>>Statewide Tornado Drills Twice on Thursday in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Outdoor warning sirens will sound at 1:45 this afternoon (Thurs) and 6:45 tonight as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Interim Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kevin Reed says the statewide tornado drills are about planning. He says they want people to practice what they’re going to if the warning sirens came on and there was a tornado coming. Reed says the safest place in a home during a tornado is the basement and you should stay away from windows. There were 41 tornadoes in Minnesota last year.
>>Minnesota House Ag Committee Unanimousy Passes Budget Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — A 172-million-dollar agriculture funding bill is headed to the Minnesota House Ways and Means committee. House Ag Committee Co-Chair Paul Anderson of Starbuck led unanimous passage of the budget-setting legislation Wednesday. Anderson told members, “I think we need to stay in tune, stay in the ballgame and do what we can when we can for all of agriculture in Minnesota. To keep us, I like to use the word, powerhouse and let’s keep it that way both for our crops and our livestock in Minnesota.” Anderson says Minnesota farmers are facing a lot of uncertainty, high input costs, and low commodity prices. The bill is 17 million dollars more than last year but less than sponsors were hoping for due to state budget constraints.
>>EMS Workers, Lawmakers Push for $50 Million for Ambulance Services
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are seeking an additional $50 million in funding for the state’s ambulance services. D-F-L Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown says it won’t solve all the problems, but it’s a start to keep Minnesotans safe. Hauschild said during debate, “We are going to ensure regardless of your zip code that an ambulance can arrive. And we’re not passing those costs onto local, rural residents who already can’t afford the things in front of them.” D-F-L legislators are concerned if the funding is not passed, some ambulance companies may have to close their doors.
>>Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ Council Conducting a Statewide Survey
(St. Paul, MN) — For the first time in 30 years, Minnesota’s official LGBTQ-plus Council is conducting a statewide survey to gather data on the experiences, challenges, and priorities. Executive Director Emma Watts says this first phase is split into three parts: individual survey, community conversation, and organizational survey. She says, “One thing we know will come out of this study, in addition to policy and funding recommendations, will be recommendations for further research.” Watts says the 20-to-30-minute long survey is available to any Minnesotan 18 years or older identifying as LGBTQ-plus (mnqt.info/survey).
>>Rock Ridge High School Dean Extradited to Georgia for Inappropriate Behavior
(Duluth, MN) — A high school dean from the Duluth area has been extradited to Georgia after being accused of engaging in inappropriate online behavior with a child. Christopher Chad of at Rock Ridge High School was arrested in mid-March. The 51-year-old faces 12 charges related to obscene internet contact with a minor. Currently, Chad is on administrative leave from the Iron Range school.
>>Coon Rapids Felon Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Coon Rapids felon appears in federal court today (Thurs) on four drug trafficking and firearms charges. Court documents say 43-year-old Otis Burks was found in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and a semiautomatic pistol on March 12th. Acting U-S Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick says, “Narcotics poison our communities, and firearms continue to plague our streets.” Burks cannot possess firearms due to previous felony convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
>>Fleeing Charge Filed Against Man who was Shot after Multi-County Police Chase
(Crookston, MN) — A 34-year-old man from Yukon, Oklahoma is charged with felony fleeing after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the northern Red River Valley. The pursuit began when U-S Border Patrol agents spotted Caleb Coffey with a handgun at the Pembina Port of Entry. The chase reached speeds of nearly 120 miles per hour, with Coffey avoiding stop sticks before ending up in a ditch. After exiting his vehicle with a gun to his head, he was shot in the leg by an officer. Coffey was treated at Altru Hospital and is currently held at the Northwest Regional Correctional Center in Crookston. Two loaded handguns were recovered.
>>Morrison Honors Paige Bueckers on Floor of US House
(Washington, DC) — A special honor on the U-S House Floor Wednesday for N-C-A-A women’s basketball champion Paige Bueckers from Hopkins. Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison recognized Bueckers for leading U-Conn to the finals victory. She said, “Paige’s teammates and coaches have praised her for her team-first mentality and her dedication to their sport. Paige serves as an inspiration and role model to athletes across the country and I along with the entire state of Minnesota, are incredibly proud of her and her accomplishments.” Morrison says we will cheer on Bueckers as she enters the W-B-N-A Draft on Monday night. She’s expected to be taken number one overall by Dallas.
>>Eriksson-Ek Scores 4 Goals in Minnesota Wild’s O-T Win over San Jose Sharks
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild needed overtime to beat the San Jose Sharks 8-7 Wednesday night in St. Paul. The team welcomed Joel Eriksson-Ek and Kirill Kaprizov back from the injured list. Eriksson-Ek had a career-high four goals and Kaprizov scored twice including the game-winner in O-T. The Wild blew a three-goal lead in third period. Marc Andre Fleury earned the victory despite giving up seven goals on 31 shots. Minnesota plays at Calgary Friday night.
>>Minnesota Twins, Ryan Shut Out Royals in Kansas City
(Kansas City, MO) — Joe Ryan led the Minnesota Twins to a 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals last night (Wed) at Kauffman Stadium. Ryan pitched seven shutout innings and struck out four batters for his first victory of the season. Ty France and Matt Wallner hit home runs as Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak. Bailey Ober starts the series finale for the Twins this afternoon (Thurs 1:10pm) against K-C righthander Michael Wacha.
