>>Mother in ‘Baby Angel’ Case Sentenced to Two Years Probation
(Winona, MN) – The mother of a dead baby found floating in the Mississippi River in Winona in 2011 will spend two years on probation. Prosecutors say 44-year-old Jennifer Baechle pleaded guilty to interference with a dead body this morning (Wed), and two counts of manslaughter were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Baechle admitted to concealing her baby’s death and dropping the body into the water in a bag with angel figurines. Investigators used forensic genealogy to identify Baechle as the baby’s biological mother last April.
>>Fire Damages Haskell’s Port of Excelsior
(Excelsior, MN) — An overnight fire has heavily damaged Haskell’s Port of Excelsior, a longtime bar and liquor store in downtown Excelsior. Crews were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m., where the restaurant portion of the building sustained the most damage. Firefighters from multiple departments spent about 90 minutes bringing the flames under control and kept the fire from spreading further into the liquor store. No injuries were reported, but the business says it will remain closed for the foreseeable future as damage is assessed. In a message shared online, the owners expressed relief that everyone is safe and thanked first responders for their efforts.
>>Itasca County Sheriff’s Deputy Released from Hospital
(Max, MN) — An Itasca County Sheriff’s deputy is out of the hospital after being shot Monday in northern Minnesota. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, officers held a procession for the deputy along Interstate 35 on Tuesday. Authorities say the deputy was injured while responding to a call in Max, located within the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest. The deputy was taken to Duluth hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. A suspect is in custody, and officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public. It’s still unclear what led to the shooting.
>>St. Cloud Man Competent to Stand Trial
(St. Cloud, MNp) — A St. Cloud man accused of fatally stabbing his wife has been found competent to stand trial. Defense attorneys for Dylan Tobler say the 23-year-old plans to pursue a mental illness or deficiency defense. Tobler is charged with the death of his wife, Hallie Tobler, who was found dead inside their south St. Cloud apartment in February. Investigators say Tobler also attempted to take his own life. According to the criminal complaint, a witness went to the apartment after not hearing from Hallie for several days, eventually entering and finding her body, along with Tobler, injured inside. Authorities say Tobler later told investigators he believed her death was his fault and admitted to causing his own injuries.
>>Hermantown City Leaders Delay Vote on Tax Break for Google Data Center
(Hermantown, MN) — The Hermantown City Council is delaying a vote on a proposed tax break for a Google data center. Leaders decided to push back the controversial plan for the two-billion-dollar project. The proposal includes more than 33 million dollars in tax breaks over 28 years. City officials say they need more time to weigh potential economic benefits against concerns about environmental impact and changes to the rural community. The 200-plus-acre project still requires several permits and approval for environmental review before moving forward.
>>National Nurses Week
(St. Paul, MN) — During National Nurses Week, Minnesota nurses are calling on hospital leaders to address staffing shortages and strengthen patient care. The Minnesota Nurses Association says safe staffing is critical to protecting patients and supporting the nursing workforce. Union President Chris Rubesch says, “Nurses are standing up for patients while hospitals struggle with staffing, turnover, and workplace violence.” Union leaders are urging Minnesotans to push hospital executives to put patient safety first.
>>USPS Plans to Bring Post Office Back to Becker
(Becker, MN) — The United States Postal Service says it plans to bring a post office back to Becker after the town lost its location last fall. Officials have identified a potential site at Highway 10 and Edgewood Street Southeast, but say other options will be considered if an agreement can’t be reached. Becker’s previous post office closed in October after its lease ended, forcing residents to travel to Monticello for services. The Postal Service says it’s working to restore local access as soon as possible.
