>>Minnesota House Bill Names Bridge in Honor of Fallen Burnsville First Responders
(St. Paul, MN) — A bridge over Interstate 35 is being named in honor of the three Burnsville first responders killed in the line of duty. The Minnesota House unanimously passed a bill Thursday to designate the span on Burnsville Parkway as the Elmstrand, Finseth, Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge. Representative Jeff Witte of Lakeville said, “This is more than a name. It’s a lasting tribute to three individuals who embodied courage, duty, and selflessness. Each time someone crosses that bridge they will be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice these heroes made for their community.” Officers Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth were fatally shot in February 2024 while answering a domestic violence call.
>>2 More Child Flu Deaths in Minnesota, Hospitalizations Down
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health’s weekly flu report shows two more pediatric deaths in the state. There had been two child flu deaths all season in Minnesota. Seven more adult deaths were reported. Flu-related hospitalizations dropped from 72 to 47 patients last week. No flu outbreaks were reported in schools or long-term care facilities.
>>5 Hurt in 3-Vehicle Crash Involving State Trooper near Clear Lake
(Clear Lake, MN) — Authorities in Sherburne County are investigating a three-vehicle crash involving a Minnesota State Patrol car near Clear Lake that injured five people. The trooper was responding to reports of a wrong-way driver on Highway 10 Wednesday night, when the suspect vehicle collided with another vehicle. The squad car collided with at least one other vehicle as it approached the scene. A total of five people were hurt, and one juvenile’s injuries are considered life-threatening. State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic said, “Our hearts go out to all of those involved and their families during this difficult time.”
>>Hennepin County Prosecutors Secure State’s First Felony Wage Theft Conviction
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it has secured the state’s first felony conviction for wage theft. Fifty-nine-year-old Frederick Newell was found guilty on one count each of wage theft and theft by swindle. During the six-day trial in January, the court found Newell had committed “major economic offenses,” which may lead to a sentence more serious than that of 21 months. In total, Newell’s company underpaid five employees by at least $37,000 between June 8th and December 4th, 2020, for painting and cleaning labor. Newell will be sentenced on June 6th.
>>North Mankato Man Jailed on 10 Felony Child Pornography Charges
(North Mankato, MN) — A North Mankato man is facing ten felony charges for possession of pornographic work involving a minor. Police say they started investigating 48-year-old Justin Kozitza in early March when a witness reported that he had child pornography on his cell phone. Officers seized Kozitza’s phone and found ten images of child sexual abuse material. Kozitza remains in the Nicollet County Jail.
>>Coon Rapids Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty after 78 Cats Removed
(Coon Rapids, MN) — A woman from Coon Rapids is now charged one year after 78 cats were removed from her home. Prosecutors say 59-year-old Jacqueline Broberg faces multiple charges, including felony animal cruelty, misdemeanor animal torture, and a misdemeanor for starving the cats. Authorities were alerted that over 30 cats inside a house had been abandoned since March 2024 and had no access to food or water during this time. When the police arrived, they were only able to rescue some of the sick and easily captured cats, while a rescue group had to assist in removing the rest. Twenty-one cats died in the house.
>>Concern for Missing Farmington Man’s Mental Health
(Farmington, MN) — Police in Farmington are searching for a missing man. Officers say 44-year-old Chad Vanhemert was last seen leaving his home on Wednesday morning and missed an appointment later that day. Vanhemert is described as white, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds and has brown hair, blue eyes, and a brown and grey beard. There’s concern for his mental health and well-being.
>>Minnesota’s Trout Fishing Season Opens on Saturday
(St. Paul, MN) — The trout fishing season opens this weekend (Sat) on Minnesota streams and Lake Superior. D-N-R program coordinator Benji Kohn says trout streams can be found all over the state. He says the trout hotspots are the Driftless Area with 700 miles of streams in southeastern Minnesota, and the streams and tributaries along the North Shore. The D-N-R has sold more than 121 thousand trout stamps this year.
>>Wolves Use 52-Point 3rd Quarter to Rally Past Grizzlies in Memphis
(Memphis, TN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves scored a franchise record 52 third-quarter points in a 141-125 victory over the Grizzlies last (Thurs) night in Memphis. The Wolves trailed by five points at halftime. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota 44 points and Julius Randle had 31 and ten rebounds. The Wolves, Grizzlies and Warriors all have 47-and-33 records – but Memphis is in seventh place and Minnesota is eighth in the Western Conference playoff race due to tie breakers. The Timberwolves play the Brooklyn Nets tonight (Fri 8pm) at Target Center.
