>>State Fair Poll Shows Minnesotans Split Across Party Lines
(St. Paul, MN) — Results from an informal State Fair poll show respondents don’t always fall neatly along traditional party lines. Hamline University political science professor David Schultz says participants supported ideas associated with both sides of the political spectrum, including tougher approaches to public safety and measures addressing gun violence. Schultz says the results point to more nuanced views than party platforms often reflect. He says candidates may use the findings to adjust their campaign messages, but expects most to return to their parties’ core positions ultimately. More than 9,600 fairgoers participated in the Minnesota House’s unscientific poll.
>>Bruno Motorcyclist Killed in Highway 61 Crash
(Two Harbors, MN) — A northeastern Minnesota man is dead, and several others are injured following a multi-motorcycle crash along the North Shore. The State Patrol identifies the victim as 31-year-old Alexander Otis of Bruno. Troopers say a group of motorcycles was heading north on Highway 61 Saturday when several crashed after exiting the Silver Creek Tunnel north of Two Harbors. Some motorcycles crossed into the southbound lanes and collided with an oncoming car. The two people in the car were not hurt.
>>Missing Isle Royale Hiker Found Alive After Weeklong Search
(Isle Royale, MI) — A 70-year-old Michigan man missing for a week on Isle Royale has been found alive. Craig Berg of Royal Oak disappeared during a solo hiking trip and failed to catch his scheduled ferry off the island on September 5th. Backpackers located Berg on Saturday after an extensive multi-agency search. Authorities say Berg was injured and suffering from hypothermia but was alert. A Coast Guard helicopter hoisted him from the remote Lake Superior island and flew him to the Marquette area for medical treatment. Minnesota State Patrol aviation crews were among the agencies assisting in the search.
>>Man Wounded in Shooting Outside Circle Pines Gun Shop
(Circle Pines, MN) — Police are investigating a shooting outside a gun shop and shooting range in Circle Pines. Blaine police say officers were called to the parking lot of Bill’s Gun Shop and Range around 6:15 Saturday evening following reports of gunfire. Officers found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was conscious when first responders took him to the hospital, but authorities have not released an update on his condition. No arrests have been made, although investigators say they are following several leads and reviewing surveillance video. Police are still trying to determine what led to the shooting.
>>Allina Doctors Begin Four-Day Strike at Mercy, Unity
(Undated) — Unionized doctors at two Allina Health hospitals are beginning a four-day strike today (Mon) after failing to reach their first contract. More than 150 physicians at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and its Unity Campus in Fridley are represented by Doctors Council-SEIU. The union says doctors are seeking sick leave, time off, and a greater voice in patient-care decisions after years of negotiations. Allina says both hospitals will remain open and operate normally during the strike. The health system says fewer than four percent of Mercy’s total medical staff are expected to walk off the job. The strike is scheduled to continue through Thursday.
>>Wisconsin Congressman Survives Emergency Plane Landing
(Wausau, WI) — Wisconsin Congressman and Republican candidate for Governor Tom Tiffany is recovering after the small plane carrying him made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau Saturday night. Tiffany says the aircraft lost power while approaching the Wausau Downtown Airport. Pilot Len Boltz brought the plane down on the lake, where it began sinking. The two initially stayed with the aircraft before swimming toward shore and reaching a shallow area, where they waited for rescuers. Both suffered minor injuries. Tiffany was treated at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and received 12 stitches for a cut above his eye.
>>SPAM Dogs Make Debut at Vikings Games
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vikings fans will have a new Minnesota-made food option at U.S. Bank Stadium this season. Hormel Foods is teaming up with the Vikings to make the SPAM Dog the stadium’s official hot dog. The first version, called the SKOL Crusher, is topped with hot honey mustard, purple slaw, and crispy potato sticks. Other varieties will debut throughout the season. Hormel will also offer samples, games, and prizes at a pregame SPAM Tailgate beginning October 4th.
