Minnesota News Network

Midday Briefs

>>>BCA Issues Alert for Missing Boy

(Cass Lake, MN) —  A statewide alert has been issued for a missing 8-year-old boy. The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Alfred Desjarlait  III.  According to the BCA, the boy left home on foot near NW. 140th Street and Wakonabo Drive in the Prescott area of Cass Lake at about 5:30 p.m. and hasn’t been accounted for since.  Law enforcement said Alfred is Native American, about 4 feet tall, and weighs 80 pounds. He has black hair and hazel eyes. He was last known to be wearing a black Timberland jacket, jeans, and multi-colored Puma shoes. Anyone with information is being encouraged to call 911 or the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department.

>> Five-Year-Old Killed in Anoka County Crash

(Ramsey, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol has released more information about a deadly crash that happened Thursday night in Anoka County.  They say five-year-old Elijah Reardon of Becker died in the crash, and four-year-old Avery Reardon of Becker suffered life-threatening injuries and is at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.  The driver of the car, 32-year-old Amanda Reardon of Becker is also at the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At about 7:00 p.m. the car they were in was heading west on Highway 10 in Ramsey when it struck a cement wall and rolled over onto its roof.  The road was snow and ice covered.  All three were wearing their seatbelts.

>>Chauvin Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

(Minneapolis, MN) —  The former Minneapolis police officer serving time for the 2020 murder of George Floyd has pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion in Minnesota.  Derek Chauvin appeared over Zoom today from a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona. Chauvin and his now ex-wife were charged with multiple counts of underreporting their joint income by more than $460,000 between 2014 and 2019 and of failing to file tax returns.  His ex-wife pleaded guilty last month to two charges.

>>Governor Walz Set to Sign Free School Meals Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this afternoon (115pm) signs into law one of Democrats’ top priorities for the 2023 session: free school breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, regardless of income.  House Republicans made a last-ditch attempt Thursday afternoon to block the bill, Red Wing Representative Pam Altendorf says “It’s going to be feeding some children that do not need this type of help, in areas like Edina.” Edina Democrat Heather Edelson responded, “I want to make it very clear:  We have hungry kids in Edina.  We do.  And if you think our streets are lined with gold, I invite you to my city.  They are not.”

>>Extra Law Enforcement Targeting Impaired Drivers

(St. Paul, MN) — Wear that green proudly this St. Patrick’s Day but remember: Drinking and driving is the one sure way not to get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank over the past five years we’ve had 1400 impaired driving arrests and 169 crashes that were alcohol-related. Shank says to keep the holiday fun and safe by always planning a sober ride before going out with friends and family.

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Friday Morning Briefs

>>Governor Walz Set to Sign Free School Meals for all Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this afternoon (115pm) signs into law one of Democrats’ top priorities for the 2023 session: free school breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, regardless of income. House Republicans made a last-ditch attempt Thursday afternoon to block the bill, Red Wing Representative Pam Altendorf saying, “It’s going to be feeding some children that do not need this type of help, in areas like Edina.” Edina Democrat Heather Edelson responded “I want to make it very clear: We have hungry kids in Edina. We do. And if you think our streets are lined with gold, I invite you to my city. They are not.”

>>Months later Xcel Notifies the Public of a Radioactive Water Leak

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans weren’t notified until nearly four months after Xcel Energy reported to state and federal regulators a radioactive water leak at its Monticello nuclear plant. Xcel Regional President Chris Clark indicates the utility had the option of telling the public sooner — however
“We knew there wasn’t a public safety risk or concern here. Our focus was really on understanding what we needed to do to remedy that situation.” Clark says Xcel notified state and federal authorities, immediately focused on finding containing the leak, and did not want to create undue concern. A state Pollution Control Agency official says the public was notified Thursday — almost three months after the leak was patched — because “we have now sufficient information to be able to share it out to a wider group.”

>>Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman Under Investigation in St. Paul

(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a shooting Monday that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman. Officers say the victim was taken by private vehicle to Regions Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and later died of her injuries. Investigators say the woman was shot inside the car around 5 p-m Monday. Detectives are asking the public for tips about the city’s seventh homicide of the year.

