>>Winter Storm Wrapping Up Across Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Most of Minnesota remains under either a winter storm warning, blizzard warning, or winter weather advisory this morning (Mon). Blowing and drifting snow has made travel hazardous in several parts of the state and MnDOT snowplows are busy clearing the roadways. The National Weather Service is reporting the heaviest snowfall in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Eau Claire and Burnsville top the list with seven inches. Otsego, Maple Grove, Apple Valley, and M-S-P Airport received a half foot. Wyoming, Stewartville, and Rochester had four inches. Moose Lake, Duluth, and Brainerd reported three-plus inches of snow.
>>Walz Authorizes Minnesota National Guard for Winter Storm Response
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota National Guard is assisting with the state’s response to the latest winter storm. Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency Sunday and authorize Guard soldiers to provide support for emergency storm operations. Some highways in southern Minnesota were closed and there was a “no travel” advisory for most state highways and Interstate 90. The Guard will help rescue drivers stranded due to the heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions.
>>OCM Director Hopes for Solution to Federal Ban on Hemp-Based THC
(St. Paul, MN) — The head of the Office of Cannabis Management hopes Congress can find a solution to a federal ban on hemp-derived T-H-C products. Executive director Eric Taubel says Minnesota is unique because of the size of its low-dose hemp industry, but also in the fact that we had that market up and running before we had adult-use cannabis. Taubel says the hemp products generate an estimated 200 million dollars a year in Minnesota. An amendment to the bill that ended the government shutdown bans most hemp-based T-H-C next November.
>>Mankato Public Safety Confirms Department of Homeland Security Presence
(Mankato, MN) — City officials in Mankato are confirming that U-S Department of Homeland Security agents are working in the community. Mankato Public Safety says it not aware of the nature of their activities and is not participating or assisting with any operation. Officers say those who have questions regarding the authoritiy of individuals claiming to be law enforcement should call 9-1-1 to verify their identity. No word on how long D-H-S will be in Mankato.
>>Wyoming Hospital Security Guard Dies from Patient Assault
(Wyoming, MN) — Police in Wyoming, Minnesota say the security guard assaulted by a patient at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center on Christmas did not survive. Officers say 43-year-old Andrea Merrell of North Branch died of injuries suffered in the attack at Regions Hospital. Investigators say the 35-year-old suspect ran from the E-R after being placed on hold and assaulted Merrell before authorities arrived. The man physically resisted arrest and was eventually taken into custody. The Chisago County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for criminal charges.
>>Flags at Half-Staff in Remembrance of St. Paul Firefighter Bertz
(St. Paul, MN) — Flags are flying at half-staff across Minnesota today (Mon) in remembrance of St. Paul Firefighter Timothy Bertz of Rush City. Bertz died last week following a serious medical incident at age 52. There is a memorial for Bertz at noon today at Maranatha Church in Wyoming, and a visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest during a private burial at Fort Snelling. Bertz just graduated from the Saint Paul Fire Academy on December 17th. He served as a Navy SEAL before joining the Harris and Lino Lakes fire departments.
>>Man Jailed for Stabbing at Cook County Co-Op in Grand Marais
(Grand Marais, MN) — A man is jailed in connection with a weekend stabbing in Grand Marais. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says someone was stabbed inside the Cook County Co-Op Saturday afternoon and the suspect fled the store. The victim was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Deputies say they received a description of the suspect and they were later taken into custody. The incident is still under investigation.
>>South Minneapolis House Fire Leaves Two People in Critical Condition
(Minneapolis, MN) — Two people are hospitalized in critical condition after a house fire Sunday evening in south Minneapolis. Crews found heavy smoke and flames on the first floor and one elderly resident in the front yard. Firefighters carried another resident out of the home and began C-P-R. Both victims were rushed to hospital in critical condition. A Metro Transit bus was used as a warming shelter for firefighters and neighbors. A second crew was called in to help put out the fire in the cold weather.
>>2 People Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash Friday in Carlton County
(Esko, MN) — Authorities in northeastern Minnesota are identifying two people killed in a two-vehicle crash near Esko. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office says a car and pickup collided Friday and both ended up in the ditch. First responders tried to save the two people in the car, but 57-year-olds Anthony and Tammy Drake from Oronoco died at the scene. The report says a 32-year-old man and one-year-old boy from Thomson Township in the pickup were taken to the hospital in Cloquet.
>>Teen Boy Killed in Minneapolis Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy Sunday evening. Officers found the teen with a life-threatening gunshot wound in north Minneapolis. He was taken to North Memorial Medical Center and later died. Investigators say shots were fired into a home, hitting the victim inside. Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the killing “tragic” and vowed to use every resource to bring justice. Anyone with information is asked to contact M-P-D or CrimeStoppers.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
(Chicago, IL) — The Minnesota Timberwolves look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight (Mon 7pm) when they play the Bulls in Chicago. Minnesota is coming off a 123-107 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. The Wolves also dropped a 142-138 overtime thriller at Denver on Christmas night. Chicago had a five-game win streak snapped with a 111-103 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. The Wolves are 20-12 while the Bulls have a 15-16 record.
>>Heise’s OT Heroics Lift MN Frost Over Vancouver
(Edmonton, AB) — Taylor Heise scored her first goal of the season in overtime to give the Minnesota Frost a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Goldeneyes Saturday at Rogers Place. Heise netted the game-winner at 2:57 of the extra frame, marking Minnesota’s first-ever victory over the expansion Goldeneyes. Maddie Rooney made 27 saves for Minnesota, while Emerance Maschmeyer stopped 33 shots for Vancouver in her Alberta homecoming. The Frost visit Toronto tomorrow night (Tues).
