>>First responders honored at Twins home opener
(Minneapolis, MN) — “A day and a time about first responders,” says Minnesota Twins spokesman Matt Hodson about special ceremonies at this afternoon’s home opener against Cleveland. Players and fans are honoring the two fallen police officers and firefighter/ paramedic from Burnsville. Hodson says there’s “obviously a bit of somberness as we remember those who’ve lost their lives, but also really a chance to honor and celebrate and enjoy the folks that are with us and doing so much good every day.” First responders from Dakota County raised the American flag inside Gate 34 and unfurled a giant flag in the outfield.
>>Repubs trying in MN House to cancel Minneapolis Uber/Lyft ordinance
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans plan on trying to force an immediate vote in the Minnesota House this afternoon (Thurs) on negating a new Minneapolis city ordinance that will set minimum pay for Uber and Lyft drivers — and those rideshare companies have threatened to leave if it takes effect May 1st as scheduled. Farmington Representative Pat Garofalo warns, “Banking on the Minneapolis City Council to do the right thing is a extremely dangerous game of ‘chicken’ for not only Uber riders, but also Uber drivers.” Garofalo says he understands Democrats are doing a “maximum pressure campaign” on the Minneapolis City Council, “However, the Democrats need a Plan B.” Democratic leaders appear reluctant to cancel the Minneapolis ordinance. Governor Tim Walz said recently he wants a fair wage for rideshare drivers, but a recent state study points to a “sweet spot” where rideshare companies could also continue to operate.
>>Meeker County Asks for Public’s Help Regarding Attempted Juvenile Abduction
(Meeker County, MN) — The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for information on an attempted juvenile abduction just before 8am Wednesday in the area of County Highways 9 and 33 near Lake Stella in Ellsworth. The 13-year-old victim said a man in a red Ford truck pulled them into the vehicle at the end of their driveway. The victim escaped soon after and ran to a nearby residence. Anyone with information should call the Meeker County dispatch center at 320-693-5400.
>>Burnsville Teen Charged with Felony Possession of Gun at High School
(Burnsville, MN) — A Burnsville teen has been charged with two felonies after police responding to a call Tuesday morning at Burnsville High School found a handgun with a fully loaded magazine in the backpack of Alonzo Williams Junior. School officials say concerned students saw Williams take a video of himself with it in the bathroom. Williams said he bought the firearm from an unknown man for protection at school. His next court appearance is April 16 in Hastings.
>>Minnesota Senate honors departing State Patrol Chief Matt Langer
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Senate honoring State Patrol Chief Matt Langer, whose last day is tomorrow (Fri) before he becomes director of global policing for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Faribault (FAIR-uh-boe) Republican John Jasinski says at Monday’s retirement celebration at Fort Snelling, “The things that came to mind that I heard from many, many people were his professionalism and his kindness. And that’s something that stands out about Colonel Langer that I will never forget.” Minneapolis Democrat Scott Dibble says he appreciated Langer’s honesty and transparency in some “difficult conversations” during the George Floyd civil unrest. Dibble says, “Some things happened that we weren’t exactly happy with, but I know he did his level best to try to improve the situation there in Minneapolis, and we’re grateful for that.” Langer joined the State Patrol in 1999. He’s been chief since January of 2015.
>>$100K reward in arson fire at Golden Valley offices of conservative groups
(Golden Valley, MN) — Three conservative groups are now offering up to a 100-thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who set a January 28th fire that badly damaged some of their offices in Golden Valley and destroyed others. Center of the American Experiment President, John Hinderaker says, “Our hope is that, with a substantial reward as is now being offered, we hope that gets people’s attention. And we think that somewhere out there, somebody knows who did this.” Hinderacker says the offender or offenders targeted offices of his group, the Upper Midwest Law Center and Take Charge and suspects the arson was politically motivated. The F-B-I and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have said little about the status of their investigation but Hinderacker says “if the crime can be solved, they’re gonna solve it.”
>>Washington County Investigates Man Found Dead Near Mahtomedi Road
(Mahtomedi, MN) — The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead this morning (WED) near a road in (the Saint Paul suburb of) Mahtomedi. Around 7 a.m., deputies responded to several 911 calls from a residential area reporting a man lying on the sidewalk and found the 51-year-old Mahtomedi resident dead with blood near his body. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine identity and cause of death, although preliminary information doesn’t indicate any obvious signs of trauma or foul play.
>>Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Swears in New Sergeant, Deputies
(Anoka County, MN) — The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office announced today they’ve sworn in one new Sergeant and six new Deputies. Sheriff Brad Wise says it’s his privilege to swear in the future of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, comprised of members of the office who have been promoted or hired to these roles. The Office welcomes Sergeant Justin Weller, Deputies Devin Adam and Andrew Trupe, and Detention Deputies Michael Pope, Spencer Baldwin, Sarah Williams, and Chris Thibaut.
>>Hugo Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud After Embezzling Over $1.3M from Employer
(Minneapolis, MN) — A man from Hugo in the far northeast metro has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $1.3 million from his employer. Court documents say over a seven-year period, 55-year-old Leon Keener misappropriated reimbursement checks for supplemental vehicle repair costs by writing them off as “company losses” before moving the funds to his bank account. Prosecutors say Keener embezzled $562,000 this way and another $751,000 by generating and submitting false vendor payment requests, which he diverted for gambling trips to Las Vegas, luxury cars, and a boat. Keener’s sentencing hearing is not yet set.
