>>MN’s 1st Measles Case of 2025
(Washington, D.C) — Washington, D.C., health officials have confirmed Minnesota’s first measles case of the year. An MN man who tested positive for the virus had visited multiple locations while contagious, including a health clinic in D.C. on March 22nd. This comes after a nationwide resurgence of measles outbreaks. Officials believe many people were exposed. MDH lists the exposure data as unknown, and the case is pending classification.
>>Minnesota’s Retail Cannabis Rules Sent for Final Approval
(St. Paul, MN) — The proposed rules governing Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry are now in the hands of an administrative law judge. The Office of Cannabis Management submitted the draft rules to a judge who has 14 calendar days to approve, approve with changes, or reject them. The O-C-M can start issuing cannabis business licenses once the rules are adopted and published in the State Register. Officials say social equity applicants approved last fall will receive the first licenses. Other qualified applicants will be awarded licenses through lottery drawings in May or June.
>>Senator Farnsworth Selected New Chair of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board
(St. Paul, MN) — State Senator Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing is the new Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board chair. Farnsworth was selected to replace former Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids during a special meeting this morning (Wed) in St. Paul. Eichorn lost his chair position when he resigned from the Minnesota Senate last week after being charged with soliciting a minor for sex in Bloomington. Farnsworth said in a statement, “I’m honored to serve as chair of the I-R-R-R Advisory Board and look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the Iron Range economy.”
>>U of M College of Vet Medicine Receives Birf Flu Grant
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota’s College of Vet Medicine received a $1.5 million grant from the USDA to work on projects understanding how highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affects dairy herds. This comes after raw milk from a Stearns County herd was infected. Unlike the state’s mandatory surveillance testing, which caught the infection, Professor Scott Wells says they’ll need voluntary cooperation from producers.
Such as how it predominantly spreads, the different ways the virus is shedding from cows, and how long shedding occurs across species
>>Lawmakers, DNR Debate Bill that Would Remove Certain Deer Farm Fences
(St. Paul, MN) – Deer farmers and the Department of Natural Resources debate a House bill that would modify fencing requirements for deer farms. Republican Representative John Burkel of Badger authors the legislation and says the current statute is unjust and harms deer farmers’ livelihoods. Current state law requires deer farms to have perimeter fences to prevent physical contact between farmed and wild deer. DNR assistant enforcement director Robert Gorecki says the law has been effective, and eliminating the fences could increase the chances of chronic wasting disease. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a committee bill.
>>Woodbury Man Pleads Guilty in Sextortion Plot
(St. Paul, MN) — A Woodbury man has pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child sex abuse material (CSAM) and coercing minors to have sex. Between July 2021 and March 2022, Federal prosecutors say 38-year-old Timothy Gebhart coerced 16-year-old Minor A and 14-year-old Minor B to engage in sexually explicit conduct for a porn video. He then distributed the videos by computer and cell phone. Gebhart threatened to release the videos to extort money and other valuable items from Minor A. Gebhart will be sentenced later; he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison.
>>Minnesota Energies Looking for its Next “Ambassadog”
(Undated) – Minnesota Energies is looking for submissions for their next “ambassadog”. Spokesperson Alison Trouy says it’s a great way to spread the message that you should call 8-1-1 at least two days before you dig. Trouy says whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, it’s important to have the location of underground utilities marked to keep yourself and your family safe. Minnesota Energies wants Minnesotans to submit photos of their dogs digging or their dog’s favorite place to dig. Submissions can be made at the Minnesota Energies website through April 7th.