>>12 Cadets Graduating From State Patrol Experience Traffic Safety Officer Academy

(St. Paul, MN) — Twelve new troopers graduate today (Friday 11 am) from the Minnesota State Patrol’s first-ever Experience Traffic Safety Officer Academy. These cadets have at least two years of full-time experience as a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. The State Patrol’s 66th graduating class trained last June at Camp Ripley, but it was shortened from 14 to ten weeks because they are all experienced traffic safety officers. The new troopers will begin additional training at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

>>Girls State Basketball Tourney Continues at Williams Arena

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Girls State Basketball Tournament continues today (Friday) with the Class A and Two-A semifinals. Mountain Iron-Buhl (byool) and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa play the first class A game at noon at Williams Arena, and Hayfield and BOLD meet in the second semifinal at 2 p-m. It’s Providence Academy versus Minnehaha Academy in the first Two-A matchup at 6 p-m and Goodhue and Albany in the late game. All four state championships are Saturday at the Barn.

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Morning News Briefs

>>MN GOP Lawmakers Roll Out Anti-Crime Legislative Package

(St. Paul, MN) — The anti-crime package from Minnesota House and Senate Republicans includes increased penalties for carjacking, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and possessing or distributing fentanyl. Sentences would also increase for offenders with two or more convictions for violent crimes. G-O-P Representative Walter Hudson of Albertville said, “the third time you’ve done it, you’ve already been caught twice, you’ve already been through trials twice and you’ve been convicted twice — so you’re clearly not learning your lesson.” Mandatory sentences would be required for dangerous offenders who commit crimes with a firearm. And county attorneys would have to report to the legislature any felony offenses they don’t file charges on.

>>Minnesota House Sends Catalytic Converter Bill to Governor’s Desk

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House is sending a bill backers say will reduce the rash of catalytic converter thefts in the state to the desk of Governor Tim Walz. It prohibits scrap metal dealers from buying any catalytic converter without a marking that ties it to the original vehicle. The House agreed to minor changes the Senate made on the bill. Supporters say the average cost to replace a catalytic converter is 26 hundred dollars.

>>MNA Nurses Reach Tentative 3-Year Contract With Sanford Bemidji

(Bemidji, MN) — The Minnesota Nurses Association says its nurses have reached a tentative agreement with Sanford Bemidji Medical Center on a new three-year contract. M-N-A officials say it includes fair pay increases, better accrual of paid time off, and stronger language to protect nurses’ contracts in case of a change of ownership, or the proposed Sanford merger with Fairview Health. Nurses have called off Monday’s picket in Bemidji. Negotiators are recommending they vote “yes” on the new contract.

>>Xcel Energy’s Sale of Property near Sherco Plant Approved by State Regulators

(St. Paul, MN) — State regulators are approving Xcel Energy’s proposed sale of 348 acres of land near its Sherco Power Plant in Becker to Elk River Technologies. That company plans to develop the property into a new data center. Xcel has a preliminary proposal to sell the land to Elk River Technologies for seven-point-seven million dollars. The deal is expected to be finalized in July. Xcel Energy is retiring the coal-fired power plant.

>>Corrections Sergeant Assaulted at Stillwater State Prison

(Stillwater, MN) — A corrections officer at the Stillwater state prison is recovering from injuries suffered in an assault Thursday morning. The Department of Corrections says an inmate rushed up to the sergeant and started punching him in the face during a “routine” facility unit movement. Other officers were able to stop the attack and the sergeant was taken to the hospital. Seven corrections workers have been injured in assaults this week at the Stillwater and Oak Park Heights prisons. D-O-C Commissioner Paul Schnell says in a statement, “we will take every appropriate action to stop these senseless acts of violence against our staff.”

>>Fatal Shooting in Fridley Cub Foods Parking Lot

(Fridley, MN) — Anoka County authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in a Fridley grocery store parking lot. Police were called to Cub Foods late Thursday morning and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers say they performed first aid at the scene, but the victim died at the hospital. No arrests have been reported.

