>>Unprecedented flood warning for Red River in December but officials say no threat to Fargo-Moorhead or downstream
(Grand Forks, ND) — The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued what appears to be an unprecedented flood warning for the Red River in December after a slow-moving storm system dumped three inches of rain on Fargo earlier in the week. But forecasters say computer models indicate the Red will *not* rise far enough to pose any significant threat, either in Fargo-Moorhead or downstream toward the Canadian border. It’s estimated the Red River would rise above flood stage today (Fri) and possibly crest at three feet over that on Sunday. Fargo officials have closed a section of one street and posted warnings, but say very little would change unless the Red River got to a much higher crest.
>>Crow Wing County Board opposes replacing state flag and seal
(Brainerd, MN) — The Crow Wing County Board in central Minnesota is not in favor of replacing the state flag and seal. Commissioner Paul Koering spoke out against the process at this week’s meeting. He said, “I think we’re doomed to repeat our failures if we whitewash our history. And this is just example of it here — changing this Minnesota flag which I don’t agree with and a lot of my constituents don’t agree with.” Koering also objected to the cost to taxpayers for changing the Minnesota flag and seal throughout the county. The board is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a resolution expressing opposition to the new flag and seal which will be sent to the governor and legislature.
>>North Dakota Governor Burgum declares statewide emergency, some still without power after ice storm
(Bismarck, ND) — Governor Doug Burgum in neighboring North Dakota has declared a statewide emergency and plans to request a presidential disaster declaration, prompted by an ice storm that at one point left over 20-thousand homes and businesses without electricity. Electric co-ops in the southeast part of the state say it could be next week before power is fully restored. Josh Kramer with the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives says they have mutual-aid plans in place, so co-ops that weren’t impacted dramatically can send crews to hard-hit areas. Kramer says a lot of co-ops also have contractors working to get the power back on.
>>Apartment Explosion in Hoffman Injures Two
(Hoffman, MN) — Two people were injured in an apartment complex explosion this morning (FRI) in the west-central Minnesota community of Hoffman. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office says it happened around 9:30 a.m. at the North Star Manor Apartments. All tenants were evacuated, and two people were brought to a local hospital. The Minnesota Red Cross is providing support to those affected.
>U of Wis.-La Crosse Chancellor Terminated for Porn Activities
(La Crosse, WI) — Long-time University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Dr. Joe Gow has been terminated by the state Board of Regents and placed on paid administrative leave after his porn activities came to light. Gow and his wife were found to have run online accounts under the name @SexyHappyCouple, including a YouTube channel featuring cooking meals with porn stars, and a Twitter account advertising their Onlyfans account featuring “explicit videos.” Gow was already in the process of stepping down as chancellor at the end of the school year to take a faculty job.
>>Concordia-Moorhead women’s hockey team in Prague during mass shooting
(Undated) — The Concordia-Moorhead women’s hockey team was in Prague when the Czech Republic’s worst-ever mass shooting took place. Cobbers senior co-captain Jerica Friese says it was a shock to learn of the shootings and a lot of “what-ifs” went through teammates’ heads, knowing just hours before they were strolling the streets near where the mayhem happened.
>>Rochester Woman Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Prison for Meth Bust
(Rochester, MN) — A former Rochester woman has been sentenced to nearly eight years in prison in connection with a massive meth bust near Rochester last year. 37-year-old Marina Garza, now living in Minneapolis, pleaded guilty in October to first-degree drug charges. She was arrested with 29-year-old José Aguilera, who is currently serving seven years in prison for similar charges. Court records say the two were in a vehicle pulled over by a state trooper in May 2022 on Highway 52 north of Rochester and authorities found nearly a half-pound of meth.
