>> Representative Anderson Criticizes Sudden Feedlot Fee Hike by MPCA
(St. Paul, MN) – Republican Representative Paul Anderson of Starbuck and chair of the House Agriculture Committee, is criticizing the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for sharply increasing feedlot permit fees with little notice. The MPCA announced today that fees would rise by 48 to 56 percent, effective tomorrow. (Fri) Anderson called the move “steep and poorly communicated,” noting that the agency held over a dozen rulemaking meetings without mentioning a fee hike. He also pointed to recent DNR water permit fee increases, saying state agencies are “hitting agriculture hard” at a time when farmers are already struggling.
>> State Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash Involving City Vehicle and Bicyclist
(Moorhead, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a City of Moorhead Public Works vehicle and a bicyclist. The incident happened around 11:30 a.m.(Thurs) Emergency crews were on scene for about an hour. City officials say no further details are available at this time. Authorities are continuing to investigate.
>> Poor Air Quality Persists Across Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) – A statewide Air Quality Alert remains in effect through late Saturday afternoon, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift into Minnesota. Health officials warn that the unhealthy air can cause symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Those most at risk include children, seniors over 60, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers if available.
>> Man Charged in Rochester Child Solicitation Sting
(Rochester, MN) – A Cottage Grove man is facing felony charges after a 10-week undercover operation targeting online child solicitation. According to a criminal complaint filed today (Thurs), 42-year-old Jeremy Roger Stroth was arrested during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Investigators say he believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl, but an undercover Rochester police officer ran the profile. The complaint alleges Stroth sent sexually explicit messages and images nearly every day from mid-May until his arrest. He’s charged with soliciting a child and engaging in electronic communication involving sexual conduct.
>> Suspect Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in Albert Lea
(Albert Lea, MN) – A Freeborn County Sheriff’s Deputy helped track down a stolen vehicle Wednesday after spotting a reckless driver near Interstates 90 and 35. Authorities later confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen. Officers pursued the car until it stopped, and the occupants attempted to flee on foot. They were quickly apprehended. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Richard Tumberg of Perham. He was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, fleeing police in a vehicle, and on foot. Tumberg is also suspected of being involved in a separate stolen vehicle case from last week. That investigation is ongoing.
>>Solar Grants Available for Public Buildings
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Commerce is looking for application proposals for the Minnesota Statewide Solar on Public Buildings grant program. State lawmakers established this solar program in 2023 to help stimulate the installation of solar energy systems on or adjacent to public buildings. The Commerce Department will administer $14.5 million dollars in grants to local governments and Tribal Nations statewide. Applications will be accepted through November 14. Grants will be awarded for up to 70 percent of the project costs.
>> New Thrills and Attractions Coming to the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
(St. Paul, MN) – The Great Minnesota Get-Together is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with more than 40 new attractions announced for this year’s fair, running August 21 through Labor Day. Among the highlights: The Thunderbird – the tallest portable swing ride in North America, two new Midway rides: Overdrive and Scorpion, and a variety of new craft vendors and interactive exhibits. The Minnesota State Fair remains one of the largest-attended events in the state, drawing thousands each year for its mix of food, fun, and family-friendly entertainment.
>>Weekend Construction Closes Parts of I-94 and I-35E
(Roseville, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced more construction closures for the upcoming weekend. MnDOT says portions of westbound I-94 and southbound I-35E will be closed starting late Friday night until Monday at 5 a.m. For the exact locations, Westbound 94 will be closed between I-35E and Highway 280. Southbound I-35E will be closed between University Avenue and I-494. MnDOT is repairing nine bridges over these interstates this summer and fall.
>>Hy-Vee Expands SNAP/EBT Payment to Online Delivery Orders
(West Des Moines, IA) — Hy-Vee, Inc. now accepts SNAP/EBT payments for online grocery delivery at all participating store locations. This expansion builds on the grocer’s 2020 rollout of SNAP/EBT for pickup orders. The new digital experience allows customers to pay online with SNAP/EBT and includes product badges to identify eligible items easily. There are currently 41 Hy-Vee stores across Minnesota.
>>Gopher 5 Ticket Sold in Albertville Wins $110K Jackpot
(Roseville, MN) — A Gopher 5 player in Minnesota is a 110-thousand-dollar winner in Wednesday night’s drawing. The Minnesota Lottery says a ticket that won the jackpot was sold at Coborn’s in Albertville. The winning numbers for July 30th are 5-11-16-24-and-43. The store gets an 11-hundred-dollar bonus for selling the winning ticket. The jackpot for Friday’s Gopher 5 drawing is 100 thousand dollars.
>>Twins Trading Bader and Stewart on Deadline Day
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins continue to be sellers on trade deadline day (Thurs). The team is sending outfielder Harrison Bader to the Phillies for a 16-year-old pitcher and a Double-A outfielder. Thirty-one-year-old Bader hit .258 with 12 homers, 38 R-B-I, and stole 10 bases in 96 games for Minnesota this season. The Twins trader closer Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia yesterday for two minor league prospects. MLB.com is reporting that Minnesota is also trading relief pitcher Brock Stewart to the Dodgers.
