>>Family of 2023 Fatal Hit-and-Run Victim Raises $25K Reward
>>Winsted Police Find No Human Remains After Tip in Huisentruit Case
(Winsted, MN) – The group that runs the online investigation website FindJodi.com, dedicated to Mason City TV anchor Jodi Huisentruit, who vanished in 1996, says they’ve confirmed no human remains were found in a recent search in Minnesota. The Mason City Police Department recently searched an area in Winsted, Minnesota, about 15 miles west of the edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Winsted’s police chief Justin Heldt tells the investigation group that farm animal remains were found in an unused city park that is adjacent to construction underway at an apartment complex. Heldt says it’s not unusual in a rural community like Winsted to find animal bones. Mason City’s police chief Jeff Brinkley had said a tip prompted the search.
>>Arctic Cat Laying Off 65 Employees in Thief River Falls, Furloughing Hourly Workers
(Thief River Falls, MN) — Arctic Cat is laying off 65 employees at its production facility in Thief River Falls. A spokesman for parent company Textron says affected Arctic Cat workers are eligible for severance benefits. The powersports manufacturer is also furloughing much of its hourly production workforce in Thief River Falls until early next year. Officials say they will be able to return to work once production of snowmobiles resumes in 2025.
>>Trump Nominates North Dakota Governor Burgum for Interior Secretary
(Bismarck, ND) — President-elect Donald Trump is nominating North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior. Burgum ran for the GOP presidential nomination but endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race. The Republican Governor’s Association said, “Governor Burgum is a strong leader who has a long track record of both preserving our natural heritage while advocating for reforms that would put our natural resources to use here at home.” North Dakota ranks third in the U.S. for crude oil reserves and production.
>>State Awards $6 Million in Live Well at Home Grants to 30 Organizations
(St. Paul, MN) — More than $6 million in state grant funding is going to over 30 organizations to help keep older Minnesotans in their homes. The Live Well at Home grants can fund things like retrofitting residences to make them age-friendly and providing support for caregivers. Governor Tim Walz said, “Living at home provides people with identity, comfort, and community.” The grants are being awarded to senior organizations, developers, nonprofits, and services across Minnesota.
>> Lighting of Salvation Army Tree Set For Saturday
(St. Paul) – If you’re looking to get into the early holiday spirit, St. Paul’s Rice Park is the place to be Saturday evening. It’s time for the annual Salvation Army “Tree of Lights” and kick-off to the Red Kettle Campaign. The 40-foot tree will light up the park with 50,000 lights. Special guests for the ceremony include WNBA Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen, The Sounds of Blackness, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be free cookies and hot chocolate for all to enjoy. The festivities begin around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
