>>SUV Breaks Through Thin Ice on Green Lake
(Spicer, MN) – A Paynesville man escaped injury after his SUV broke through thin ice on Green Lake Sunday night. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Blake Hiltner was driving about 100 yards from shore near Rush Brown Landing when the front of his vehicle went through the ice around 7 p.m. Hiltner climbed out through a window before the SUV sank in eight feet of water. Officials measured just three to five inches of ice at the spot, which appeared to be a recently driven path. Authorities remind drivers to use extreme caution on area lakes.
>>Lake City Student Arrested After Online Threat
(Lake City, MN) – A Lincoln High School student in Lake City is in custody after posting a threatening video on social media Sunday afternoon. Police say the video showed a weapon and included threatening language, though investigators initially didn’t know who the threat targeted. Officers launched an immediate investigation and searched the student’s home, where no weapon was found. Police say the weapon in the video came from unrelated internet sources. Officials stress there is no ongoing threat to the public or school community. The case remains under investigation.
>>State Patrol Investigates Intentional Crash in Hubbard County
(Laporte, MN) – The Minnesota State Patrol says a crash in Hubbard County near Laporte on Sunday appears to have been intentional. Investigators say a Ford F-250 crossed into the opposite lane on Highway 200, forcing a Chevy truck to swerve. As the vehicles approached, the Ford re-entered the northbound lane and collided with the Chevy. Both drivers, 19-year-olds Waylon Stmarie and Deacon Forseman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, along with two passengers in the Ford. An 18-year-old passenger in the Chevy was not hurt. The crash remains under investigation.
>>Fergus Falls Restaurant Closes Due to ICE
(Fergus Falls, MN) – Don Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Fergus Falls is closed after reports of immigration enforcement activity in the area. The owners posted on social media Sunday, saying they were shutting down for what they called a “family emergency.” A similar message went out for their Detroit Lakes location. But when asked, the owners confirmed the closure was because of concerns about ICE agents in Otter Tail County. They say they got a call from someone asking if ICE was around and if they were open. At the time, they hadn’t seen anything and said yes, they were open. Soon after, they decided to close to protect customers and staff. As of Sunday night, ICE agents had not entered the restaurant. It’s not clear when Don Pablo’s will reopen.
>>GOP Governor Candidates Participate in Morrison County Forum
(Little Falls, MN) – Several Republican candidates for Minnesota governor say the top issue facing the state is ongoing fraud scandals. 10 GOP hopefuls gathered Saturday in Little Falls for a forum that also touched on Governor Tim Walz’s decision not to seek reelection and the recent fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good by a federal ICE agent. Candidates in attendance included Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, nonprofit leader Kendall Qualls, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, Twin Cities attorney Chris Madel, retired Naval officer Phillip Parrish, former St. Cloud councilman Jeff Johnson, former MMA fighter Brad Kohler, Good Sense Foods CEO Patrick Knight, State Representative Peggy Bennett, and State Representative Kristin Robbins.
>>Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Jensen Announces Running Mate
(St. Paul, MN) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen has announced his running mate. He has chosen Phouthaivahn Wilkerson as his choice for Lieutenant Governor. Wilkerson was a refugee from Laos, and her family resettled in Minnesota when she was a child. She has spent 30 years as a police officer and business owner. Jensen says their ticket will run on a platform that will protect freedom, put families first, and make Minnesota safe and strong. Jensen is one of 12 Republicans running for Minnesota governor.
>>UMN: Be Wary of Frostbite in Seconds
(Undated) – Be wary of cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia this time of year. U of M Dr. James Miner says in extreme conditions, frostbite can kick in much faster than people think. He says exposed skin on a windy day when it’s way below zero degrees can freeze skin in seconds, giving the example that running on frost with bare feet can cause frostbite in just 10-15 seconds when skin meets snow. Miner says shivering is the first warning sign; if it stops and confusion sets in, it’s a medical emergency, and immediate care is needed.
