>>I-29 from Grand Forks to Canadian border reopens after ice closure
(Various) — I-29 from Grand Forks to the Canadian border has re-opened after an earlier closure due to ice, but North Dakota officials note there are still scattered slippery spots in that part of state and urge drivers to use extra caution. Power outages and tree damage are reported, including in the Fargo-Moorhead area overnight. Xcel Energy, Cass County Electric and Ottertail Power are working to repair downed lines.
Temperatures have been warm enough in Minnesota to avoid icing. The Weather Service says rain is likely statewide today, possibly mixed with freezing rain and snow northwest. Chance of rain and snow showers statewide tonight. Tomorrow (Wed), chance of rain and snow showers central and south with highs in the 30s.
>>Fewer dairy farm permits in Minnesota amid price volatility
(Undated) — Price volatility stands out as a Minnesota dairy farmer reflects on 2023. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing says the past year has been a rollercoaster. He says, “It went from good to not very good, and then kind of moderated. Glessing says milk prices in the past six months have been around break-even. He says if these price levels are the new normal, dairy farmers will have to reexamine how to lower cost of production. The state Agriculture Department says Minnesota has lost 146 dairy farmer permits since the beginning of the year — 58 in November alone — although experts note there are usually more departures at end-of-year.
>>Man Robs Dealership of ATV, Arrested Nearby
(Ramsey County, MN) — A man is in custody after stealing an ATV on Christmas morning from a dealership in (the Saint Paul suburb of) White Bear Lake. Responding to an alarm, Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputies found broken glass, damaged vehicles and building damage at Tousley Motorsports. They located 30-year-old Austin Erickson of Little Canada on an ATV a short distance from the dealer, where he was arrested after trying to run away.
>>Two Minneapolis boys found safe after being missing for days with SUV
(Minneapolis, MN) — Police say a nine-year-old boy and a ten-year-old boy from Minneapolis were found safe by guardians over the weekend after being gone for days with an S-U-V. They were last seen Thursday in the Camden neighborhood of north Minneapolis. A police spokesman didn’t say how the boys took possession of the S-U-V or what happened to it. Police say the 10-year-old, who remains the subject of an investigation, has a history of running away and “may be involved” with multiple stolen vehicles.
>>No One Wins the Christmas Day Powerball Jackpot
(Undated) — The Powerball jackpot is the fourth this year to reach over half a billion dollars after no one matched all six numbers on Christmas Day. While no one won the $685 million grand prize, five tickets matched five numbers, winning $1 million each, though none of the tickets were in Minnesota. Powerball says only three jackpots have been won on Christmas, the last being 10 years ago in Missouri for $71.5 million.
>>$25K Gift Helps Duluth Salvation Army Reach Fundraising Goal
(Duluth, MN) — The Salvation Army in Duluth reached its holiday fundraising campaign goal thanks to a big donation the day before Christmas Eve. Administrator Michael Coyle says he went home Friday thinking they would fall short of 225 thousand dollars this year. But he says an anonymous donor called Saturday with a 25-thousand-dollar gift to meet their goal. He says they also had a good final day of bellringing at the Red Kettles. But the Salvation Army in the Twin Cities reports it’s 700-thousand dollars behind last year’s Christmas fundraising pace.
>>Chisago County Authorities Respond to Swatting Call on Christmas
(Wyoming, MN) — Chisago County authorities are investigating a “swatting” incident in the city of Wyoming on Christmas Day. Police say a man called 9-1-1 saying he was going to harm his mother and dispatchers heard what sounded like gunshots in the background. Deputies and officers went to the address, but residents there said no one called police and no one was hurt. Investigators determined it was a swatting call and are now considering whether to pursue charges. No other information has been released.
>>Travel home safely this holiday
(Undated) — As you travel home from your holiday gatherings, keep safety top of mind. Mike Hanson with the state Office of Traffic Safety. Hanson says across the state, motorists will see a significant number of officers, deputies, and troopers who are trying to keep everybody safe. Hanson says impaired driving is responsible for one-third or more of the fatalities or serious injury crashes across Minnesota.