>>Public Visitation in White Bear Lake for Fallen Army Reserve Soldier Amor
(White Bear Lake, MN) — There’s a public visitation for Master Sergeant Nicole Amor today (Thurs 2-6pm) in her hometown of White Bear Lake. The 39-year-old Army Reserve soldier died in a drone attack March 1st in Kuwait. Amor leaves behind a husband, daughter, and son. Her funeral is tomorrow (Fri 12pm) at Eagle Brook Church in White Bear Lake followed by a private burial at Fort Snelling.
>>DHS Secretary Nominee Mullin Regrets Calling Pretti a “Deranged Individual’
(Washington, DC) — Department of Homeland Security secretary nominee Markwayne Mullin says he regrets calling Alex Pretti of Minneapolis a “deranged individual that came in to cause max damage.” Senator Mullin told a Senate committee that he responded immediately to the fatal shooting of Pretti by federal agents without the facts. He said that won’t happen as secretary. Mullin would not apologize to the family of Pretti during Wednesday’s confirmation hearing but says he will if he’s proven wrong by the investigation. President Trump nominated the Oklahoma Republican to replace former D-H-S Secretary Kristi Noem.
>>House Committee Approves Nursing Home ‘Happy Hour’ Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill passed by a Minnesota House committee would allow nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcohol during organized activities. Supporters say it would let residents enjoy social events like ‘happy hour’ without extra permits or red tape. Residents and facility leaders argue seniors shouldn’t lose freedoms simply because of where they live, and that current rules add unnecessary costs. The proposal has been folded into the omnibus liquor policy bill and now heads to the House floor for a vote.
>>Minnesota Food Shelves May Soon Offer Fresh Eggs
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans who rely on food shelves may soon be able to add fresh eggs to their table. The bill authored by Senator Erin Maye Quade of Apple Valley would allow food retailers to donate eggs to food shelves and other hunger relief organizations for up to 30 days past their quality assurance date when they’re still safe to eat. Maye Quade said, “Allowing food retailers to donate their unbought eggs will keep edible, nutritious food out of the trash and put it on the tables of families struggling with food insecurity.” The bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and is heading to Finance.
>>Idled Agri-Energy Ethanol Plant in Luverne Expected to Resume Production
(Luverne, MN) — The idled Agri-Energy ethanol plant in southwestern Minnesota is expected to resume production soon. State Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen visited the plant in Luverne Wednesday that has been sitting idle for a few years. Petersen said on social media that Agri-Energy,” will begin producing ethanol again hopefully next week with new owners and over 100 investors.”
>>Two Shot in St. Paul Shooting, One Dies
(St. Paul, MN) — Police in Saint Paul are investigating a deadly shooting that happened Wednesday afternoon in the Midway neighborhood. Officers responded after a 9-1-1 caller said they had been shot. When police arrived, they found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to the hospital, where the man later died and the woman remains in critical condition. Police say the suspect was arrested a short time later and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
>>Olmsted County Man Charged in Shooting Deaths of Neighbor’s Dogs
(Rochester, MN) — A man from Chatfield in southeastern Minnesota is charged in the shooting deaths of a neighbor’s two dogs in January. Olmsted County court records show 67-year-old Craig Reichel admitted to shooting a Great Pyrenees and a goldendoodle, but claimed they were chasing deer and threatening his dogs. One of the dogs was found dead near a deer carcass pile on Reichel’s property. He later showed a sheriff’s deputy where he disposed of the other dog. Reichel appears in court April 1st on two felony counts of mistreatment of animals and damage to property.
>>Sherburne County Authorities ID Clear Lake Fire Victim
(Clear Lake, MN) — Authorities are naming the man killed in a trailer fire in Clear Lake Township last month. The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office says 44-year-old Andrew Kritzeck was the victim. When fire crews arrived on scene, the trailer was fully engulfed. Investigators found Kritzeck’s body inside after putting out the fire. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office says he died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves Rout Utah Jazz at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves routed the Utah Jazz 147-111 last night at Target Center. Ayo Dosunmu led the Wolves with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Julius Randle scored 21, and Rudy Gobert added 21 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid did not play for Minnesota. The Wolves host the Trail Blazers on Friday night.
