ago.

>>Man Charged with Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Lake Elmo Woman

(Stillwater, MN) — A man from New Auburn is charged with multiple felonies after reportedly holding a Lake Elmo woman against her will and sexually assaulting her for over 24 hours. Washington County deputies went to check on the woman Tuesday when she didn’t show up for work and found her screaming for help at a window of her apartment as a man pulled her out of sight. Officers say they used force to get inside and arrest 35-year-old David Powers, bringing the woman to the hospital to be treated for several injuries. She said Powers had been staying with her for a few weeks but “snapped” after a sporting event.

>>MN Drivers & Farm Equipment Need to Share Roads This Spring

(Mankato, MN) — Drivers traveling on Minnesota roads this spring, especially in the rural areas, should watch for large planting equipment moving from farm to farm. MnDOT’s Scott Thompson says safety is a shared responsibility, so it’s also important for farm operators to make sure that their equipment utilizes running lights, as well as flashers. Thompson also encourages farmers to use a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night. The weather is finally allowing producers to get into their fields and do some planting.

Morning News Headlines

>>Senate Amendment Renames Overpass in Honor of Fallen Pope County Deputy

(St. Paul, MN) — The nearly-new overpass at the junction of Highways 29 and 55 in Pope County would be named in honor of slain Deputy Josh Owen — an amendment the Minnesota Senate added Thursday to its transportation budget bill. Alexandria Senator Torrey Westrom says constituents and people wanted to make sure Josh Owen’s contributions to the Pope County community and as a deputy would be remembered for a long time. Deputy Owen was fatally shot by a suspect while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Thousands attended his funeral last Saturday in Glenwood.

>>Minnesota Senate to Debate and Vote on Legal Cannabis Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — If the Minnesota Senate passes the bill today (Friday), it’s highly likely that recreational marijuana will become legal in Minnesota. The cannabis legislation passed the Minnesota House Tuesday on a 71 to 59 vote. But in the Minnesota Senate, Democrats have a one-vote majority and for the bill to pass, every member will have to vote “yes” — and the D-F-L can count on no help from Republicans.

>>MnDOT, State of Minnesota Observing Worker Memorial Day

(St. Paul, MN) — MnDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and use caution in construction zones on this Worker Memorial Day (Friday). Spokesman Jake Loesch (LOH-sch) says it’s a way for us to pause and remember construction workers who have died or been injured in work zones on Minnesota highways and on our roads. Since 1960, 35 MnDOT workers and 16 contractor employees have died in a work zone. MnDOT and the State Patrol are hosting observances around the state today and the 35-W Bridge in Minneapolis and other landmarks will be lit orange tonight in honor of fallen workers.

>>Charges Filed in Minneapolis Mosque Fire on Monday

(Minneapolis, MN) — A man is facing second-degree arson charges for allegedly setting one of two fires at mosques in south Minneapolis this week. Prosecutors say Jackie Rahm Little was seen on surveillance video carrying a bag containing a gasoline can into the Mercy Islamic Center on Monday. Investigators later found a melted gas can at the scene. A warrant has been issued for Little’s arrest. Minneapolis police are also investigating an alleged arson at a mosque inside the 24 Somali Mall on Sunday.

>>Eden Prairie Man Died of Drowning, Injuries in Chanhassen Crash

(Chanhassen, MN) — Authorities are releasing more information about the death of an Eden Prairie man whose van crashed into a holding pond Monday in Chanhassen. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office says 71-year-old Kenneth Blumberg died in the hospital of “freshwater drowning complicating multiple blunt force injuries.” The Minnesota State Patrol says Blumberg ran a red light at Highway 212 and County Road 101 and collided with an S-U-V, sending his vehicle into a pond. A dive team pulled Blumberg from his submerged van.

>Red Wing Shoes Pays $30 K for Air Quality Violations at 2 Plants

(St. Paul, MN) — Red Wing Shoe Company is paying a 30-thousand-dollar fine for violating air quality permit requirements in 2020 and 2021 at two local production facilities. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the company failed to properly calculate emissions for hazardous pollutants, conduct equipment inspections and tune-ups, and fully report impacted record keeping from a 2020 cyber security attack. Red Wing was also ordered to complete a series of corrective actions.

