>>Opening Statements To Start Today For Trial Of Feeding Our Future Alleged Ring Leader
(Minneapolis, MN) — Opening statements are scheduled for today in the trial of Aimee Bock, who is accused of being the mastermind behind the Feeding Our Future scandal in Minneapolis. Bock faces multiple charges, including wire fraud and bribery. The former owner of Safari Restaurant will also stand trial alongside her. Both are among a group of individuals accused of stealing $250 million in federal funds that were meant to provide meals for children.
>>2 People Found Dead in Pine City House Fire
(Pine City, MN) — Two people are dead following a fire Sunday night in Pine City. Pine County sheriff’s deputies say the residence was fully engulfed just before 11 p-m. Firefighters later found two people dead inside the home. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is working to identify the victims. No word yet on the cause. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office assists local authorities with the investigation.
>>Discussion on Cell Phone Ban in Schools at Capitol Today
(St. Paul, MN) — In a Minnesota Senate committee, A new bill prohibiting cell phone use in school will be heard today (Mon 12:30 pm). The proposal would ban cell phones and smartwatches in schools for grades kindergarten through 8th, and it would ban the devices in classrooms for high school students. The hearing will include a roundtable discussion with medical and education experts. There would be exceptions for medical and disability reasons. Earlier legislation called for schools to adopt cell phone policies by this coming March 15.
>>Hastings School Board Member Dies At Age 44
(Hastings, MN) –Officials have not yet released the cause of death for a Hastings school board member, Jenny Wiederholt-Pine, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at Regina Medical Center. Wiederholt-Pine served as a director on the Hastings School District 200 school board. She was also a benefits advisor at Kraus-Anderson and a community youth sports coach. She was 44 years old.
>>Duluth Man Charged After Fire At Boy Scout Cabin
(Duluth, MN) — A man from Duluth is facing arson charges for allegedly setting a Boy Scout cabin on fire in September. Investigators in St. Louis County report that gasoline was poured inside the cabin in Fredenberg Township before it was ignited. Thirty-five-year-old Andrew Kubiak was found carrying a gas can approximately three and a half miles from the cabin later that day. He reportedly told investigators that he started the fire but could not explain why. Kubiak has been charged with first-degree arson and is scheduled to appear in court on March 10th.
>>MN Newspaper Having Publishing Issues After Cybersecurity Event
(Winona, MN) — A Minnesota newspaper cannot publish its print editions due to a cybersecurity incident. The Winona Daily News updated its readers last week, explaining that this issue has prevented the publication of both printed and electronic editions since Monday. Law enforcement has been notified, and the newspaper is still posting articles on its website. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the paper works to identify the problem and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
>>Rochester Polar Plunge Raises $272K
(Rochester, MN) — Special Olympics Minnesota will receive a funding boost thanks to this year’s Rochester Polar Plunge. Over 900 participants participated in the event at Foster-Arend Park on Sunday. The top business donor contributed over $45,000, while the top individual raised more than $25,000. Organizers report that this year’s event raised $272,000 for Special Olympics.
>>MN State Fair Asking For Applications For Century Farm Program
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is currently accepting applications for this year’s Century Farm Program. Since 1976, the fair has partnered with the Minnesota Farm Bureau to recognize farms the same family has owned for 100 years or more. Applications for this recognition must be submitted by March 3rd. For more information, please visit the state fair’s website.
