>>Marshall Police Won’t Release Bodycam Footage of Officer Shooting Stabbing Suspect
(Marshall, MN) — Bodycam footage of a Marshall police officer fatally shooting a man who was stabbing a woman will not be released to the public. Marshall Police Chief Jim Marshall says this critical incident has been difficult for the entire community. Marshall says his decision is based on the fact this is a horrific murder of a domestic violence victim and mother. And is about the care and compassion of Meredith Martell and her family. The B-C-A says Officer Eric Klenken used a Taser and shot 41-year-old Jamel Moore twice on Sunday morning. Investigators say he was actively stabbing Martell and she later died in the hospital.
>>Rockville City Council Postpones Accepting Firefighters Resignations
(Rockville, MN) — The Rockville City Council has voted to postpone accepting the resignations of its five highest-ranking firefighters. During a special meeting on Tuesday night, the council held a public hearing and heard from several residents and some current fire department members. Zach Hanson says the issue is not about policy and procedure it’s about what goes on down at city hall. On December 13th Fire Chief Rodney Schaefer informed the city council that he and the other four officers in the department were all handing in their resignations as officers but would stay in the department. The city council voted to postpone accepting the resignations until January 31St. They are asking for another joint meeting between the council, fire department, administration, and legal counsel to discuss the issues between the two sides. The officers have agreed to stay in their current roles for now.
>>Job Growth Continues in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota gained 9,500 jobs from October to November, the fifth straight month of growth and the largest increase since January. The unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.1% in November, compared to 3.7% nationally. Over the month, eight of 11 super-sectors gained jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities were up by 3,300 jobs, Education and Health Services gained 2,700 jobs, Government was up by 1,110 jobs, and Manufacturing was up by 1,000.
>>St. Grand Strikes Again
(St. Paul, MN) — “Saint Grand” has made another anonymous appearance at a Salvation Army red kettle in (the Minneapolis suburb of) Coon Rapids. Spokesman Dan Furry says the donor who remains anonymous started dropping in 10 100-dollar bills bundled together starting back in 2011. Furry says Saint Grand’s donations over the years have totaled between 160 and 170 thousand dollars. Salvation Army officials say they’ll never know for sure if it’s the same generous person, but regardless they’re always grateful.