>>Minnesota Vikings Pick USC WR Addison in 1st Round of NFL Draft

(Kansas City, MO) — The Minnesota Vikings used the 23rd pick in the N-F-L Draft to select U-S-C wide receiver Jordan Addison. He caught 59 passes for 875 yards and eight touchdowns for the Trojans last season. Addison won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in his sophomore season at Pittsburgh before transferring to Southern Cal. Minnesota has one pick today (Friday) in the third round of the draft and three selections on Saturday.

Morning Headlines

>>Kim Potter Set to be Released

(Shakopee, MN) — Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter is set to be released from prison next week, after serving 16 months behind bars for the killing of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in April of 2021. Records show Potter is set to leave prison on Monday. Potter was sentenced to two years behind bars after being convicted of second-degree manslaughter in Wright’s death. When released, she will serve the remaining months of her sentence on supervised release.

>>Minnesota House Passes E-12 Funding Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House passed a 23-billion-dollar E-12 funding bill Thursday night that would give public schools a 10.6 percent boost in the next two years (fiscal 24-25) and nearly a 16-percent bump in the two years after that. Democrat Cheryl Youakim (you-ah-KEEM) from Hopkins says the bill is “A historic investment in our schools, our students, and the future.” But Hanska Republican Paul Torkelson says the school funding bill doesn’t respect local control or empower parents and isn’t serious about the science of reading “This bill sets no expectations on students to either excel academically or even behave properly in the classroom.” E-12 education is the largest single component of the state budget.

The bill includes a four-percent increase per pupil in the general education formula in 2024 and two percent the following year, totaling 710 million dollars. Per-pupil funding from the general education formula would also be linked to inflation. The bill would spend 730 million dollars to reduce school districts’ expenses for special education, and 82 million dollars to pick up costs of English-learner education in districts with the highest needs.

>>AG Ellison calls for a national recall of theft-prone Hyundai/Kia vehicles

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 18 attorneys in calling for a federal recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, following the companies’ continued failure to take adequate steps to address the alarming theft rate of their vehicles. Ellison and the coalition assert that Kia and Hyundai have not gone far enough in their attempts to remedy their vehicles’ vulnerability to theft. Minneapolis KIA/Hyundai vehicle thefts have increased by nearly 900 percent and in St. Paul by 600 percent. Ellison says many of these thefts have been connected to other violent crimes.

While the companies have offered a software upgrade, this upgrade will not be available for many affected vehicles until June and some 2011-2022 models cannot be installed at all. Vehicle owners who cannot receive the software upgrade can reportedly receive a free steering wheel lock from Kia and Hyundai, but this places additional burdens on owners and does not address the underlying ignition system flaw that makes the vehicles so vulnerable to theft.

>>Ft. Snelling State Park Closed Due to Flooding/Free Park Saturday

(St. Paul, MN) — Due to rising waters on the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, Fort Snelling State Park is closed to the public. The park will remain closed until flood waters recede and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff are able to assess conditions within the park and address any safety issues resulting from the flood. Tomorrow is “Free Park Saturday” at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, and the DNR will be waiving the vehicle permit requirement. Visitors should be aware that several other parks and recreation areas across the state are experiencing high water conditions that might affect access to certain roads and trails. People should visit park-specific websites to check visitor alerts before heading out.

>>St. Cloud Police Arrest Suspect on Most Wanted List

(Lyndon Township, MN) — A man on the Stearns County Most Wanted list since 2020 has been arrested. Thursday morning, officers searched a home in Lyndon Township, located 41-year-old Jacob Schwartz was located, and took him into custody for multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct charges and stalking.

>>Minnesota Law Enforcement Taking Part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day

(Undated, MN)– More than 50 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday. Minnesotans can drop off unused or unwanted prescription drugs at a local sheriff’s office, police department, or city hall. The D-E-A says more than 14 thousand pounds of medications were collected during last April’s event. Officials say one of the main goals is to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs. You can find the list of Minnesota drop-off locations on the D-E-A’s website.

