>>Office of Cannabis Management Prepping for Retail Sales in 2025
(St. Paul, MN) — Retail sales of recreational cannabis are expected to begin in just over a year in Minnesota and state officials say they’ll be ready. Office of Cannabis Management interim director Charlene Briner says, “and while the public isn’t privy to all of the work, I can tell you with confidence that we are on track to stand up and launch this industry on the timeline that’s been given to us by the legislature.” Briner says she’ll likely remain interim director through mid-February as they continue to search for a permanent director. Some prospective cannabis businesses are hoping the state makes the license applications available soon.
>>Klobuchar Mourns Loss of Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl
(Undated) — Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is among those mourning the loss of long-time U-S Senator Herb Kohl from neighboring Wisconsin, who died Wednesday at the age of 88 at his home in Milwaukee. Klobuchar says Kohl was known for his generosity, his fierce dedication to Wisconsin sports, and his steadfast commitment to serving the people of his state. She says, “his slogan when he ran was, “Nobody’s Senator but Yours,” and he was always putting Wisconsin first… and he was someone who was always good on his word.” Kohl became president of Kohl’s Corporation in 1970. He bought the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 and promised fans the N-B-A team would never leave that city.
>>New Laws in 2024 Governing Residential Rental Properties in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — New state laws governing residential rental properties take effect January 1st in Minnesota. Among them: From October 1st through April 30th, a landlord must provide heat of at least 68 degrees in residential units when it’s less than 60 degrees outside. Tenants are allowed to petition for emergency repair in certain cases, including loss of running water or sanitary facilities, no heat or a broken refrigerator. All non-optional fees must be disclosed in the lease, including on the first page a total of rent and fees. Landlords must offer an initial inspection of a unit to identify deficiencies, and landlords can only enter between 8 a-m and 8 p-m with at least 24-hour notice.
>>Pine County Sheriff Looking for Pickup That Nearly Hit Kids Exiting Bus
(Willow River, MN) — Authorities in Pine County are looking for a vehicle that nearly hit two kids getting off a school bus last Thursday in Willow River. Video shows a red Ford Ranger truck swerve around a vehicle stopped behind the bus and speed up as a student runs across County Road 41. The stop sign on the bus was out and lights were flashing at the time. Deputies say the truck is 1994 Ford Ranger with Minnesota license plates 1-1-6 K-P-L. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pine County Sheriff’s Office (320-629-8380).
>>Iron Range Man Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Infant in October 2022
(Duluth, MN) — The sentence is 320 months in prison for an Iron Range man who sexually assaulted an infant in October of 2022. St. Louis County prosecutors say Andrew M. Nelson of Mountain Iron was sentenced after pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct this fall. Nelson’s girlfriend, Darla Queen, was sentenced to more than 22 years for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and use of minors in pornographic work. The investigation began when authorities were alerted about possible child pornography being uploaded by Nelson.
>>Alexandria Police Hunt for Xmas Eve Break-in Suspect
(Alexandria, MN) — Police in Alexandria are asking for the public’s help identifying a robbery suspect that broke into a business Christmas Eve. Officers responded to Brothers Market around 8:20 Sunday night. Surveillance video shows the suspect smashing the locked door with a brick, then stealing various items before fleeing. Police say the suspect wore a very distinctive jacket featuring a yellow scorpion. Anyone with information is asked to call Alexandria Police Department.
>>Golf Rounds up 2 % in Minnesota in 2023
(Edina, MN) — The Minnesota Golf Association credits favorable weather for an increase in the number of golf rounds this season. The M-G-A’s annual facility rounds study shows golf courses statewide reported an average increase of two percent over last year. Rounds were up three percent at municipal courses, more than five-and-a-half percent at executive and par 3 courses, but down about one percent at private golf clubs. It was a cold, wet start to the 2023 season followed by a dry summer and courses staying open into November. Some golf courses in central and southern Minnesota were open on Christmas Day this year.
>>Stamp Prices Going Up in January
(Undated) — The price of a stamp is going up again. The U-S Postal Service has announced the price of a first-class stamp will go from 66 cents to 68 cents on January 21st. The adjustments approved by the governors of the Postal Service will raise all services by two percent, and the price of package shipping is expected to go up nearly six percent. Last July, the Postal Service added three cents to the cost of a first-class stamp. Even with the price increase, officials reported a $6.5 billion loss for fiscal year 2023.
Other price increases:
The additional-ounce price remains the same at 24 cents.
The cost of mailing postcards is going up for both domestic and international delivery.
The cost to mail international letters is going up from $1.50 to $1.55.
