>>Minnesota K-9 Unit Assisting with Flood Search and Recovery in Texas
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota K-9 unit is assisting in search and recovery efforts following the deadly flooding in central Texas. Governor Tim Walz sent Minnesota Task Force 1 K-9 Unit, which is one of the state’s two urban search and rescue teams. The team can assist with structural collapse, heavy rescue, wide-area search, trench rescue and advance medical care. They are equipped for 24-hour operations in any disaster area. The flooding in Texas has claimed at least 120 lives, with more than 170 people still missing.
>>Jury Selection Begins in Senator Mitchell’s Burglary Trial
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The burglary trial of state Senator Nicolle Mitchell gets under way in Becker County today (Mon) after several delays. The Woodbury Democrat is charged with first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools for an April 2024 break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. Jury selection begins this morning. Mitchell pleaded not guilty and said she was there to get some of her late father’s property, and that his widow suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. There will be a video/audio stream on a 10-minute delay. Mitchell’s trial expected to last about a week. Senator Mitchell is a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and a former K-S-T-P t-v meteorologist.
>>State Lawmakers Host Capitol Community Event Monday
(St. Paul, MN) — Several state lawmakers will host a Capitol event later today (Mon 4pm) to promote a safer environment for children. It is called the “Capitol Area Community Vitality Kick-off.” The event is aimed at fostering youth safety, enhancing community vitality and strengthening partnerships between community, the city of St. Paul and law enforcement. D-F-L Representative Maria Isa Perez-Vega says the kickoff is “a crucial step in bringing together all stakeholders, residents law enforcement and state resources.” There will be food trucks, games and live music.
>>Fargo Police to Hold Memorial Service to Honor Officer Wallin
(Fargo, ND) — The Fargo Police Department is hosting a memorial this morning (Mon) to honor Officer Jake Wallin on the second anniversary of his death. The 23-year-old officer from St. Michael, Minnesota was shot and killed on July 14th, 2023 while responding to a traffic crash. During the same incident, Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were wounded. Officer Zach Robinson returned fire and fatally shot the gunman.
>>Motorcyclist Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Bloomington Crash
(Bloomington, MN) — A motorcyclist is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries suffered in a crash Sunday evening on Interstate 494 in Bloomington. The Minnesota State Patrol says a motorcycle and car were westbound on 494 when traffic slowed and the cycle crashed into the vehicle. Troopers say 42-year-old Cole Ruhmann of Bloomington was taken to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The report says Ruhmann was not wearing a helmet. The car driver wasn’t hurt.
>>69-Year-Old Woman Attacked by Bear in Western Wisconsin
(Comstock, WI) — Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating a bear attack in Barron County that left a 69-year-old woman in the hospital. The woman was able to call 9-1-1 and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The Wisconsin D-N-R, U-S-D-A staff, and law enforcement all searched unsuccessfully for the bear. They did locate a cub in a tree indicating the attack involved a mother and cub. Conservation officers are still trying to capture the bear.
>>DNR Looking for Exhibit Volunteers at Minnesota State Fair
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers for its exhibits at the State Fair this year. Director of Volunteer Programs Renee Vail says they’ll have two new exhibits this year highlighting some of the things the D-N-R offers that make trails more accessible for people. Other exhibits include the Wildlife Wing, an invasive species display, and an exhibit on preventing wildfires. Volunteering gets you a free admission ticket to the fair, which runs August 21st through September 1st.
>>Twins Drop Series Finale to Pirates at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins lost the series finale to the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 Sunday at Target Field. Closer Jhoan Duran gave up the go-ahead run on a groundout in the top of the ninth inning. Twins starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson allowed one run over four-and-two-thirds innings. Byron Buxton hit an R-B-I double in the third inning for Minnesota’s lone run. The 47-and-49 Twins took two of three from Pittsburgh and head into the All-Star break in the second place in the American League Central.
>>New Arena a Top Priority for New Wolves/Lynx Owners
(Las Vegas, NV) — A new arena is one of the top priorities of new Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx controlling owners Alex Rodriguez and Mark Lore. Rodriguez said, ” If you want to compete at the level we want to compete year in and year out, a new arena is what our fans deserve. We’re in the very ,very early stages. We’ve done a great deal of work over the last three years.” A-Rod says a new arena in Minneapolis for Wolves fans would be “absolutely awesome.” Target Center underwent a 145-million-dollar renovation in 2017 but the arena is 35 years old.