 

Morning Headlines

>>Governor Walz Delivers SOS Address Tonight

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz delivers this year’s State of the State address at 7 p.m. tonight (Wed) from the House Chamber at the State Capitol. This is the governor’s first State of the State address in his second term, and his first since the legislative “trifecta” took over, with Democrats now controlling the Minnesota House as well as the Senate. It’s a good bet the governor will highlight several high-profile bills passed and signed in roughly the first 100 days of the 2023 session: abortion rights, driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, felon voting, free school lunch and breakfast, and “Clean Cars,” among others. It’s also likely that he’ll stress the need for additional what Democrats term investments in education, transportation, and other areas — even as the Republican minorities in the House and Senate clamor for significant permanent tax cuts when the state has a 17-plus-billion-dollar surplus.
Just over one month remains in the legislative session with a May 22nd adjournment deadline.

>>Duluth Man Arrested for Making Alleged Threats on Facebook

(Duluth, MN) — Police in Duluth say a man is in custody for making alleged threats of violence on Facebook. Officers say they began investigating just before noon and a tactical response team arrested the suspect around 8 o’clock Tuesday night. The 30-year-old Duluth man was taken to a hospital for evaluation and later booked in jail. Authorities in Superior, Wisconsin also responded to several 9-1-1 calls related to Facebook threats to cause explosions in public infrastructure.

>>BNSF analyzing fractured rail section, but NTSB investigators not saying whether it caused March derailment and fire in Raymond

(Washington, DC) — National Transportation Safety Board investigators say B-N-S-F railroad is analyzing a section of fractured rail but didn’t say definitively whether it caused last month’s derailment and fire that forced the evacuation of about 800 from their homes in the west-central Minnesota community of Raymond. No one was hurt, but the fire burned into the following day, and it’s estimated the derailment caused nearly two million dollars in damage to equipment and tracks.

>>Ex-firefighter charged with assault, racial slurs against former Gophers football star

**MEDIA REFERENCE**
(Minneapolis, MN) — A former firefighter, 54-year-old Eric Jagers, is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon — after prosecutors say he made a racial slur against a former U-of-M Gophers football star and fired a gun in a south Minneapolis alley. The Star Tribune reports 44-year-old Tellis Redmon, Gophers running back from 1999 to 2001, was not injured even though the gun was fired next to his head as the two fought for the weapon. Investigators say a half-hour before, Jagers fired a handgun outside a fire station on the city’s north side, later telling authorities “He thought it would be funny to do so.” Jagers’ defense attorney said his client has mental health issues he will be addressing, and regrets if his actions reflect badly on his former profession as a Minneapolis firefighter.

>>Mora Man Found Guilty of 2019 Iron Range Murder

(Duluth, MN) — A Mora man could face up to 40 years in prison after being convicted of the October 2019 killing of a friend on the Iron Range. A St. Louis County jury found 56-year-old J. Nicholas Cramer guilty Tuesday of the second-degree murder of 47-year-old Frank Meyer in Makinen (MACK’-uh-nin). Prosecutors said Meyer was found dead in his garage and had been beaten, shot, and suffocated. Investigators testified that Cramer’s D-N-A was on a pipe used to beat Meyer and gun casings located at the scene matched a pistol recovered from his camper. Cramer will be sentenced on May 12th.

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Afternoon Drive Headlines

>>Man Dies After Multiple Dog Attacks

(Brooklyn Center, MN) — A Brooklyn Center man has died after being attacked by four dogs he was watching for a family member. Thursday afternoon police responded after a neighbor called 9-1-1 to report a man yelling for help while being attacked by multiple dogs. Police said the attack was still underway as officers arrived on the scene, with one firing a less-lethal round that struck one of the dogs and dispersed the others. The 22-year-old man, had most of his clothing ripped off and had extensive bites on most of his body. The four dogs were of American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed.” Investigators are in contact with the owners and at this point say criminal charges could be filed.

