>>Key lawmaker says MN Racing Commission broke law by approving HHR machines at horse tracks
(St. Paul, MN) — State Representative Zach Stephenson says the Minnesota Racing Commission “broke two different laws” by approving historic horse racing (HHR) machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces — saying they’re the legal equivalent of slot machines. The Democrat from Coon Rapids says a sports betting bill making its way through the legislature will clarify that form of gambling is “a total non-starter. Will not happen. Will not be part of a sports betting deal. Bright red line in the sand.” North Branch Republican Anne Neu Brindley accused Democrats of being inconsistent: “You are saying from the state level, we are going to prohibit it,” Neu Brindley said. “And I hope you consider a similar bill for Uber and Lyft, because that’s a much bigger deal for most of the state.” Republicans want the state to cancel a new Minneapolis ordinance that will set minimum pay for rideshare drivers. Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the market if it takes effect May 1st. As for H-H-R machines, the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association says “slot machines not located on tribal land remain illegal in Minnesota.”
>>Jeffers, Twins Rally Past Brewers in Milwaukee
(Milwaukee, WI) — The Minnesota Twins used a five-run seventh inning to rally past the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 today (Wed) at American Family Field. Ryan Jeffers hit the go-ahead, three-run homer and Alex Kirilloff had four hits for Minnesota. The 3-and-2 Twins are back at Target Field tomorrow (Thurs 3:10pm) for their home opener against Cleveland.
>>Tribal traffic safety is focus of one-day summit in Hinckley
(Hinckley, MN) — Traffic safety for Minnesota’s tribal communities is the focus as stakeholders have a one-day summit (Wed) in Hinckley in east-central Minnesota. Mike Hanson with the state Office of Traffic Safety says the Indigenous population is a relatively small proportion of Minnesota — however, “the chances of them being involved in these fatality incidents or serious injury crashes… really is alarming, and it’s something that we’re gonna work hard to address — just like we work hard to address all of the traffic safety challenges across the state.” Hanson says long distances many tribal members must travel for day-to-day tasks increases risk of serious crashes. He says it’s important to note that incidence of impaired or distracted driving or speeding is *not* higher among Indigenous Minnesotans than the population-at-large.
>>Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office investigates fatal shooting of dog
(Mankato, MN) — The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a dog was fatally shot in South Bend last month. Authorities say they found the animal’s body in a South Bend home March 30th and neighbors heard gunshots around the same time the dog is believed to have been killed. Investigators say threatening notes about barking dogs had been left at multiple homes in previous weeks. Anyone with information is asked to call the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office at (507) 304-4863.
>>Duluth police use drone to find girl who ran away into the woods
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth police used a drone to safely locate a 12-year-old girl who said she was going to run away into the woods. It happened in the Gary/New Duluth neighborhood on the city’s far west side. The report came in from the vicinity of Stowe Elementary School, but administrators told police the girl was not a student there. The drone located her, officers made contact and she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Duluth police say the call showcases the public safety benefit of utilizing the new technology.
>>Certified volunteer advocates needed in nursing homes across MN
(Undated) — Minnesota’s Ombudsman for Long-Term Care is calling for more volunteers to work in nursing facilities across Minnesota. Certified volunteers will assist paid regional ombudsmen to investigate and advocate for residents in nursing homes and assisted living settings, where officials say residents are often unable, uncomfortable or even fearful to advocate for themselves. Areas most needing volunteers are: Alexandria, Breckenridge, Chatfield, Dawson, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Eveleth, Fergus Falls, Faribault, Grand Rapids, Hastings, International Falls, Luverne, Madison, Moorhead, Northfield, Owatonna, Red Wing, Silver Bay, Spring Valley, Two Harbors, Virginia, Wabasso, Waseca, Wheaton, Willmar, Winona, and Worthington. Minnesota has more than 2,500 nursing homes and assisted living facilities but fewer than 50 currently have a certified ombudsman volunteer.
>>Gov. Walz Appoints Executive Director of Gambling Control Board
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has appointed Laura Wade as executive director of the Gambling Control Board effective April 15th. Over 11 years, Wade has held various roles with the Board, plus worked at Mystic Lake Casino. The Gambling Control Board regulates the state’s lawful gambling industry to ensure integrity of operations.
