>>Honoring Fallen Firefighter from Minnesota
(Undated) — Isabella “Bella” Oscarson of Watertown, Minnesota, died on September 26 after being struck by a falling tree during a prescribed burn in Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The 26-year-old was working as a seasonal wildland firefighter for the Idaho Department of Lands. Flags were lowered in her honor by Idaho Governor Brad Little the following day, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered the same for tomorrow (Sat), when her memorial will be held in St. Anthony. A 2017 graduate of Watertown-Mayer High School, Oscarson joined the Minnesota Conservation Corps after earning her associate degree and later became a fire response lead with the Minnesota DNR. She fought wildfires across several states and in Canada. The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation described her career as “too short,” yet deeply impactful.
>>St. Cloud Man Charged with Poisoning Roommate, Charges Upgraded
(St. Cloud, MN) — A Stearns County grand jury has indicted 35-year-old Stuart Hanmer of St. Cloud for first-degree premeditated murder in the poisoning death of his roommate, 33-year-old Cody Ernst. Hanmer was previously charged with second-degree murder. Police say Ernst was poisoned with thallium, a tasteless, odorless heavy metal the CDC calls “difficult to detect.” Court records show the two had coffee together on May 15th, and Ernst began experiencing dizziness, vomiting, and seizure-like symptoms later that day. He died on June 22nd at Fairview Hospital.
>>Minneapolis Dedicates 10th Avenue Bridge to Late State Senator Kari Dziedzic
(Minneapolis, MN) — The City of Minneapolis has officially renamed the 10th Avenue Bridge in honor of the late State Senator Kari Dziedzic, who passed away last December following a recurrence of ovarian cancer. Dziedzic, a longtime public servant and community advocate, lived near the University of Minnesota and frequently used the bridge that now bears her name. Her sister, Kelly Dziedzic, reflected on the dedication during the ceremony. “I’m sure Kari is looking down on us, going, ‘Oh, just get to work! This is too much, this is too much,’” Kelly said. “But she deserves the credit. She did the work.” The newly named Kari Dziedzic Bridge stands as a lasting tribute to her legacy and the connections she fostered throughout her career.
>>Walz Returns from Ireland Trade Mission
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is back from a trade mission to Ireland, where he promoted Minnesota’s leadership in medical and agricultural innovation. “Minnesota is still seen—and rightfully so—as the global hub of innovation around medtech and agtech,” Walz said, noting strong interest in sustainable aviation fuel and agricultural sustainability.
Walz toured Irish universities and businesses alongside representatives from Medtronic, aiming to build international partnerships and attract investment.
>>Minnesota State University Moorhead Receives $5.5 Million Gift to Support Future Educators
(Moorhead, MN) — Minnesota State University Moorhead is celebrating a $5.5 million gift from the Nibbe Family Foundation, establishing the new Nibbe School of Teaching. The donation will fund continuing education, scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and other initiatives to support future teachers. Three generations of the Nibbe family have attended MSUM, with many becoming educators. They hope the gift will help recruit and retain teachers for years to come. The university will begin recruiting students to the program in the coming days.
>>Hopkins Police Search for Sexual Assault Suspect
(Hopkins, MN) — Hopkins police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a female jogger. In a Facebook post, police say officers responded to the incident on September 13th. The victim said she was running when a man on a bike rode up and assaulted her. The suspect is described as being 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and having facial hair. Photos show the man on a blue mountain bike with black handlebars, wearing all-black or dark-colored clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call Hopkins police.
>>UMLC Praises Update to Twin Cities Marathon Discount Program
(Minnetonka, MN) — The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) says Twin Cities in Motion has revised its marathon discount program after legal concerns. Initially, the “Equity in Motion” initiative offered reduced entry fees based on race and gender identity. UMLC argued that the policy violated Minnesota’s Human Rights Act because the marathon constitutes a “public accommodation.” The updated program now offers discounts to anyone facing financial hardship.
>>St. Anthony Police Search for Missing 14-Year-Old
(St. Anthony, MN) — St. Anthony police are searching for a missing 14-year-old. Henry Boyle was last seen leaving his Falcon Heights home around 11 p.m. Thursday on a black mountain bike. He’s described as white, five feet ten inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Boyle reportedly sent a text to his family saying he was taking a bus to Wisconsin. He was last seen wearing a light blue hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and blue Adidas shoes.
>>Dangerous Man Brewing Re-Opening Under New Ownership
(Maple Lake, MN) — Dangerous Man Brewing in Maple Lake is re-opening next month under new ownership. Operations shut down last spring after 12 years in the craft beer business. Jeremy Kuhns of Rafters Brewing has purchased Dangerous Man’s production facility and plans to have cans available in November. Former co-owner Rob Miller will be the head brewer at the new Dangerous Man. Miller and Saran Bonvallet closed their northeast Minneapolis taproom in 2023 and relocated production to Wright County. A new taproom is being planned for the Twin Cities.
>>Minnesota Wild Play Preseason Finale Friday Night in Chicago
(Chicago, IL) — The Minnesota Wild wrap up the preseason schedule tonight in Chicago. The Blackhawks beat the Wild 4-1 in St. Paul on Sunday. Minnesota skated past Winnipeg 3-2 on Tuesday at home to improve to 2-and-2 in exhibition play. The Wild open the regular season next Thursday at the St. Louis Blues.