>>Le Sueur County Authorities Find Body in Search for Missing Man

(Cleveland Township, MN) — Authorities in Le Sueur County believe they located the body of a man this morning (Friday) who has been missing since December. The sheriff says teams searching the Silver Lake area of Cleveland Township discovered a body presumed to be 25-year-old Shawn Mooring in some cattails and trees along the shoreline. Mooring was last seen leaving home on December 13th. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office will work to positively identify the body and determine the cause and manner of death.

>>Ellison Pledges to Defend Women Using Mifepristone

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says despite a Texas federal court ruling to block the use of the so-called “abortion pill”…. mifepristone (miff-uh-PRISS’-tone) will still be available in Minnesota because a federal judge in Washington State ruled in Minnesota’s favor in a multi-state lawsuit. Ellison said today (Fri) if there are any legal challenges to “abortion pill” providers or patients in Minnesota, “We will defend them. We have a team ready to do it and we’re here to protect the right to make your own choices about your family, your pregnancy, your abortion. And it’s simple as that.” Cathy Blaeser with Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says her group opposes any legal action against women “but if prescribers or providers are going against the law, they should be prosecuted.” Blaeser wouldn’t comment on whether M-C-C-L would legally challenge Attorney General Ellison if he were to step in.

>>River Flooding Ramping Up

(Moorhead, MN) — Salvation Army officials say they’ve been preparing for a significant flood season in Minnesota and North Dakota. Major Michelle Heaver says their first response team is in Fargo Moorhead and they’re closing monitoring flood conditions all over the state including the Rainy River, Minnesota River, Mississippi River from St. Paul south, the Crow River, St. Croix River Stillwater, and the Crookston area. Heaver says flood response teams spent six weeks in International Falls last year providing meals and hydration to sandbagging operations on the Rainy River.

>>MN-DOT Closing Section of Highway 60 in Wabasha, Water expected over the Road

(Wabasha, MN) — MN-DOT is closing a section of state Highway 60 east of U-S Highway 61 in Wabasha in southeast Minnesota in anticipation of water over the road. Officials say the stretch, which goes under a railroad bridge, often floods when the Mississippi River rises significantly during the spring.

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Redel

Midday Headlines

>>Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation of Hastings Fleet Farm

(Hastings, MN) — A reported bomb threat prompted a brief closure of the Fleet Farm store in Hastings Thursday evening. Police say employees found a note posted on a bathroom door indicating a bomb would detonate at 6:29 p.m. Officers and Fleet Farm staff evacuated the building and the St. Paul Bomb Squad and Metro Transit bomb detection dog. The store was searched and nothing suspicious was located. Investigators are still looking into the threat.

>>Public Safety Bill Up For Vote Today

Republicans warn Democrats’ public safety budget bill up for a vote later today
(Fri noon start) in the Minnesota, Senate gives criminals a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, making thousands of offenders eligible for early release — including those convicted of serious crimes and juvenile offenders tried as adults. Bill lead author, Saint Louis Park Democrat Ron Latz responds the strategy is to reduce prison time for those who successfully complete addiction treatment, mental health, and other programs — before they’re released so they can then be better citizens. He says “If they participate and are successful in these programs, the incentive is to reduce the amount of time that they remain in prison. That’s a pretty big incentive for folks that are in there.” Today’s bill does *not* include controversial gun legislation — universal background checks and a “red flag” law. Those are separate bills in the Senate but *are* included in the omnibus public safety budget bill in the Minnesota House.

>>U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Prepared for Spring Flooding

(St. Paul, MN) — Members of the St. Paul-based U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say they are well-positioned and prepared to respond to spring flooding. Lt. Col. Rob Wilkins says they are ready to provide technical assistance and flood fight materials such as sandbags and pumps. They can also offer technical oversight and contracting for emergency levees to protect critical infrastructure. Wilkins says they have also pre-positioned flood-fighting materials across the state. Several rivers around Minnesota are at risk of flooding over the next week.

>>Highway 93 Re-Opens, Highway 9 in NW, Highway 22 in Stearns County Closed

(Henderson, MN) — Highway 93 from Henderson to Highway 169 is back open again today (Friday) in south-central Minnesota. It was closed on Thursday because of spring flooding on the Minnesota River. Highway 9 south of Ada in northwest Minnesota was closed this morning due to the Wild Rice River spilling over the road. MnDOT also shut down Highway 22 near Richmond between Highway 9 and Foster Court in Stearns County. St. Paul is closing part of Water Street today because of rising water levels on the Mississippi River.

