>>Minnesota’s Midweek Storm Drops Up to 34 Inches on North Shore
(Undated) — A powerful midweek winter storm slammed Minnesota on Wednesday, burying parts of the North Shore under some of the heaviest snowfall of the season. The largest total came from Hovland(HOHV-land), where a weather spotter measured a massive 34 inches of snow. Nearby communities also saw extreme accumulation, including Lutsen(24.5″), Little Marais (20″), and Two Harbors (18″). Ely, Chisholm, and Grand Rapids on the Iron Range reported nine inches.
>> Path to Apostle Islands Ice Caves Gone After Snowstorm
(Bayfield, WI) — The Apostle Islands Ice Caves are closed for the season after Wednesday’s winter storm destroyed the Lake Superior ice needed to reach them. The caves had opened Monday for the first time in 11 years, but the storm quickly tore up the ice. The National Weather Service says the area needs long stretches of subzero temperatures to form safe, stable ice. Thousands visited during the caves’ brief, one-day opening.
>>Republicans Block House Bill Requiring Judicial Warrants for School Entry
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill in the House Education Policy Committee that would ban warrantless entry of schools for immigration enforcement was blocked by Republicans. The vote was along party lines. The bill would ban public and charter school officials from consenting to local, state, and federal immigration enforcement on school sites without a judicial warrant. Last month, the Trump administration revoked the “sensitive locations memo,” allowing ICE to enter public areas of schools without the proper warrant. After the vote, the proposal was laid over for future consideration.
>> Former State Senator Eichorn’s Sex Sting Case Will Not Be Dismissed
(Undated) — A judge has ruled that the sex-sting case against former Republican state Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids will not be dismissed. Eichorn is accused of soliciting a minor for sex during an undercover operation in which an officer posed as a 17-year-old. Eichorn asked the court to drop the charges, arguing he believed the person he was messaging was in her 20s. Prosecutors countered that text messages show he continued communicating and was on his way to meet the individual despite the disclosed age. The court ultimately agreed with prosecutors, saying the federal government has broad authority to pursue criminal charges in cases involving the alleged solicitation of a minor.
>>Minnesota Cannabis Office Launches Statewide Listening Tour in March
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is launching a statewide listening tour next month, with its first stops scheduled for March 12 and 13 in Cloquet, Pine County, and Duluth. OCM spokesperson Josh Collins says the agency wants to hear from both the public and cannabis businesses as Minnesota continues rolling out its new legal cannabis framework. Along with the listening sessions, OCM officials will also visit outdoor cannabis cultivation sites in northeastern Minnesota to learn more about how growers are adapting to the state’s regulatory system. Details about meeting locations and times are expected to be released soon.
>>Woman Found Dead After Osage House Fire
(Osage, MN) — A woman is dead, and a man is hospitalized after an early morning house fire in Osage on Wednesday. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office says a 9-1-1 call came in around 4:24 a.m. after a resident flagged down a passing driver on Highway 34, reporting the fire and saying a woman might still be inside. Responders found her inside the home; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The male resident was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital for smoke inhalation and possible burns. The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.
>>Minnesota School Districts Dealing with Growing Shortage of Bus Drivers
(Undated) – Minnesota school districts are dealing with a growing shortage of school bus drivers. Kathryn Forbord, president of the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association, says the job can be a rewarding career with flexible hours, from standard morning and afternoon routes to midday and after-school trips. She says some people may feel intimidated by driving a large bus, but districts provide full training and guide new drivers through the entire process. Forbord adds that shifting family schedules, including more parents working from home, can make driving a viable option, and some companies even allow drivers to bring their children along. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact their local school district.
>>#23 Gopher Women’s Basketball Upsets #10 Ohio State
(Minneapolis, MN) — The number 23 Golden Gophers women’s basketball team knocked off tenth-ranked Ohio State 74-61 Wednesday night at Williams Arena. It was Minnesota’s ninth win in a row and first victory over the Buckeyes since 2016. Sophie Hart and Mara Braun each had 18 points, and Amaya Battle added 13 and 12 rebounds. The Gophers improved to 12-4 in the Big Ten and 21-6 overall. Number 18 Michigan State comes to the Barn on Sunday.
