>>Meeker County Man Arrested for Firearms, Drug Possession
(Darwin Township, MN) — A Meeker County man is facing charges after authorities recovered 18 firearms and suspected meth-related items during a search. Deputies say 71-year-old Michael Homann of Darwin Township is barred from owning guns due to his criminal history. He was arrested Saturday and charged with felon in possession of a firearm and drug-related firearm possession. Homann was conditionally released after a court appearance on Monday. The CEE-VI Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation.
>>Governor Holds Roundtable Discussion on Rising Health Care Costs
(St. Paul, MN) – Surrounded by state leaders and health care experts, Governor Tim Walz held a roundtable discussion to address the rising cost of health insurance in Minnesota. The governor pointed out that these higher premiums are a direct result of the Republicans’ budget bill in Washington. Walz said, “President Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill is driving up health insurance costs and threatening the stability of our health care system.” Experts on the panel said Minnesota is facing the highest insurance rates in 15 years. The state health insurance, known as MNSure, will release premium rates for Minnesotans on October 1st.
>>Edina Man Indicted in Nearly $1M COVID Fraud Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) — An Edina man made his first court appearance today (TUES) for allegedly stealing over 975 thousand dollars in COVID-19 relief funds. Federal prosecutors say 49-year-old Mark Erjavec reactivated dormant businesses that were dissolved by Minnesota’s Secretary of State between 2008 and 2013 and submitted fake loan applications during the pandemic. He allegedly claimed nonexistent employees and used fabricated tax forms to secure funds meant for struggling small businesses. Erjavec was indicted on five counts of wire fraud. Investigators say he used the money for personal gain.
>>St. Paul Police Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl
(St. Paul, MN) — St. Paul police are searching for a missing 13-year-old girl. Ana Roque was last seen on Saturday. She’s described as a white-passing Hispanic, 5 feet tall, 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Roque was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jeans, and may have had a pink backpack.
>>North Mankato Girl Dies After House Fire
(North Mankato, MN) — A 12-year-old girl has died from injuries sustained in a North Mankato house fire last week. Officials say Autumn Paulson was pulled from the burning home Friday morning and flown to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), where she passed away on Monday. Her mother, 41-year-old Stefanie Scharback, was treated for smoke inhalation and released. Fire crews responded to the home around 5:30 a.m. and evacuated six people. Investigators believe the fire was accidental but are still working to confirm the cause.
>>Infant Death Under Investigation at Savage Daycare
(Savage, MN) — State and local authorities are investigating the death of an infant at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare in Savage. A city spokesperson says the child died Monday, and an autopsy is underway to determine the cause. Police urge families using that daycare to monitor their children for unusual symptoms and seek medical care if needed. The Minnesota B-C-A (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) asks anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Dahmes. The daycare has yet to comment.