>>Minnesota Timberwolves Hosting OKC Thunder in Play-In Game

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder meet tonight (Friday 8:30 pm) at Target Center in a “play-in” tournament game. The winner secures the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the top-seeded Denver Nuggets. The Wolves lost their first play-in game Wednesday at the Lakers. The Thunder topped the Pelicans Thursday in New Orleans.

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Morning headlines…

>>Minnesota Senate Votes on Public Safety, Jobs & Commerce Legislation

(St. Paul, MN) — Voting on state budget bills continues at the Minnesota Capitol today (Friday) with the Senate taking up funding packages for public safety, jobs, and commerce. Republicans warn Democrats’ public safety bill will give criminals a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, they say making thousands of offenders eligible for early release, including those convicted of serious crimes and juvenile offenders tried as adults. The D-F-L is pushing anti-gun-violence measures such as universal background checks and a “red flag” law, but they are not included in this bill. And Democrats, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, are highlighting a provision in the commerce budget bill establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would have the authority to set upper payment limits on certain high-cost drugs.

>>Senate Approves $450 Million Ag Funding, Broadband Budget

(St. Paul, MN) — The 450-million-dollar rural development bill the Minnesota Senate passed Thursday includes 100 million dollars to extend broadband Internet to areas that don’t have it. Republican Eric Lucero ) from Saint Michael cautions, don’t use up the money in areas where it isn’t cost-effective to install traditional high-speed internet. The bill’s chief author, Saint Cloud Democrat Aric Putnam says, “My intent… is to make it as flexible as possible so that decisions can be made about particular regions, particular needs, and particular technologies.” The bill would also send 150 thousand dollars to Central Lakes College to continue developing its programs to train meat cutters and butchers, who are currently in short supply in Minnesota.

>>Walz Plans to Sign Bill Adding $40 Million to Disaster Contingency Fund

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz says he will sign a bill that replenishes the state’s nearly-depleted Disaster Contingency Account. The Minnesota House unanimously approved adding 40 million dollars to the fund Thursday. The governor decides, in consultation with federal emergency management officials, which communities receive state disaster assistance. Walz says, “If we don’t reach major emergency status or declaration status where FEMA comes in and there’s some federal help in this, the state of Minnesota is still prepared in a very efficient effective manner to move funds when we need to.” The account is currently down to 750 thousand dollars and the state uses about 20 million a year.

>>Flooding Closes Highway 93 near Henderson in South Central Minnesota

(Mankato, MN) — Highway 93 from Henderson to Highway 169 in south central Minnesota is closed due to spring flooding. MnDOT says traffic is being detoured to Highway 19 until the water recedes and crews can make necessary repairs. This area along the Minnesota River is prone to flooding. Officials are reminding drivers that it is illegal and dangerous to travel on a closed road.

>>River Conditions Hamper Search for Wisconsin Man Near Taylor Falls

(Taylors Falls, MN) — Authorities continue to search for a Wisconsin man who fell from a cliff into the St. Croix River in Taylor Falls, but they were unable to use boats Thursday afternoon. The Chisago County Sheriff’s Office says the water flow rate and the amount of debris in the river have made navigation impossible to do safely with search equipment. Deputies say they will continue to do ground and air searches as appropriate and will reassess the water situation. Eighteen-year-old D’Andrea Sanvig of Luck lost his footing on a rock ledge Tuesday night in Interstate Park.

>>MPLS Chief Rips Ex-Officer Chauvin After Police Brutality Settlements

(Minneapolis, MN) — Strong words from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara about Derek Chauvin, after the city council approved nearly nine million dollars in settlements with two victims of the ex-officers brutality from incidents three years before he murdered George Floyd. Chief O’Hara said, “I’m appalled at the repetitive behavior of this coward and disgusted by the inaction and acceptance of the behavior by members of this agency such conduct is a disgrace to this badge and an embarrassment to what is truly a noble profession.” O’Hara says Chauvin’s badge number will be destroyed and permanently removed from our rosters.