>>Chicago Man Sent to Federal Prison for Firearms Incident in St. Paul

(Minneapolis, MN) — A man from Chicago will serve more than five years in federal prison for a domestic incident involving a gun last June in St. Paul. Prosecutors say 28-year-old Allen Oliver-Hall received a 70-month sentence after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm. St. Paul police responded to a domestic call and Oliver-Hall tried to get an officer to turn his back so he could hide a stolen gun with an extended magazine. The officer attempted to remove the gun and Oliver-Hall pointed it at him during a struggle before he was disarmed. He’s prohibited from having guns or ammunition due to felony convictions.

>>Boys State Hockey Tournament Semifinals at Xcel Energy Center

(St. Paul, MN) — The semifinals of the Minnesota Boys State Hockey Tournament are being played today (Friday) at the Xcel Energy Center. Defending state champion Hermantown takes on Mahtomedi in the first Class-A semifinal at 11 a-m, and Warroad and Orono face off at 1 p-m. In Class Two-A, it’s Cretin Derham Hall vs. Edina at 6 p-m, and last year’s state champion Andover meets Minnetonka in the late game tonight. The winners advance to the state championship on Saturday in St. Paul.

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Friday Morning Briefs

>> End-of-Life Legislation Introduced at Minnesota Legislature

(St. Paul, MN) — A controversial bill introduced at the Minnesota Legislature Thursday would allow mentally-capable people with an imminent terminal illness, after medical evaluation, to receive a drug to end their life. Doctor Rebecca Thoman with Compassion and Choices Action Network says it’s not assisted suicide or euthanasia. She told lawmakers, “these people have irreversible terminal illnesses and they’re reaching out for an option that could be peaceful, that could give them dignity, that can help them connect to their families.” Spokesman Paul Stark says Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says, “it sends the message that there are some human lives that aren’t worth living, but we think that every human being really matters and deserves protection under the law.”

>>Minnesota House Passes Price Gouging Legislation

(St. Paul, MN) — Those engaging in price-gouging during a peacetime state of emergency could be fined up to 25 thousand dollars, under a bill the Democrat-controlled Minnesota House passed last night (Thursday). Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids says the question is, “Are we going to allow a very small group of people to enrich themselves off the misery of others?” The bill prohibits anyone from selling an “essential consumer good or service for an unconscionably excessive price” if a governor has declared an “abnormal market disruption.” Albertville Republican Walter Hudson warns, “gives supreme power… to the governor of the state of Minnesota who already, we’ve had demonstrated to us in recent years, has the capacity to unilaterally cancel democracy.”

>>Walz to Sign Restore the Vote and Driver’s Licenses For All Bills

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this morning (Friday 10am) signs a bill allowing felons to again vote in Minnesota after they finish their prison or jail term. Supporters say it discourages felons from re-offending, by allowing them to fully participate when it’s judged they’re safe to again be in the community. Republicans say offenders should have to pay their full debt to society — including probation, fines, and restitution — before voting rights are restored. Also awaiting the governor’s expected signature after yesterday’s (Thursday) technical-procedural vote in the Minnesota House: a controversial bill allowing undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license in Minnesota. Republicans warn it opens the door to all kinds of abuse — even terrorists getting Minnesota I-Ds.

>>Walz Signs $5 Million in Emergency Food Shelf Funding

(St. Paul, MN) — A new law signed by Governor Tim Walz on Thursday will provide five-million dollars in emergency funding to Minnesota’s food shelves. Walz says these resources will allow food shelves to continue to help working families put food on the table. The Department of Human Services will work with Hunger Solutions MN to distribute the funding to food shelves. The end of “emergency” SNAP benefit payments is expected to increase demand even more for the food programs.

>>Bipartisan Bill Would Create Minnesota Companion Animal Board

(St. Paul, MN) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for the creation of a Companion Animal Board to focus on dogs and cats in Minnesota. Ann Olson of Animal Folks MN says the state Board of Animal Health currently regulates our pets. She says “companion animals are not agricultural products… These animals are about companionship with people. And this requires different expertise, different focus, and different oversight. Olson says the 13-member board would regulate and enforce kennel and breeder laws, educate and promote responsible pet ownership, and provide services and resources.

