>>Fight at Duluth Super One Leads to Arrest
(Duluth, MN) – A man is in custody, and a juvenile was cited after shoplifting and a fight at a Duluth gas station. Police responded around 6 p.m. on Monday to find two people detained by Super One security. Investigators say 22-year-old Brent Edwards threatened a loss prevention officer with a bat during the altercation, prompting the use of a chemical irritant. Edwards was booked for second-degree assault. A 15-year-old boy was cited for shoplifting and fifth-degree assault. Minor injuries were reported.
>>Swearing-in Ceremony Held for 2 New Senators
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Senate is full with 67 members again. Swearing-in ceremonies were held this morning for the newest members after special elections. DFL Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger of Woodbury moves from the House to the Senate. She says she “loves the energy and is excited to get to work.” After taking the oath, Republican Senator Michael Holmstrom, Junior of Buffalo paid tribute to the late Senator Bruce Anderson, who passed away in July. Holmstrom called Anderson “a man of integrity, a devoted husband and father, and a steadfast servant of God. His legacy of service will continue to inspire us all.” Democrats still control the Senate with a 34-33 majority.
>>Blaine Councilmember Ford Launches State Senate Campaign
(Blaine, MN) – Blaine City Councilmember Chris Ford is running for State Senate in District 32. Ford served 21 years as a firefighter, including 13 as captain, before retiring in 2020. He now works as a paraprofessional at Blaine High School and serves on the Park Board. Ford says he’s focused on lowering costs, strengthening public education, and protecting health care access. He’ll challenge incumbent Republican Senator Michael Kruen, who was elected in 2022.
>>Flu Season Off to Slow Start, But More to Come
(Undated) – The flu season is off to a slow start in Minnesota this year. Jeff Sanders, state influenza surveillance coordinator at the Department of Health (MDH), says activity is low right now, but he anticipates it will pick up over the next few months, so “now is really the great time to get vaccinated to make sure that you’re protected.” Sanders says there were around eight thousand hospitalizations last season in Minnesota.
>>U of M: Risk and Complexity Slow Flexible Farm Lease Agreements
(Undated) – Many landowners seem hesitant to use flexible farm lease agreements. University of Minnesota Extension educator Nathan Hulinksy says the idea of sharing some profit and loss with the cyclical ag economy we have is the purpose. The downside? “You don’t know that bonus check amount until post-harvest because it’s dependent on yield.” He says that often means waiting longer for payments, and flexible rent leases are just more complicated than a straight cash rent lease. Hulinsky calls flex leases a good idea, but says the reality is they are not catching on like he thought they would.
>>Home Safety Tips for Winter Weather
(Undated) – It’s Winter Weather Awareness Week, and it’s a good time for Minnesotans to prepare for the upcoming season. Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Allison Farole says there are certain types of alternative heating methods you shouldn’t use, like an oven, to warm your home. Farole says alternative heating methods are one of the leading causes of fires during the winter, and they can also lead to carbon monoxide concerns in the home. If you’re using an alternative heating method like a space heater, keep it away from clothes, curtains, and other items that could catch fire. Farole says you should also be checking on your neighbors during the winter months. More winter safety tips can be found on the Department of Public Safety website.
>>Golden Gopher Men’s Basketball Hosting Chicago State
(Minneapolis, MN) – The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team plays Chicago State tonight at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena. The 3-and-1 Golden Gophers beat U-W Green Bay 72-65 in overtime at the Barn on Saturday. Minnesota’s lone loss was an 83-60 setback last Wednesday at Missouri. Chicago State is 0-and-4 this season.
