>>2 Shot in Loring Park, No Arrests
(Minneapolis, MN) — Two men suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in Minneapolis last night. Officers responded to an apartment building in Loring Park around 11:25 p.m. on reports of shots fired. Two men were found in the hallway with injuries and were taken to Hennepin Healthcare. The victims told police they ran inside the building after being hit by stray bullets. This comes after another man was hit by a stray bullet in Minneapolis on Monday. No arrests have been made in either case.
>>Excelsior Animal Hospital Still Closed Due to Gas Leak
(Excelsior, MN) — The Excelsior Animal Hospital remains closed today following a gas leak on Thursday that sickened several people. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department says emergency crews evacuated all animals and staff due to a gas odor. Some people were treated at the scene, and five were taken to the hospital. The veterinary clinic said, “Our facility maintenance emergency is taking longer to resolve than expected.” No word yet on what caused the gas leak.
>>Crews Battling Fire at Large Grain Elevator in Northwestern Minnesota
(Shelly, MN) — Crews in northwestern Minnesota are fighting a major fire this morning at a large grain elevator in the town of Shelly. The Norman County Sheriff’s Office asked that all residents evacuate as a precaution. Sheriff Ben Fall and Emergency Manager Garry Johansson say multiple agencies are assisting in managing the fire. The American Red Cross is also on scene.
>>New Solar Projects Approved by Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved two new solar projects in western Minnesota. This will total 435 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity. The PUC granted site permits to Gopher State Solar in Renville County and Coneflower Energy in Lyon County. The Public Utilities Commission says these projects will ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at reasonable rates for customers.
>>MnDOT Schedules Snowplow Training in Mankato
(Roseville, MN) – It’s only early August, but the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is already planning for winter. MnDOT will host a two-week Snowplow Operator Training program from August 11-22 at its Mankato facility to prepare new plow drivers for the upcoming winter season. Approximately 12 new drivers will take part in this training session, which combines classroom instruction and hands-on training experiences. MnDOT has more than 170 snowplow operators and 83 trucks that cover South Central Minnesota.
>>Mall of America Ready to Celebrate 33rd Birthday
(Bloomington, MN) – The Mall of America is getting ready to turn 33 years old, and it’s throwing a big birthday party on Monday. Mall of America’s celebration will include live karaoke, guests can get their portraits drawn, and there will be cupcakes. The party is on Monday from 1-3 p.m. in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. Mall of America is still the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, covering more than 5.6 million square feet.
>>Twins Host Royals for Weekend Series
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals starting tonight for a three-game series at Target Field. Joe Ryan gets the start tonight. He has a 10-5 record with an ERA of 2.83. The Twins head into the weekend in 4th place in the American League Central Division behind the third-place Royals. The Twins are six-and-a-half games out of the final wildcard spot. The weekend is highlighted by Hello Kitty Night and fireworks tonight, followed by Native American Heritage Night on Saturday night.
>>PWHL Debuts Hockey Barbies
(St. Paul, MN) — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is entering the world of dolls with a new partnership. Debuting on Instagram, the PWHL website now carries $30 Barbie dolls, accessorized with a pink hockey uniform, stick, helmet, puck, and skates! Working with Barbie and Tim Hortons, $5 CAD will be donated to the Grindstone Award Foundation to help underprivileged young girls play hockey.