>>Escaped Lino Lakes Prison Inmate Apprehended in Minneapolis

(Lino Lakes, MN) — The Lino Lakes prison inmate who escaped while on a community work crew is back in custody. The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 53-year-old Gerald Downs was arrested Thursday “without incident” in north Minneapolis. The D-O-C said Downs cut off his monitoring bracelet Monday in Blaine and fled in a waiting vehicle. Officials say Downs will likely face new criminal charges for escape from custody – and so will anyone who assisted him. He was serving a sentence for possession of methamphetamine.

>>Minnesota DNR Eases Walleye Regulations on Lake Mille Lacs

(Garrison, MN) — Anglers will be able to fish for walleye all summer long on Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota. The D-N-R says a lower walleye harvest this winter and an improving population on Mille Lacs are the main reasons for the eased regulations this year. There had been two-week walleye closures in July and bans on using live bait on the lake in recent years. Licensed anglers will be able to harvest a walleye 21 to 23 inches long or greater than 28 inches throughout the open water season. The 2023 walleye opener is May 13th.

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Friday News Briefs

>>Minnesota State Patrol Responds to 86 Crashes, 102 Vehicle Spinouts Thursday

(Golden Valley, MN) — Many drivers stayed off the roads during the snowstorm Thursday, but the Minnesota State Patrol responded to dozens of accidents and spinouts. Troopers say there were 86 crashes and 102 vehicles off the road statewide between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Six people were injured in those incidents. Road conditions are expected to improve today (Friday).

>>Shakopee Police Respond to Viral ‘Car-Skiing’ Photo

(Shakopee, MN) — Police in Shakopee are reminding residents that ‘car-skiing’ is not legal in Minnesota. A photo taken during the snowstorm Wednesday shows a man on skis being pulled behind a vehicle on a city street. The Shakopee P-D put the picture on social media with the “no” symbol over it and the caption, “We didn’t think we’d have to post something like this, but here we are…” The skier is wearing a helmet in the picture.

>>Austin Man Sentenced for Role in Drug-Related Fatal Shooting

(Austin, MN) — A man from Austin is sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in a drug-related shooting death in August of 2021. Keith Forrest pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the second-degree murder of 48-year-old David Harris. Police say Forrest and Miguel Nunez, Junior went to rob Harris of drugs and Nunez shot him multiple times in the chest. Forrest and Nunez fled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota after the shooting.

>>Perham Woman Found Dead in Crow Wing County

(Deerwood, MN) — Authorities in Crow Wing County are investigating the death of a woman Wednesday afternoon in Deerwood. Sheriff’s deputies say they found 48-year-old Nicole Gutzman of Perham (PUR’-um) unresponsive near Highway 6 and she died at the scene. It is unknown how long Gutzman had been there. Investigators aren’t releasing any other information at this time.

>>Snowmobile stolen from fatal crash site in north-central MN recovered

(Bemidji, MN) — The sheriff’s department in north-central Minnesota’s Beltrami County has recovered a snowmobile stolen from the scene of a fatal crash Sunday. A woman died when a snowmobile collided with a tractor-trailer on the Soo Line Trail and several hours later, her family and friends returned to recover several snowmobiles left there — but one had been stolen. Deputies followed tracks to rural addresses in Dudley Township and the stolen snowmobile was found at one of those locations. Felony theft charges are pending against a male and a female.

Morning Briefs

>>Man Shot and Killed Thursday on St. Paul’s West Side

(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting in the city’s West Side Thursday afternoon. Officers found the man with a gunshot wound to the torso and he was taken to Regions Hospital where he died. Detectives are trying to figure out what happened and find the suspects. Investigators are also looking for surveillance video from homes and businesses in the area. This is the third homicide of the year in St. Paul.

