>>Eden Prairie Preschool Teacher Accused of Giving Kids Sleep Gummies
(Eden Prairie, MN) — An Eden Prairie preschool teacher is accused of giving her students sleep-inducing gummies before nap time. Police say parents complained that the instructor at Jardin Spanish Immersion Academy also instructed their kids not to tell anyone. The teacher told authorities that she gave students Welch’s fruit snacks, which did not contain melatonin. She was placed on administrative leave, and charges have not been filed.
>>Faribault Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of Minor
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Faribault man is charged with attempting to entice a minor. Court documents say on March 14th, 31-year-old Alex Huerta-Sanchez tried to engage in sexually explicit behavior with a minor. He is also an illegally present Mexican national. Huerta-Sanchez will remain in custody pending further court hearings.
>>Former ND Senator Will Not File Appeal in 10-Year Prison Sentence
(Grand Forks, ND) — Former North Dakota Republican Senator Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks will not appeal his 10-year federal prison sentence. Holmberg was found guilty of traveling overseas to have sex with underage boys. He’s being held in Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, pending his transfer to a federal prison. The judge went beyond the sentence recommendation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of four years.
>>Drought Conditions Improve Slightly in Minnesota
(Lincoln, NE) — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows some slight improvement in the drought conditions across Minnesota. The areas of the state in a moderate drought fell from 62%-46% in the last week. Parts of Minnesota with severe drought conditions dropped from 8.75%-5.66%. Just over 90% of the state is abnormally dry, but that’s down more than four percent. Northern and central Minnesota received some spring snowfall.
>>Public Safety Officials Voice Concerns Over Possible Budget Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota public safety officials are voicing concerns over possible cuts under Governor Walz’s proposed budget. Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson says with the proposed operational adjustment, they could potentially go backward as an agency. The BCA and Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement will likely have to cut peace officer positions. Jacobson says they wouldn’t be able to afford rent at the new statewide emergency operations center, and it would sit empty. Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says the cuts would lead to layoffs, which would in turn eliminate rehabilitation programs, and that would undermine the safety of Minnesota communities. The total funding for the bill is $2.23 billion.
>>Gopher 5 Ticket Purchased in Woodbury Wins $1 Million Jackpot
(Roseville, MN) — State lottery officials say a Gopher 5 ticket sold in Woodbury is the winner of a more than $1 million jackpot. It was purchased at a Kwik Trip for Wednesday night’s drawing. The winning numbers are 5, 14, 28, 39, and 43. The prize must be claimed at Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The store gets a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning Gopher 5 ticket.
