>>Gov. Walz Wants $4M to Fight Bird Flu
(Undated) – Governor Tim Walz says the state of Minnesota should be free of avian flu within the next few days. A herd of dairy cows was put in quarantine for the virus in Stearns County. The governor says the state’s aggressive approach is working and that the collaboration with the USDA is allowing for “the most robust and effective monitoring” in the country. The governor cautions we could see another spike when migratory birds return to Minnesota. Walz is asking for $4 million in his budget to keep up the fight against avian flu.
>>Rochester Woman Enters Plea in 2023 Hit and Run
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester woman accused of a 2023 hit-and-run has entered a plea agreement. 40-year-old Lindsay Hawkinson was arrested after Rochester police responded to a report of an altercation/hit and run in a Taco Bell parking lot. Police say Hawkinson was driving her boyfriend’s car with a revoked license and her 11-year-old daughter inside when a confrontation arose. The victim told police Hawkinson grabbed her hair, partially pulling her into the vehicle, before driving about 50 feet. Hawkinson’s plea deal drops two felony counts of criminal vehicular operation in exchange for a guilty plea to a misdemeanor of driving after revocation. She’ll be sentenced next month.
>>Bryon Man Sentenced to Probation for 1.3lbs of Meth
(Byron, MN) — A Bryon man will spend five years on probation and a stayed prison sentence of 14 months after a significant drug bust. Rochester Police arrested 48-year-old Juan Ochoa on August 22nd (2024) after a search of his vehicle turned up methamphetamine and cocaine. Officers seized 599 grams of meth, which is over 1.3 pounds, and 234 grams of cocaine. Ochoa entered a guilty plea deal to a fifth-degree possession charge.
>>Underwood Teacher Charged with Malicious Punishment of a Student
(Underwood, MN) –A sixth-grade Underwood teacher is charged with malicious punishment of a student. 48-year-old Jason Rogers is accused of stepping on a child’s back with both feet during a lock-down drill. Otter Tail County deputies responded to Lake Region Hospital on February 10th on a report of an assault. The student said he was lying on his stomach when Rogers stepped on him like a “stepping stool” in front of his class. Rogers told deputies the class wasn’t taking the practice drill seriously, so he placed his foot on the student’s back. He also admitted to stepping on two other students. Rogers is scheduled for court on April 8th.
>>Hibbing Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Sexually Assaulting Teen
(Hibbing, MN) — A Hibbing man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenager he knew. 51-year-old Raymond Strong pleaded not guilty to the assaults, which were reported in June 2023, but was convicted by a jury in October. He gets credit for almost two years of time served.
>>Many Amtrak, Borealis Service Routes Canceled Today
(St. Paul, MN) — The Aurora Borealis rail service and Amtrak’s other routes across the country came to a halt today due to safety concerns. Officials say crews found corrosion in several Horizon railcars while conducting routine maintenance inspections. The cars were removed, and officials are “developing a long-term plan.”
>>Bill Would Provide Funding for World Junior Hockey Championship
(St. Paul, MN) – The World Junior Hockey Championship tournament is coming to the Twin Cities in late December, but putting on an event like this costs money. A bill in the House would spend $5 million to cover those costs. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says it would be money well spent since St. Paul “knows how to hockey well.” He believes it would give athletes, fans, and visitors “the best Minnesota hockey and hospitality” experience. Organizers believe the tournament will bring in around $75 million. The 10-day tournament will feature the best junior hockey players under the age of 20. Games will be played at the Xcel Energy Center and the U of M’s 3M Arena at Mariucci.
