>>3 Killed in Collision on Snow-Covered Highway 169 in Crow Wing County
(Garrison, MN) – The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on snow- and ice-covered Highway 169 in Crow Wing County that left three people dead. The report says a pickup driven by 59-year-old Lee Page of Coon Rapids crossed the centerline and collided with an SUV driven by Jeremy Hohansee of Remer Sunday near Garrison. Troopers say Page and his passenger, 59-year-old Lisa Brunes of Coon Rapids, died at the scene. A passenger in the SUV, 51-year-old Karen Hohansee, was also killed in the crash. Jeremy Hohansee was taken to a hospital in Baxter with non-life-threatening injuries.
>>1 Shot, 1 Injured in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — One man was shot and another injured after a north Minneapolis shooting on Sunday. Police responded to a “chaotic scene” at a building around 8:30 a.m. Police say two non-residents were woken by a “commotion.” One was shot and the other was injured in an assault. No arrests have been made.
>>Rochester Apartment Fire That Displaced 13 Intentionally Set
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester apartment fire that displaced 13 residents on January 6th was intentionally set. Police say 46-year-old Richard Dalton claimed the fire happened when he fell asleep with a lit cigarette, but evidence shows he set the fire on purpose. Dalton faces felony arson charges.
>>Minnesota To Begin Testing Of Milk For Bird Flu Next Month
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota plans to test raw milk for the presence of the bird flu virus. This testing is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative aimed at determining if the H5N1 virus is present in the nation’s milk supply. To minimize the impact on Minnesota dairy farmers, the state will utilize samples that have already been submitted for other types of testing. The new testing is expected to begin in early February.
>>Introduction of State Capitol Explosives Detection K9 Postponed
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol was going to introduce its new explosives detection K-9 today (Mon) at the State Capitol, but she’s not feeling well. This will be the first legislative session for the team of State Trooper Megan Brynell and K-9 Officer Maja. Officials say they will work to help ensure the safety of Capitol workers and visitors by conducting thorough sweeps for potential threats, responding to reports of suspicious bags, and carrying out explosive detection operations. Today is Maja’s second birthday.
>>MN Ice Festival Takes Guinness World Record
(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota’s Ice Festival in Eagan has won a Guinness World Record! The newly largest ice maze measures 1,686 square meters, 500 square meters longer than the previous record, which was held for 15 years. This win comes after the maze was canceled last year due to a lack of snow. The festival is open on certain days from January 10th through February 16th.
>>MN’s First Free Park Day of 2025
(Undated) – The Minnesota DNR is giving you a chance to check out a state park for free on January 20th. This is the first of four Free Park Days during the year. Public relations supervisor Sara Joy Berhow says they know how busy our parks get over the summer, so she hopes that people will go outside this winter and “see their favorite park in a new light.” During Free Park Day, the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and rec areas.