>>Isanti Man Sentenced for Fatally Shooting Woman and Burying Her

(Cambridge, MN) — A man from Isanti is sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison for fatally shooting a woman after a night of drinking and burying her on his property. Richard Melvin Peterson received a 285-month sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of 32-year-old Amanda Jo Vangrinsven. She was last seen leaving the Rum River V-F-W with Peterson on August 5th, 2021, and reported missing two days later. Vangrinsven’s body was discovered on Peterson’s property on August 9th.

>>Mounds View Man Draws Life Sentence for Wife’s 2010 Murder

(St. Paul, MN) — The sentence is life in prison without parole for a Mounds View man convicted of fatally shooting his wife 13 years ago in St. Paul. A jury found Nicholas Firkus guilty of first- and second-degree murder in the shooting of Heidi Firkus. Heidi was shot to death on April 25th, 2010, and Nicholas claimed that he was struggling with an intruder when the shotgun went off, striking Heidi in the back. Police found no signs of a break-in and the F-B-I said it used new technology to tie Nicholas to his wife’s shooting in 2021.

 

Morning Briefs

>>Mass Search Friday for Missing Winona Woman

(Winona, MN) — A mass ground search takes place today (Friday) for 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury of Winona, who went missing one week ago today in southeastern Minnesota. Law enforcement officials in Winona and Fillmore counties are asking volunteers to meet at the Winona County Goodview Fire Department or the Fillmore County Rushford Peterson School had either 9 a m or 1 o’clock this afternoon. Winona police Chief Tom Williams says,” we know this is an extremely difficult time for Maddie’s family and friends who want nothing more than to have her home.” There is a 50-thousand-dollar reward for information that leads to the return of Kingsbury.

>>Governor Walz Taps AG Ellison to Prosecute Brooklyn Park Woman’s Murder

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is assigning Attorney General Keith Ellison to take over the prosecution of the November 2022 murder of Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park. Twenty-three-year-old McKeever was fatally shot by two teens after they broke into her apartment. The family of McKeever is upset that the 15- and 17-year-old brothers were given a plea deal by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarity to serve their sentences in a juvenile prison rather than an adult correctional facility. Ellison requested to take over the case but Hennepin County prosecutors declined before Walz stepped in Thursday.

>>Ex-Sheriff Hutchinson Fired by Metro Transit Police Department

(Minneapolis, MN) — Former Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson is no longer a sergeant for the Metro Transit Police Department. Officials say Hutchinson was fired after an investigation determined that he committed “workplace misconduct” for getting into a D-W-I crash in 2021 near Alexandria with a firearm in his S-U-V. He did not run for re-election as sheriff last fall and returned to his former position with the Metro Transit P-D in January. Hutchinson reportedly made more than 100 thousand dollars during a ten-month leave of absence from the sheriff’s office.

>>MDH Launches ‘Hey Norm’ Campaign Against Vaping

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Health Department is starting a new campaign in the fight to teach teens about the risks of e-cigarettes. The “Hey Norm” campaign aims to help kids have the awkward ‘vape talk’ with friends. MDH spokesman Parker Smith says it encourages teens to call or text “Norm” to get advice on how to start the conversation. He says Norm is a character who’s dorky but well-meaning who cares about youth. Minnesota teens looking to get advice from Norm can or text 1-833-HEY-NORM, or visit his website (heynorm-dot-org).

>>Gopher Men’s Hockey tops Boston U in NCAA Frozen Four Semifinal

(Tampa Bay, FL) — The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team advanced to the N-C-A-A championship game with a 6-2 Frozen Four semifinal victory over Boston University. Luke Mittelstadt and Logan Cooley scored a pair of goals for the Golden Gophers on Thursday night in Tampa. The U of M will face Quinnipiac  on Saturday night in the Frozen Four final. The Bobcats knocked off Michigan 5-2 in the other semifinal.

