>>City of Champlin Declares June 27th Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman Day
(Champlin, MN) — This is ‘Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman Day’ in Champlin. The City Council passed a proclamation recognizing Hortman for her decades of public service, trailblazing leadership as the third woman to serve as Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity for all Minnesotans. Officials say she has been a role model for future generations of public servants, especially women and girls. Hortman represented Brooklyn Park and Champlin in the Minnesota House.
>>30th Anniversary of the Disappearance of Iowa TV Anchor from Minnesota
(Mason City, IA) — A gathering at a Mason City TV station today marks the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit from Minnesota. The 27-year-old Long Prairie native was on her way to work on the morning of June 27th, 1995, when she disappeared. Investigators found some of her belongings near her car in the parking lot of her apartment building. But her body has never been found, and no one has been charged with her death. Family and friends are asking for anyone with information about Huisentruit’s disappearance to come forward.
>>9 of “Big Sip DTO” in Minneapolis Indicted on Federal Fentanyl, Firearms Charges
(Minneapolis, MN) — Nine members of the “Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO),” a violent group that sold at least five apartment buildings near 36th and Penn in Minneapolis, are being indicted on federal fentanyl and firearms charges. The group was formed in the summer of 2023, led and operated by a husband and wife duo. They used the apartments maintained for fentanyl storage and sales, and to interact with customers. Court documents say seven of the DTO members made their initial court appearances on Thursday, one will today, and the ninth remains under seal. The defendants all face up to life in prison.
Defendants involved include Larry McGee, 42, Danielle Robberstad, 35, Maurice Montgomery, 31, Dameon Collins, 24, Marcus Lucious, 53, Romell Vann, 22, Bobby Nolan, 43, and Jeremy Lucious, 35. The husband and wife couple are McGee and Robberstad.
>>Cleanup Begins in Rochester After Flooding
(Rochester, MN) – Cleanup is underway in Rochester after powerful storms swept through the area yesterday, leaving behind widespread flooding. High water levels are still causing problems for homeowners, many of whom are dealing with flooded basements. Restoration crews are expected to work throughout the day to pump out water and begin repairs. Several roads were temporarily closed due to standing water. The National Weather Service is reminding drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
>>Mosquito Treatment of Twin Cities Wetlands
(Undated) — The Twin Cities metro can expect helicopter treatments above wetlands today and tomorrow by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Officials say this allows treatment of areas with standing water that contain mosquito larvae. This comes after major rainfall across the state, which officials believe could lead to a bug-filled 4th of July. Counties affected include Anoka, Carver, Ramsey, Dakota, Hennepin, and Scott.
>>Minnesota Retailer Legacy Toys Files for Bankruptcy
(Edina, MN) — A Minnesota-based toy retailer is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Legacy Toys, headquartered in Edina, has shuttered three stores over the past 18 months. Owner Brad Ruoho says tariffs weren’t the cause of the bankruptcy, but they were the final straw. The toy industry depends heavily on imports from China, and rising costs have taken a toll. Court filings show Legacy Toys has more than $600,000 in assets, but nearly $1.8 million in liabilities. Despite the filing, five stores will remain open in Ridgedale, Southdale, Rosedale, Duluth, and Fargo.
>>OutFront MN Asks for Marchers for TC Pride Parade
(Minneapolis, MN) — OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ organization, asks Minnesotans who want to march in the annual Twin Cities Pride Parade to join them! Those interested in walking with the organization on Sunday can sign up on their website, outfront.org. Marchers need to be in place by 10 a.m. in downtown Minneapolis for the 11 a.m. parade start time. Additional details are provided when you register online.
