>>Fargo Police Honor Fallen Officer Jake Wallin
(Fargo, ND) — Fargo Police held a memorial today (Mon) for Officer Jake Wallin, a St. Michael, MN-native, who was killed in the line of duty on July 14, 2023, during an ambush at a crash scene. Family, fellow officers, first responders, and city leaders gathered at police headquarters. Police Chaplain Pastor Jonas Bundy led the invocation, remembering Wallin as a courageous public servant who gave his life protecting others. The ceremony included remarks from Police Chief Dave Zibolski, a presentation to Wallin’s parents, the playing of taps, and the ringing of a memorial bell. Two tribute videos were shown, including one highlighting a new training room named in Wallin’s honor. Zibolski called Wallin “a committed, energetic officer” and said the memorial helps bring closure to a tragic loss. Officers Tyler Hawes and Andrew Dotas, who were also shot that day, and Zach Robinson, who stopped the gunman, were in attendance.
>>Moorhead Standoff Ends Safely After Suspect Flees Traffic Stop
(Moorhead, MN) — A standoff in south Moorhead ended without injury Monday after a suspect fled a traffic stop and entered a home. Authorities say the man had no connection to the home or the two people inside, who were able to escape safely. The suspect had earlier fled from a Clay County deputy, tossing a backpack from the vehicle before it was stopped with spike strips in a nearby field. SWAT officers entered the home through the garage and ordered the man to surrender. He was taken into custody without incident and brought to a hospital for evaluation.
>>Benson Man Sentenced in Deadly Drug Case
(Benson, MN) — A Benson man has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for selling drugs that led to a Willmar man’s death. 28-year-old Lateef Mahaffey Jr. received a 158-month sentence Monday, with credit for nearly two years already served. Mahaffey was convicted of third-degree murder and other charges after selling fentanyl-laced drugs in September 2022. The victim was later found dead in his bathtub. Mahaffey was also ordered to pay over $14,000 in restitution for funeral costs. A co-defendant, Mercedes Carpenter of Maynard, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be sentenced on September 29th. The victim’s family expressed anger on social media that Mahaffey refused to attend the sentencing and did not hear their impact statements.
>>Bringing Lawmakers and Families Together
(St. Paul, MN) — A community event at the State Capitol tonight is bringing lawmakers and families together to focus on youth safety. DFL Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega is inviting residents from her district to attend. She says the goal is to connect with lawmakers in a meaningful way. She says, “This kickoff event is crucial when we talk about bringing folks to the Capitol complex and connecting with lawmakers like me, who represent this district with the force and the inspiration to bring this law to the plate.” The event runs until 8:30 tonight and features food trucks, games, and live music. Organizers say it’s a chance to have fun while discussing serious issues, such as protecting children and strengthening communities.
>>Looking Ahead to Next Legislative Session
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Ahead of the next legislative session, a Republican lawmaker is calling for more transparency at the Capitol. Senator Michael Kreun (KROON) of Blaine says too much of the work on final budget bills happened behind closed doors. He says, “Minnesota has a transparency problem. When discussing the details of the law with these working groups, every single one should have been open to the public, because that’s where the law is being made. And we have to remember that our government belongs to the people, and we can’t lose sight of that.” Kreun also criticized how lawmakers were notified about the closure of the Stillwater prison in Bayport. He says there should have been public hearings and open discussions before that decision was made.
>>Moorhead Man Dies of Medical Emergency on Otter Tail County Lake
(Pelican Rapids, MN) — Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating the weekend death of a Moorhead man on Pelican Lake. Deputies say the 61-year-old man suffered a medical emergency while pulling up a boat anchor Saturday and went into the water unresponsive. He was pulled from the lake and given CPR, but later died at a Detroit Lakes hospital. The victim’s name hasn’t been released.
>>Waterville Man Killed in Blue Earth County Motorcycle Crash
(Minnesota Lake, MN) — A man from Waterville is the victim of a deadly motorcycle crash near Minnesota Lake in Blue Earth County. The sheriff’s office says 54-year-old Ronald Remme was riding on a county road Saturday afternoon when he lost control and was thrown off the motorcycle. The report says Remme wasn’t wearing a helmet and sustained serious injuries. First responders attempted to save him unsuccessfully at the scene.
>>Woman Attacked by Bear in Critical Condition at Regions Hospital
(St. Paul, MN) — The woman attacked by a black bear over the weekend in northwest Wisconsin’s Barron County is being identified. The Star Tribune reports a Regions Hospital spokesperson said Karen Frye was in critical condition this afternoon (Mon). The Wisconsin DNR says Frye was taken to a hospital in nearby Cumberland but transferred to St. Paul due to the severity of her injuries. Officials are still trying to capture the bear that attacked her. A bear cub was spotted in a tree during the search in the area.
>>Minneapolis to Announce First Traffic Safety Cameras
(Minneapolis) – The City of Minneapolis will announce on Tuesday the first five locations for traffic safety cameras as part of a new pilot program. The city plans to install the cameras to prevent serious injuries and fatal crashes in the town. Minneapolis has seen an increase in traffic deaths since 2020, with speeding as the leading cause. The city surveyed residents and reported that about 83 percent of those who responded were in favor of this new program.
>>USDA Reopens Grassland Conservation Program
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reopening enrollment for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which helps agricultural producers protect grasslands while maintaining them for grazing. The Farm Service Agency will accept offers starting today through August 8th. Participants receive annual rental payments in exchange for implementing conservation practices that support biodiversity and protect land at risk of conversion. For more details, please visit local FSA offices or visit fsa.usda.gov.
>>Buxton Competing in Home Run Derby in Atlanta for All-Star Festivities
(Atlanta, GA) — Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins is taking part in the M-L-B Home Run Derby tonight (Mon 7 pm) in Atlanta. The Twins’ All-Star center fielder has 21 home runs in 78 games this season. Buxton’s latest homer came on Saturday against the Pirates to complete his first career cycle. The other hitters in the derby are Cal Raleigh of Seattle, James Woods from Washington, Jazz Chisholm of the Yankees, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, Brent Rooker of the A’s, and Matt Olson from the Braves.
