>>Man Drowns in Pine River
(Cass County, MN) — A 54-year-old man has drowned in Cass County’s Pine River. Pine River Police responded Monday to a report of a man who had left a residence, gone swimming in the Pine River, and hadn’t returned. The victim was found dead in the Pine River around 7:13 p.m. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to identify the man and cause of death.
>>Little Falls Woman Dies in ATV Rollover Crash
(Little Falls, MN) — A Little Falls woman is the victim of a deadly weekend ATV crash. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says a four-wheeler driven by 37-year-old Amber Sassen entered the ditch Saturday evening and the ATV rolled onto her. Deputies say first responders tried to save her, but Sassen died at the scene. The report shows she was not wearing a helmet.
>>Albert Lea Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries After Falling Asleep at Wheel
(Albert Lea, MN) — An Albert Lea man has been airlifted to Rochester’s St. Mary’s Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries after falling asleep at the wheel Monday. Freeborn County deputies responded to the crash around 10:44 a.m. Officials learned 61-year-old Lowell Bangert was heading west on County Road 46 when he fell asleep, hit a curve in the road, and entered a ditch. Bangert’s pickup then hit an electrical box, traveled over a driveway, and hit an electrical pole before rolling onto its side. His condition is unknown. Officials say alcohol was not a factor.
>>MN State Fair Opens 2 Hours Late Due to Storm Cleanup
(Falcon Heights, MN) –The Minnesota State Fair is open to visitors for storm damage assessment after a two-hour delay this morning. Crews have been picking up tree limbs and debris around the fairgrounds. A severe storm with strong winds and heavy rain hit Monday night, forcing the cancellation of the Grandstand concert and temporary closures of rides and other attractions. Another round of thunderstorms rolled through this morning with more rainfall. This is Military Appreciation Day, and veterans, active duty, and their families get in for $13. Ludacris and T-Pain headline tonight’s State Fair Grandstand concert.
>>MN Minimum Wage to Increase 2.6% in 2025
(Undated) – On January 1st, 2025, Minnesota’s new minimum wage rate will be $11.13 an hour for all state employers. Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach says while the rate is adjusted for inflation every year by August 31st using the GDP (gross domestic product) Implicit Price Deflator, 2025 will be different thanks to newly passed legislation. She explains, “This year we were allowed to do the 2.6% increase (an extra 0.1) because that cap has been moved from 2.5% to 5%.” Wage exceptions include the 90-day training wage for workers under 20 years old, increasing from $8.85 to $9.08, and higher minimum wage ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
>>Duluth Man Sentenced To Community Service After Child Pornography Plea
(Rochester, MN) — A Duluth man will not spend any time in jail after his guilty plea on a child pornography charge. 32-year-old Brandyn Kane was sentenced to a stay of imposition yesterday in Olmsted County District Court. The decision means the court accepted his guilty plea but did not impose a prison sentence. He must complete 100 hours of community service in the next six months and is barred from being in areas close to children.
>>MN Realtors Offering Grants to Help Flood-Displaced Families
(Undated) – Minnesota Realtors has received a one-million-dollar grant from the National Realtors Relief Foundation to support flood-displaced families across the state. MNR President Geri Thies says the grant will provide up to $1,000 for any Minnesotan who has been forced to leave their home due to flooding. Applications are going out until October 18th and information can be found at mnrealtor.com.
>>Big Fat Bacon on a Stick Popular Food at MN State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) – Fairgoers are expected to eat thousands of pounds of bacon on a stick throughout the Minnesota State Fair run. Kristina Jordan, who runs Big Fat Bacon, says, “We have been doing bacon for 17 years out at the fair, but my family has been out here since the 70s with various businesses.” Jordan says the most popular bacon on a stick is the standard maple bacon with seven pepper sea salt blend, “but we want everybody to be happy, so if you want it just straight-up bacon, order naked bacon, and we will make it special for you off the grill.” The “Great Minnesota Get Together” runs through Labor Day.