>>Minnesota Twins Home Opener Friday vs. Houston Astros

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins play their home opener today(Friday 3:10 pm) against the Houston Astros after it was postponed Thursday due to winter weather conditions. Team spokesman Matt Hodson says the Target Field gates at open at 1 p-m and there are a lot of pre-game festivities. He says a 100-year-old World War II veteran will raise the American flag, the national anthem will be sung by one of the cast members of “Hamilton” playing here at the Orpheum Theatre, and there will be a traditional Opening Day flyover from a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Minneapolis natives Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will throw out the ceremonial first pitches. Hodson says there are limited tickets available for today’s game.

Lewis Shines In Twins Win

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(Houston, TX) — Royce Lewis returned to the line up in a big way as the Twins beat the Astros 7-5 in 10 innings. Lewis hit a homer and had four R-B-I in the win, his season debut after returning from a torn A-C-L in his right knee exactly one year ago. Lewis, the first […]

Berrios Beats Twins

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(Minneapolis, MN) — Jose Berrios had a good day against his former team as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Twins 3-0 in Minnesota. Berrios improved to 5-and-4 on the year after holding Minnesota to four hits in five-and-two-thirds innings. Alejandro Kirk drove in a pair of runs during the victory, and Jordan Romano earned […]

Americans Advance at World Championships

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(Tampere, Finald)  —  Casey DeSmith earned his second shutout of the tournament and Matt Coronato scored the game winner as the U-S Men’s National Team downed Czechia 3-0 in quarterfinal actions at the 2023 I-I-H-F Men’s World Championship.  Former St. Cloud State defenseman Nick Perbix scored for the Americans as they advance to the semifinals […]

Canterbury Park opens racing season this weekend

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Minnesota’s only thoroughbred racetrack begins its 29th season as Canterbury Park on Saturday with a 5 p.m. central first post. The 54-day season starts with three days of racing, Saturday through Memorial Day Monday. Racing on Sunday and Monday begins at 1:00 p.m. The Shakopee, Minn. racetrack originally opened in 1985 but closed after the […]

Twins Slay Giants

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(Minneapolis, MN)  —  The Twins salvaged their three game series against the Giants by beating them in the finale 7-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Target Field.  Joe Ryan improved to 7-1 as he gets the win off five innings of work giving up six hits and one run while striking out four.  Edouard Julien hit […]

Twins Blow Lead To Giants

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(Minneapolis, MN)  —  Michael Conforto hit a double and a go ahead home run as the Giants rallied to beat the Twins 4-3 at Target Field.  Conforto’s two run shot in the top of the 7th leap frogged the Giants over the Twins to hand Minnesota a second straight loss in the three game series. […]

Twins Fall Behind Early, Never Recover

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(Minneapolis, MN) — The Giants scored all their runs before recording an out during a 4-1 win over the Twins in Minnesota. J.D. Davis got the scoring started with an RBI double in the first, and Michael Conforto slammed a three-run home run later in the frame as called by Twins Radio: Sean Manaea struck […]

Twins place Polanco on IR, recall Julien

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The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have placed infielder Jorge Polanco on the 10-day Injured List with a left hamstring strain (retroactive to May 18). Polanco has played in 23 games for the Twins this season, hitting .284 (27-for-95) with seven doubles, four home runs, 14 RBI, a .327 on-base percentage and an .811 […]

Gophers excited to finalize returners for men’s hockey

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The Minnesota men’s hockey team got its summer started with exciting news as it announced the return of a core group of players, including fifth-year seniors Bryce Brodzinski, Justen Close and Jaxon Nelson along with upcoming sophomores Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud. In addition to the already impressive list of student-athletes back for the Golden […]

Gopher Softball set for NCAA Tourney

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GAME ONE Minnesota (37-17, 17-6 Big Ten) vs. McNeese State (44-14, 21-3 SLC) Date: Friday, May 19 Time: 5:30 p.m. CT Location: Seattle, Wash. Site: Husky Softball Stadium Twitter:@GopherSoftball, @McNeeseSoftball GAME TWO Minnesota (33-16, 14-6 Big Ten) vs. No. 5/6 Washington (38-12, 16-8 PAC-12) or Northern Colorado (26-21, 9-6 Big Sky) Date: Saturday, May 20 […]