>>No Injuries Reported in Trail Derailment in Carlton County
(Carlton, MN) — Authorities in northeastern Minnesota are investigating a train derailment in Carlton County. B-N-S-F Railway reports no one was hurt when an empty rail car went off the tracks Monday afternoon near the Carlton V-F-W. Officials say no hazardous materials were involved. The rail traffic line on the main lines was impacted and restored on Monday night.
>>Duluth Officials, Union Representing City Workers Reach Agreement, Avert Planned Strike
(Duluth, MN) — City officials in Duluth and the union representing nearly 500 municipal employees have reached an agreement, which has helped avoid a potential strike. While the specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, a spokesperson for the local American Federation of County, State, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit announced that they have secured a “fair contract” for union workers. AFSCME Local 66 represents various employees, including snowplow drivers, water plant operators, and library staff. Union members must vote on the agreement before it can be ratified.
>>Truck Driver Dies in Crash Near Willmar
(Willmar, MN) — A truck driver has died following a crash near Willmar this morning (Tuesday). According to the State Patrol, around 7:15 AM, a truck with an extended dump box collided with a railroad overpass on Highway 71, near Highway 12. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is under investigation, and more information is expected to be released later.
>>RPD Responds to 2 ODs
(Rochester, MN) — Rochester police reported two suspected overdoses this week, one of which was fatal. This morning (Tuesday), officers responded to an overdose call and found a 52-year-old man, who unfortunately died at the scene despite receiving life-saving assistance. Additionally, on Monday, around 10:15 p.m., officers responded to another overdose involving a 19-year-old woman. They administered two doses of NARCAN, which successfully revived her. Police suspect that she had used cocaine that may have been laced with fentanyl.
>>South Minnesota Initiative Foundation CEO Announces Retirement by Year’s End
(Owatonna, MN) — Former U.S. Representative Tim Penny from Minnesota will retire later this year from his position as the chief executive officer of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The former lawmaker plans to remain in the role while the foundation’s board members search for his successor. The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is one of six Minnesota-based foundations established by the McKnight Foundation during the 1980s farm crisis to promote economic development in Greater Minnesota. Over the past 38 years, the foundation has reportedly invested more than $170 million in the southern communities of the state.
>>Layoffs Announced For ShopHQ Workers At Eden Prairie Facility
(Eden Prairie, MN) — The parent company of boutique TV shopping channel ShopHQ will lay off 122 employees working at its Eden Prairie facility. IV Media, LLC officials say the layoffs will start on February 24th at its control room. The layoffs will reportedly encompass a range of positions, including ShopHQ on-air hosts, content producers, stylists, videographers, and buyers. IV Media is a subsidiary of Innovation Ventures, which manufactures and distributes 5-hour Energy drinks.