>>Classes Resume at St. Paul’s Harding High 1 Week After Deadly Stabbing

(St. Paul, MN) — Classes resume today (Friday) at Harding High School in St. Paul following the fatal stabbing of a student one week ago. School officials say there will be a dozen crisis counselors and mental health experts on campus to assist students and staff. Security has been stepped up at all St. Paul schools in response to the stabbing death of 15-year-old Devin Scott. A 16-year-old classmate is charged with the second-degree murder of Scott and prosecutors filed a petition to have him tried as an adult.

>>Minnesota House Passes Earned ‘Sick and Safe Time” Bill for Workers

(St. Paul, MN) — Earned “sick and safe time” for all workers is closer to being the law in Minnesota after the Democrat-controlled House passed it just before midnight (Friday). Republicans warn it will force many small businesses to close their doors. G-O-P Representative Debra Kiel of Crookston points to a restaurant owner in her district who’s “hanging by a thread” and would likely go out of business. But Saint Paul Democrat Samakab  Hussein calls it a matter of humanity, saying he didn’t have the privilege to stay home when his mother was dying because he was afraid he could get fired. A companion bill is moving forward in the Minnesota Senate.

>>Legal Cannabis Bill Clears 9th MN House Committee

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House Education Finance Committee is the ninth panel to approve a bill that would legalize recreational cannabis. Republican Pam Altendorf of Red Wing says data from a child psychiatrist in Colorado show a decline in grades, an increase in car accidents, and a spike in school dropouts. D-F-L Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids says there’s data on teen cannabis use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health that actually shows a decline in cannabis consumption in states that have legalized cannabis. He says there’s a lot in the bill focused on keeping cannabis away from young people. The products would have child-proof packaging and labels, and Poison Control contact information.

>>Senator Tina to Chair US Senate Agriculture Subcommittee

(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is the new chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee. The panel oversees commodities, crop insurance, and trade for farmers across the country. Smith says some of the biggest issues that Minnesota farmers grapple with — “to be able to work on these issues as we look towards authorizing, reauthorizing the 2023 Farm Bill is a really big deal.” She says the committee’s biggest piece of business is passing a new Farm Bill, which will regulate national agriculture and food programs for the next five years.

>>CentraCare Boards Approves Medical School Plan with U of M

(St. Cloud, MN) — The CentraCare Board of Directors is giving unanimous approval to plans to build a medical school campus in St. Cloud. The proposal is a partnership between CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School. The goal is to train medical students to serve rural communities across the state. CentraCare President Ken Holmen says this partnership provides career development opportunities for the next generation of physicians. Officials hope to open the new medical school in 2025.

>>Bloomington Jefferson Celebrates 4th Straight National Cheer Championship

(Bloomington, MN) — The Bloomington Jefferson High School cheer team is now a seven-time national champion. The Jaguars won their fourth title in a row last weekend at the 2023 U-C-A National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. Jefferson topped eight other teams in the final round to claim the national title. The team coached by Taylor Mancini has also won ten Minnesota cheerleading championships.

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Mid-Day Briefs

>>Moorhead Man Indicted in Death of his Mother

(Moorhead, MN) —  A Clay County grand jury has indicted 25-year-old James Kollie on several charges in connection with the December death of his mother in Moorhead.  Kollie was previously charged with 2nd-degree murder with intent in the December 1st stabbing death of 56-year-old Receia Kollie. This week the grand jury brought back an indictment against him for first-degree murder with premeditation and second-degree murder with intent. If convicted of the first-degree murder charge, James Kollie would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison.  Bail at $4 million dollars.

>>Douglas County Death Investigation Active Again

(Chambers County, TX) — A woman who fatally shot a man from Douglas County nearly five years ago has now been charged with killing her husband in Texas. Sarah Jean Hartsfield of Chambers County, Texas, is being held on a $5 million bond after the death of her latest husband, 46-year-old Joseph Hartsfield. He was reportedly her fifth husband.  In the shooting back in 2018 in Garfield, Minnesota Hartsfield was not charged in the shooting death of her then-boyfriend, David Bragg. An investigation determined that she was acting in self-defense.  However, Douglas County Attorney Chad Larson now says “Our investigation is considered ‘active’ again once again.

