>>Massive Show of Support at Memorial for Burnsville First Responders
(Eden Prairie, MN) — A massive show of support for the three fallen Burnsville first responders at Wednesday’s public memorial in Eden Prairie. Police Sergeant Adam Medlicott (MED’-lih-cott), who was shot and wounded in the standoff, said he didn’t know Firefighter paramedic Adam Finseth very well. He said, “So unfortunately, I don’t have any intimate stories to share with you. But I saw you run into the line of fire to save me and my guys. You’re the bravest person I’ve ever known. I will be forever thankful.” Medlicott (MED’-lih-cott) said Finseth and Officers Matthew Ruge (ROO’-ghee) and Paul Elmstrand were heroes. Burnsville Chaplain Mark Patrick put out a plea for young people to join these professions of public service. He said,” many police and fire departments across the nation are looking for the right people, and you might be one of them.”
>>Burnsville Shooter’s Gun Was “Straw Purchased”
(Burnsville, MN) — Police say the gun Shannon Gooden reportedly used to kill two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic in Burnsville was “straw purchased.” A straw purchase is when someone buys a gun for someone who isn’t allowed to have one. The Modern Sportsman gun shop owner in Burnsville confirmed the purchase was made at his store. He says he had no way of knowing the gun would end up in the hands of a convicted felon.
>>Latest Minnesota Budget Forecast Released today
(St. Paul, MN) — State leaders get the latest budget forecast this morning (Thurs 8am), to guide their spending decisions for the remaining three months of the legislative session. December’s forecast showed the state with a 2.4-billion-dollar surplus in 2024-25 but possible red ink in 2026-27 due to spending increases for education and health and human services. Nan Madden with the Minnesota Budget Project says national economic growth is expected to be stronger than predicted earlier, and there have been no big policy changes by either the state or federal governments — “therefore It wouldn’t surprise me if we kind of see a status quo or some small improvement.” But Madden adds she won’t predict because there’s always a chance of a “wild card.”
>>14 People Cited for Trespassing at Governor’s Mansion
(St. Paul, MN) — Fourteen people were cited for trespassing after hopping the fence at the temporary Governor’s Residence Wednesday night near the University of Minnesota. The incident occurred during a rally where roughly 100 people participated and called on Governor Tim Walz to terminate investments and aid in Israel. The civil disobedience was organized by the Free Palestine Coalition and Antiwar Committee. The State Board of Investment meets today (Thurs).
>>Second Gentleman Emhoff to Visit Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — Second gentleman Doug Emhoff visits Minnesota today (THURS) and tomorrow. The husband of Vice President Kamala Harris is participating in political events today and tomorrow visits M-S-P Airport as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Tour. Emhoff was last in the North Star State in May 2023 after Biden named the owner of Afro Deli & Grill, Adirahman Kahin, as National Business Owner of the Year.
>>Superior and Chippewa National Forest Officials Prep for Early Fire Season
(Grand Portage, MN) — Officials with the Superior and Chippewa National Forests in northern Minnesota are preparing for an early spring fire season. Fire Management Officer Nick Petrack (PEE’-track) says the warm winter and lack of snow are contributing factors. He says,” typically the fire season in the forest starts right after snowmelt which could be the end of April traditionally, first part of May. This year we’re seeing conditions about six to seven weeks earlier than normal.” Petrack says they have to accelerate staff training to be ready for early wildfire activity.
>>Mayo Clinic Net Incomes Raises More Than 80% in 2023
(Rochester, MN) — An unaudited report filed by the Electronic Municipal Market Access online site reports Mayo Clinic saw its net income rise by 80% in 2023. Mayo Clinic reports its workforce grew to more than 80,200 staff members, contributing to the care of approximately 1.3 million patients from 130 different countries. The news release indicates Mayo Clinic “welcomed about 14,000 staff into new roles in 2023, a 4.9% increase from 2022.”
>>Speed and Impairment Suspected in Deadly Benton County Crash
(Foley, MN) — Benton County authorities say excessive speed and driver impairment were likely factors in a deadly crash north of Foley. Sheriff’s deputies say a small S-U-V was found lying on its roof Tuesday afternoon and 56-year-old Yvette Slack of Foreston and her son, 33-year-old Joseph McCullough of Sauk Rapids, were seriously injured. McCullogh died at the scene and Slack was extricated from the vehicle and taken to St. Cloud Hospital. Investigators believe the S-U-V hit a driveway and traveled 100 feet in the air before rolling in the ditch.
>>Ex-MSP Airport Worker Pleads Guilty to Recording Men in Bathrooms
(Minneapolis, MN) — A former worker at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is pleading guilty to secretly recording men more than 140 times in employee bathrooms. Prosecutors say Michael Maceda-Tapia of St. Paul admitted to taking the videos between August 2022 and February of last year. He was charged with 11 counts of interference with privacy after videos were found on his cellphone. M-S-P Airport officials revoked his security badge in February 2023. Maceda-Tapia was working for a dining services provider at the time of the crimes. He’ll be sentenced in April.
>>Child Bitten by Fish At SeaQuest at Rosedale
(Roseville, MN) — Aquarium chain SeaQuest is under increased scrutiny following a recent incident where a fish bit a five-year-old boy at their Roseville location. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and the boy’s mother reported that the bite broke the skin and frightened him. This is not the first incident reported at SeaQuest locations over the past several years.
