>>IGH Police Search for Juvenile Runaway
(Inver Grove Heights, MN) – Inver Grove Heights police are asking for the public’s help finding a juvenile runaway. Sixteen-year-old Joshua Wells went missing on October 17th. He’s believed to be staying with friends in the North Minneapolis area. Wells is described as Black, five feet four inches tall, 130 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a white tank top with black pants.
>>High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest Near Le Mars
(Hinton, IA) – A Minnesota motorist was reported speeding through a construction zone on Hwy 75 near Hinton, Iowa, and passing vehicles on the shoulder Saturday morning. The driver ignored traffic control at a railroad crossing and continued northbound into Merrill. Law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, but the van fled at speeds over 90 miles per hour. Spike strips were deployed near Le Mars, finally bringing the vehicle to a stop. 63-year-old Tamara Schwarz of Holmes City, near Alexandria, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including eluding, reckless driving, and failure to yield.
>>MN Recovers $163K for Agricultural Workers
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recovered over $163,000 for agricultural workers after violations by a Moorhead-based company. Officials say the settlement with R.D. Offutt Company Farms, which operates potato farms, includes over $82,000 for earned sick and safe time. All recovered funds will go to workers. The company also faces $80,000 in penalties for failing to provide written employment statements to migrant workers. An investigation revealed that workers were unable to access their ESST benefits during the audit period, which spanned from January 1st to December 31st, 2024.
>>Congresswoman Morrison Calls on House Speaker to Take Up Bipartisan Tariff Resolutions
(Washington, D.C.) – Now that the government shutdown is over, lawmakers want to get back to work. Democratic Congresswoman Kelly Morrison is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate last month to end President Trump’s global tariffs. In a letter to the House Speaker, Morrison says, “These tariffs are a tax on the consumer and an existential threat to many of our small businesses. President Trump’s tariff war has been nothing but costly, chaotic, and corrupt.” Last month, the Senate passed a series of bills to overturn the Trump Administration’s tariffs and restore congressional authority over tariffs.
>>MnDOT Offering $4M in Freight Rail Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — MnDOT (Department of Transportation) says it’s accepting applications for up to $4 million in grants to improve freight rail service and boost economic development. Eligible projects include tracks, bridges, and loading facilities—but not routine maintenance. Railroads, shippers, cities, and counties can apply through the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement (MRSI) Program. Applications are due January 9th, with awards announced in April.
>>MDH Announces 2025 Rural Health Award Winners
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is honoring six recipients for their work in rural communities. Four individuals earned awards: Rick Ash of United Hospital District in Fairmont, Nicole Kiesow of Grygla, Dr. Joseph Corser of Sanford Bemidji and Bagley, and Dr. Ray Christensen from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Two organizations also received team awards: the Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato Coalition and Elevate in Perham. MDH says these leaders strengthen families and local economies.
>>Minnesota State Fair Announces First Concert for 2026
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State Fair is still more than nine months away, but organizers have already announced the first concert. “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Bigger and Weirder Tour will take over the Grandstand Stage on Friday, August 28th. Tickets go on sale this Friday and range from $54-$89. The Minnesota Great Get Together next year will open on Thursday, August 27th, and run through Labor Day, September 7th.