>>Snowmobiler Suffers Serious Injuries in Cass County Crash

(Walker, MN) — A Twin Cities man is hospitalized after a snowmobile crash late Thursday night in northern Minnesota near Walker.  The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the 51-year-old man was riding on the Paul Bunyan Trail just before midnight when his snowmobile left the trail and struck some trees.  Deputies say the victim was transported to a hospital in Fargo with serious injuries.

>>U of M Plans to Return Forest Land to Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

(Minneapolis, MN) —  The University of Minnesota says it plans to return thousands of acres of forest land to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.  President Joan Gabel announced the proposal at Thursday’s U of M Board of Regents meeting.  The 34 hundred acres near Cloquet were seized from the Fond du Lac Band more than a hundred years ago. The U of M has the Cloquet Forestry Center on the property which it uses for teaching and research.   University officials say they are working with the state to determine the best way to transfer the land to the tribe.

>>Parking Changes at Duluth International Airport

(Duluth, MN) —  Changes to the parking system at the Duluth International Airport have been implemented. The new system will eliminate the cashier and will be totally contact-free from entrance to exit.  Customers will use new ticket stations at the entrance to each of the surface lots and the garage parking structure. There will be a pay station at each exit. The updated technology also allows for mobile and pre-payment options. If assistance is needed, live support staff can be virtually accessed to remedy any situation remotely.

>>Kites on Ice Event

(Buffalo, MN) —  Mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 30s are expected for the fifth annual “Kites On Ice” event tomorrow(Sat 11-3))in Wright County. The Buffalo Area Chamber’s Suzanne O’Dell says kids and adults are invited to come and fly a kite over Buffalo Lake. She says there will be a precision sport kite team performing an aerial ballet with their kites. In addition, there will be dog sled rides, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, and a beer garden will also be on-site.

 

 

 

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Morning Drive Briefs

>>Universal School Meals Bill Approved by Minnesota House

(St. Paul, MN) — Democrats in the Minnesota House are celebrating the passage of a bill Thursday night that would provide universal school meals. D-F-L Representative Laurie Pryor of Minnetonka says, “every student, every day is going to have access to food and the basics of life.” It would create a state program for schools to provide up to two free meals per day to all students. Republican Natalie Zelzenikar of St. Louis County argued the program is a misuse of taxpayer dollars and said they want breakfast and lunch, “for the people who need it.” G-O-P members proposed failed amendments that would have imposed income limits and redirected extra money to other school programs. A corresponding Senate bill has one more committee stop.

>>Minnesota House Committee Passes ‘Red Flag” Gun Safety Law

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House Judiciary and Civil Law Committee is the latest panel to approve the ‘red flag’ gun safety law. Jeff Potts of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association says extreme violence protection orders allow law enforcement or family to bring evidence to a judge to temporarily separate that person in crisis from firearms when there is substantial evidence that they pose a significant danger to themselves or others. Republican Jeff Grossell of Clearbrook says this bill leans in the direction of oppressing Second Amendment rights. He told members, “the former law enforcement people that testified. They don’t speak for rural Minnesota sheriffs and chiefs. I can guarantee you that.” Representative Cedrick Frazier of New Hope says red flag laws have reduced suicides and gun deaths in other states.

>>Suspect Arrested for Assault of Congresswoman Angie Craig

(Washington, DC) — Police in Washington, D-C say a suspect is under arrest for the alleged assault of Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig. Investigators have not revealed a motive for the attack on Craig in an apartment elevator. Her staff says there’s no evidence that it was politically motivated. Craig suffered some bruises in the attack but is expected to be okay. U-S Capitol police said the 26-year-old man punched Craig in the chin and grabbed her neck before she tossed hot coffee on him.

>>Worker Argument Led to Shooting at Lund Boat Factory in New York Mills

(New York Mills, MN) — Otter Tail County authorities say an argument between co-workers led to a shooting Thursday morning at Lund Boats in New York Mills. Deputies say a 21-year-old employee pulled out a handgun and fired a round, but not did not strike the 31-year-old man. The suspect chased the victim outside and may have fired another round. The sheriff’s office says other Lund workers were able to subdue the alleged shooter until law enforcement arrived. He’s jailed in Fergus Falls pending criminal charges.

