>>Brown County Deputies Warn About Cash Withdrawal Scams
(New Ulm, MN) — A Brown County resident nearly lost over 25,000 dollars in a tech scam, but law enforcement recovered the money, thanks to a tip from a suspicious courier. Deputies say the victim was tricked by pop-up alerts claiming their computer was hacked. She was then convinced over the phone by scammers posing as bank fraud agents to withdraw cash and hand it over to a fake U.S. Marshal in New Ulm. The courier who received the package contacted deputies, leading to the recovery. Officials urge residents to be cautious of scams involving large cash withdrawals, Bitcoin kiosks, or gift cards.
>>Crosby Fire 85% Contained, Holding at 300 Acres
(Crosby, MN) — The Crosby Fire along the North Shore is now 85 percent contained and holding at 300 acres. Minnesota D-N-R (Department of Natural Resources) crews, with help from Conservation Corps teams, are mopping up hot spots and securing containment lines within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. A portion of the Superior Hiking Trail remains closed. Officials remind the public not to fly drones near the fire, as it halts all firefighting aircraft operations.
>>MN Housing Grants 33 Greater MN Cities with $4M in Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — Across Greater Minnesota, 33 cities will receive over 4 million dollars in housing grants. The funding comes from the Greater Minnesota Small Cities Housing Aid Grant Program, which supports communities under 10,000 people. Grants, ranging from $50,000 to nearly $400,000, will help develop affordable and workforce housing. The Minnesota Housing Board says priority goes to projects serving households with the lowest incomes.
>>New Numbers Show Many Minnesotans Still Not Buckling Up
(St. Paul, MN) – New numbers are in for the latest seat belt enforcement campaign by Minnesota law enforcement. The Department of Public Safety says during the final week of September, 967 Minnesota drivers were given citations for not wearing their seat belt, and 37 were ticketed for not properly securing their children in the vehicle. DPS says a lack of seat belt use is still a leading factor in fatal crashes on Minnesota roads. The Office of Traffic Safety coordinated the extra enforcement campaign with law enforcement agencies around the state.
>>Brooklyn Park Business Owner Charged with Felony Tobacco Tax Crime
(St. Paul, MN) — A Brooklyn Park man is charged with a felony tobacco-related tax crime. The Department of Revenue (MDR) says in 2024, Mohammad Wazwaz bought vape products for his Lake City business from an unlicensed distributor to avoid paying tobacco taxes. He allegedly owes over $9,800 in unpaid taxes. The charge carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
>>Park Rapids Man Dies In Tree Cutting Accident
(Menahga, MN) — A rural Park Rapids man died last Thursday afternoon when a tree fell on him northeast of Menahga. The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office has identified him as 41-year-old Ryan McNeil. McNeil was working for a tree removal company when he climbed to the top of a tree. The base of the tree broke. McNeil fell to the ground, and the tree fell on him.
>>Cambridge Man Accused of Driving High in Fatal Barry Township Crash
(Barry Township, MN) — A Cambridge man with a history of traffic violations is facing serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence of drugs during a fatal crash in Barry Township. 40-year-old Cory Olson has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Authorities say Olson was impaired by a combination of illicit drugs when he caused the July 2nd crash that killed 63-year-old Kameron Ellis, a resident of Hinckley. Olson’s three children, who were passengers in his pickup truck, sustained serious injuries in the collision. A warrant has been issued for Olson’s arrest, and he is scheduled to appear in court on November 4th.
>>St. Paul Police Employee Charged in Major Drug Bust
(Woodbury, MN) — Jamond Leroy Glass, 34, a former Community Engagement Specialist with the St. Paul Police Department, has been charged with first-degree drug possession after authorities seized nearly 10 pounds of meth, over 1.5 pounds of fentanyl, cocaine, and loaded firearms from his Woodbury home. The investigation began with a suspicious package intercepted at MSP Airport, leading to a controlled delivery and search of Glass’s Woodbury residence. He was placed on administrative leave and later terminated. Glass posted $50,000 bond and is due in court on December 1st.
