>>Xcel Crews Monitoring Heat, Potential Storms
(Minneapolis) – Xcel Energy is monitoring the high heat and potential for severe storms through this week across Minnesota. Crews say they will be ready to safely restore power if outages occur. The temperatures are expected to reach the 90’s with heat indices pushing 100 to 105 degrees. Weather forecasts also anticipate the threat of severe storms including strong winds, hail, heavy rain and possibly tornadoes. Xcel asks that customers report all power outages.
>>Salvation Army Opening Twin Cities Cooling Centers Monday
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Salvation Army is opening all seven of its Twin Cities service centers as cooling sites Monday as dangerous heat settles into Minnesota. Forecasters expect highs in the mid-90s, with humidity pushing heat index values well above 100 degrees. The cooling centers will be open during normal business hours for anyone needing relief. Officials also urge Minnesotans to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day and check on older adults and other vulnerable neighbors.
>>New Study Shows Minnesota Warming in Winters
(Undated) – A new report published by the Heartland Institute says Minnesota’s climate is changing but maybe not in the way many people would think. After studying more than a century of weather, agriculture and wildfire data, the numbers show Minnesota is warming but mainly during the winter. The average temperature in Minnesota has risen by about 2.5 degrees since 1900, but the number of days reaching 90 degrees has declined. We also have fewer deep freezes during winter. The report also showed fewer wildfires, no increase in tornadoes and higher crop yields for farmers.
>>Driver Killed After Brief Pursuit in Redwood County
(Belview, MN) — A Redwood Falls man is dead after a crash following a brief police pursuit near Belview. The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office says deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations Friday evening, but the driver sped away. After a pursuit of about three miles, the vehicle lost control, rolled over, and the driver was ejected. Sixty-four-year-old Francis Rohlik was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by deputies. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash.
>>Road Rage Arrest in Meeker County
(Dassel, MN) — A Dassel man is facing felony charges following an alleged road rage incident Sunday afternoon. The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office says 42-year-old Jordan Isakson allegedly cut off and struck another vehicle on Highway 12 near Highway 15. Investigators say Isakson then stopped, punched the victim’s vehicle, and threatened the occupants. Deputies later arrested him at his home in Dassel. He is being held in the Meeker County Jail on charges including felony threats of violence and property damage, pending his first court appearance.
>>Teacher, Coach Charged with Sending Explicit Images to Student
(Atwater, MN) — A teacher and coach at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Middle School is charged with allegedly sending sexually explicit images to a 16-year-old student on Snapchat. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Sutton Junkermeier on Friday after executing a search warrant at his home near Lake Lillian. Investigators say the student saved the images and showed them to his mother, who contacted law enforcement. Junkermeier, the school’s cross-country coach, faces multiple harassment charges, including felony counts involving sexual intent. His next court appearance is on September 15th.
>>Gas Prices Keep Dropping in Minnesota
(St. Louis Park, MN) – As Minnesotans get ready to hit the road for the holiday week, they’re greeted with even lower gas prices. AAA (Triple A) says the current average for a gallon of unleaded in the state is $3.62. That is ten cents cheaper than a week ago and 58 cents cheaper than a month ago. Minnesotans are still paying more than they did a year ago for the Fourth of July holiday. Prices then were closer to $3 a gallon. This week, the national average is below $4 a gallon for the second straight week.
>>CentraCare Opens Healthcare Expansion in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) – CentraCare opens a major expansion today of healthcare services in St. Cloud. Officials say the new $194 million dollar project will expand access to specialty care, enhance the patient experience and meet the growing demand for outpatient services across Central Minnesota. The space also includes 60,000 square feet of additional rehabilitation space which will more than double the current therapy capacity. Six new operating rooms have also been added.
>>White Water Lilies Hitting Peak Season
(Undated) — Minnesota’s white-water lilies are now in peak bloom across lakes and ponds statewide. The floating flowers, which began opening in late June, are a favorite sight for paddlers and boaters. The native plants grow in calm, shallow water and provide important habitat for fish, amphibians, waterfowl, and insects. Yellow pond lilies are also blooming and are often found alongside the white lilies.
