>>Off-Year Election Day in Minnesota Features Local Contests
(St. Paul, MN) — It’s an “off-year” election today (Tues) in Minnesota, but Secretary of State Steve Simon stresses that local contests have a “tremendous impact” on day-to-day life — and often are decided by very close margins. He says, “Every single year that I’ve been in office, we’ve had a local election decided by one vote or tied…. So every voter’s vote really does count.” There are municipal races, school board elections, school bond and operating levy referendums, and local sales tax questions in a number of Minnesota communities today. Voters who aren’t registered may do so at the polls. For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote at their polling place. For your polling location, a sample ballot, or other information, visit mnvotes.gov.
>>Duluth Mayor’s Race Pits Incumbent Olson vs. Former Senaor Reinert
(Duluth, MN) — Today’s election for mayor in Duluth is likely getting the most statewide attention of any municipal race in Minnesota, with two-term incumbent Emily Larson facing a challenge from former state Senator Roger Reinert (RINE-ert). He trounced Larson in the August primary, 63-to-35 percent, and U-M-D Political Science Department head Cindy Rugeley (ROOGE-lee) says the question is, will Reinert get that level of support in today’s election? She says turnout in the primary was much higher than in prior years, and predictions are for a “pretty high” turnout in today’s general election for mayor in Duluth.
>>1% Sales Tax Hike on Election Ballot in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Voters in St. Paul are considering a ballot question today (Tues) that would raise the city’s sales tax by one percent. If approved, it would generate around one billion dollars over 20 years. 783 million dollars would go for road and bridge projects while 246 million will be used to improve parks and recreational facilities. The extra penny would raise the capital city’s total sales tax to 9.875 percent. Vote Yes for St. Paul says it would “require out-of-towners using our roads and parks to pay their fair share.” Some St. Paul business owners are concerned shoppers will choose other communities.
>>Public Celebration of Life for Hockey Player Johnson in Hibbing
(Hibbing, MN) — Thousands watched Monday’s service in person and online at Hibbing Memorial Arena for hockey player and Minnesota native Adam Johnson, who died after taking a skate blade to the neck during a game on October 28th with the Nottingham Panthers in England. Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs hockey coach Scott Sandelin (SAN-duh-linn) says Johnson was “an unbelievable teammate” who will never be forgotten. He told the crowd, “On behalf of U-M-D Hockey, our thoughts, prayers and loving support go out to all of Adam’s family. We love ‘ya and we’ll miss ‘ya.” Nottingham Panthers General Manager Omar Pacha (PATCH-uh) said about Johnson: “Best player on the team, working hard, contagious smile with zero ego and love coming to the rink every single day.”
>>HPAI Outbreak on Wright County Egg-Laying Operation
(Wright County, MN) — The state’s latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is on a commercial egg-laying operation in Wright County. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the U-S-D-A confirms that 940 thousand birds are affected by these cases of avian influenza. The chickens will be depopulated to prevent the spread of H-P-A-I. State officials say fall bird migration is likely to blame for an increase in bird flu cases in Minnesota.
>>Body Found in St. Cloud Near Mississippi River
(St. Cloud, MN) — Authorities are working to identify a body found near the Mississippi River Monday morning in St. Cloud. Police received a report of a dead person underneath a train bridge halfway up a riverbank and located the body of a 32-year-old man from St. Paul. The medical examiner’s office is doing an autopsy. Officers do not suspect foul play, but they’re asking anyone with information to call the St. Cloud P-D or Tri-County Crimestoppers.
>>Suspect Arrested in Deadly Halloween Shooting in Brooklyn Park
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Police in Brooklyn Park are reporting the arrest of a suspect in a Halloween night shooting that left two teens dead. Officers say a 16-year-old boy was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree murder. Detectives say the suspect and two victims were known to each other. Sixteen-year-old Diriye Abdi Muhumed died at the scene Tuesday evening and 16-year-old Chardid Farah of Minneapolis died Friday night in the hospital. Authorities are still looking for a gun that may have been left in the neighborhood.
>>Olmsted County Deputy Accused of Sexual Conduct with a Minor
(Rochester, MN) — An Olmsted County sheriff’s deputy is on paid administrative leave after being charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct of a minor. Court documents show an online undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old girl spoke with 44-year-old Matthew Adamson on November 1st and he offered to buy the girl alcohol in exchange for sex. Adamson agreed to meet the 13-year-old on November 2nd and was arrested at a decoy setup at an agreed-upon location. His next court hearing is November 14th.