>>Woman Killed in Osage House Fire Identified
(Osage, MN) – Authorities are identifying the woman killed in a house fire last week in Osage. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office says 79-year-old Anita Gruel died in the February 18th fire at a home along Highway 34, about 30 miles east of Detroit Lakes. Deputies say her 48-year-old son, Charles Gruel, flagged down a passing driver around 4:24 a.m. to report the fire and that a woman was still inside. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids for smoke inhalation and possible burns. Fire crews found Anita inside the residence, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The home was heavily damaged. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
>>Governor Walz Announces Anti-fraud Package
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz introduced a legislative package of anti-fraud proposals today at the State Capitol. The plan includes increasing detection and oversight to stop fraud dollars from leaving the state, and increasing investigative and enforcement through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The plan would also establish an Office of Inspector General to serve as a watchdog for fraud in Minnesota. The governor announced his plan in front of members of the Department of Human Services and the BCA.
>>Proposed Bill to Prohibit LEO from Wearing Masks Shutdown in MN House Committee
(St. Paul, MN) – A House Committee shut down a file this week that would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement from wearing masks on duty, with exceptions. Republican Representative Elliot Engen of Lino Lakes says there are “numerous reasons this bill will never become a law,” citing that this bill wouldn’t protect officers, who “are being doxxed, assaulted, and harassed.” Author of the proposed bill, Democratic Representative Leigh Finke of St. Paul, says she doesn’t believe this will be a problem, as doxxing is illegal and those crimes would be pursued. Finke also notes that wearing a mask as an officer in Minnesota is already illegal; this bill would just “carve out the exceptions for agents operating in Minnesota.” But, Republican Representative Walter Hudson of Albertville, says this will only pit state and local law enforcement against the feds, since they will be the ones to enforce it. Other Democratic Representatives brought up how they believe masks are dissolving trust in authorities. Republicans said this would undermine federal authority in the public’s eyes. The motion did not prevail, ending in a 10-10 tie, split between Democrats and Republicans.
>>Bills Would Expand Outdoor Recreational Opportunities for Children and Seniors
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill introduced this week at the State Capitol would increase the opportunities for Minnesota children and seniors to enjoy the great outdoors. DFL Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown has two bills ready for discussion. The first would extend Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days to two consecutive weekends a year. The second bill would allow any Minnesotan 65 and over to receive a permanent fishing license, an annual deer firearms or archery license, and a small game license for free. The bills were referred to the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee.
>>Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux to Open Cannabis Dispensary in April
(Prior Lake, MN) – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community plans to open a cannabis dispensary in early April. Construction is underway on Flame & Flora in Prior Lake. Officials say it will offer high-quality cannabis in an upscale retail environment with an emphasis on products grown by other tribes and small-scale growers. Chair Cole Miller says Flame & Flora will allow customers to view, interact, and select the flower they want before it is packaged. The dispensary is currently hiring employees.
