>>Olmsted County Attorney Investigates Byron Schools
(Rochester, MN) – The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office is reviewing potential criminal charges after Byron Public Schools allegedly failed to comply with state requirements for credit card purchases. County Attorney Mike Walters confirmed his office has asked the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to assign a detective to the case. The investigation centers on allegations that school officials cannot provide proper receipts for nearly $60,000 in purchases. The missing documentation was first flagged in a November audit by the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor.
>>Pedestrian Fatal Near Mille Lacs Lake
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minneapolis woman was killed early this morning (Wed) near Mille Lacs Lake. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. southeast of Isle. Investigators say 41-year-old Tyrone Smith of Isle was traveling north on Highway 27 when he hit the pedestrian, who was crossing the road. 39-year-old Danielle Boyd of Minneapolis died at the scene. Authorities noted that road conditions were snowy and icy at the time of the collision.
>>Olmsted County Attorney Investigates Byron Schools
(Rochester, MN) — The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office is reviewing potential criminal charges after Byron Public Schools allegedly failed to comply with state requirements for credit card purchases. County Attorney Mike Walters confirmed his office has asked the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to assign a detective to the case. The investigation centers on allegations that school officials cannot provide proper receipts for nearly $60,000 in purchases. The missing documentation was first flagged in a November audit by the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor.
AuSM Reaches Two-Thirds of Emergency Fund Goal
(St. Paul, MN) — The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has raised over $300,000 toward its $500,000 emergency goal, thanks to strong statewide support. This milestone underscores Minnesota’s commitment to sustaining its advocacy, education, and community programs amid funding challenges. Every contribution, large or small, moves the organization closer to sustaining its mental health services, camps, education programs, and statewide advocacy.
>>Operation Merry Meals: Holiday Support for Military Families
(Oak Park Heights, MN) — The Minnesota National Guard and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) are joining forces this Friday for Operation Merry Meals, delivering holiday groceries to veterans, service members, and military families in need. This year’s effort includes 300 grocery bags, 225 turkeys, 225 hams, 400 pounds of salmon, and 450 meat boxes. Volunteers will pack, load, and distribute the food to National Guard facilities statewide. Operation Merry Meals is Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s largest year-end initiative, reflecting Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to its military-connected families.
>>Senator Kupec of Moorhead Running for Re-election
(Moorhead, MN) – Moorhead state Senator Rob Kupec (koo-pec) will be looking for another term after announcing he’s running for re-election in 2026. The Democrat represents Senate District 4, which includes most of Clay County and Western Becker County. Kupec said he is looking forward to bringing more relief to Western Minnesota. First elected in 2022, Kupec was the Vice-chair of the Agriculture Committee, along with having positions on the Health and Human Services, Higher Education, and Labor Committees.
>>Congressman Finstad Urging Trump Administration to Prioritize Vitamin Production
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Brad Finstad joined several members of Congress calling on President Trump to strengthen the domestic production of vitamins and other critical nutrients for the current supply chain. In the letter to the president, the members say China currently leads the global vitamin market, accounting for the vast majority of U.S. vitamin imports. Finstad and others are asking that the country reduce its dependence on these Chinese products to protect families and farmers from avoidable shortages, keep prices stable, and guarantee access to safe and consistent nutrition for parents and children. Finstad said China’s monopoly on vitamin production puts “our food security and national security at risk.”