>>Bloomington Police ID Alleged Shooter in February 1st Murder-Suicide

(Bloomington, MN) — Police in Bloomington are releasing more information about the February 1st murder-suicide that left a father and son from Buffalo dead. Police Chief Booker Hodges says 43-year-old Richard Myre of Belle Plaine is accused of fatally shooting Dale and Dominick Dahmen before turning the gun on himself in his pickup. Investigators believe Myre shot Dale twice in the head and Dominick was shot seven times after a struggle with Myre. Hodges says the shootings stemmed from some sort of dispute over financial investments and stock trading.

>>Vikings WR Jefferson Wins NFL Offensive Player of Year Award

(Phoenix, AZ) — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the N-F-L Offensive Player of the Year. Jefferson received the award Thursday night at the N-F-L Honors event in Phoenix. He caught 128 passes for just over 18-hundred yards and eight touchdowns this season and rushed for a score. Jefferson beat out Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts for the award. He also won the Moment of the Year award for his amazing one-handed catch on fourth down and 18 against the Buffalo Bills in November.

Twins add pitcher Santana

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The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. Santana, 26, pitched in 63 games (1 start) for the Texas Rangers last season, going 3-8 with a 5.22 ERA (58.2 IP, 34 ER), one save, 28 walks, 54 strikeouts, a 1.33 WHIP and a .228 […]

Friday News Briefs

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>>Minnesota State Patrol Responds to 86 Crashes, 102 Vehicle Spinouts Thursday (Golden Valley, MN) — Many drivers stayed off the roads during the snowstorm Thursday, but the Minnesota State Patrol responded to dozens of accidents and spinouts. Troopers say there were 86 crashes and 102 vehicles off the road statewide between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 […]

Wild Blank Blue Jackets On Road ***AUDIO***

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(Columbus, OH)  —  Marc Andre Fleury made 30 saves for his 73rd career shutout as the Wild stoned the Blue Jackets 2-0 in Columbus.  Brandon Duhaime scored 3:01 into the contest and Kirill Kaprizov’s 34th of the season gave the Wild some breathing room and Fleury shut the door from there.  The Wild have won […]

Wild Stop Kings; Win Third Straight ***AUDIO***

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(St. Paul, MN)  —  Ryan Hartman scored twice and Filip Gustavsson made 33 saves as the Wild beat the Kings 2-1 for a third straight win.  The Wild finish the homestand on a high note going 4-2-1 over the seven game stretch capturing nine of a possible 14 points.  Gustavsson is now 10-1-1 in his […]

Gopher Men Fall To Illini

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(Champaign, IL)  —  Despite 31 points by Jamison Battle the Gophers fell at Illiois on Monday night 78-69.  Dawson Garcia had 18 points in the loss as the Gophers drop to 7-17 on the season.  The Fighting Illini, who improved to 17-9, got were lead by Matthew Mayer who scored 22.  The Gophers are at […]

Hartman’s Late Goal Lifts Wild

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(St. Paul, MN)  —  Despite blowing a third period lead, Ryan Hartman scored with 20.4 seconds left in regulation to lift the Wild to a 4-3 win over the Predators.  Kirill Kaprizov scored twice and Brandon Duhaime also got on the board to help the Wild build a 3-1 lead early in the third but […]

Banham staying with Lynx

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The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has re-signed guard Rachel Banham. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. Banham, a Lakeville, Minn., native, wrapped up her third season in a Lynx uniform (seventh in the WNBA) as one of three players (Bridget Carleton, Jessica Shepard) to appear in all 36 games […]

Morning Briefs

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>>Man Shot and Killed Thursday on St. Paul’s West Side (St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting in the city’s West Side Thursday afternoon. Officers found the man with a gunshot wound to the torso and he was taken to Regions Hospital where he died. Detectives are trying to […]

Gopher hockey clinches Big Ten title

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The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team clinched its sixth Big Ten Conference regular season championship outright Thursday night and will be the top seed heading into the B1G Tournament. The No. 1 ranked team in the PairWise standings, the Golden Gophers are the only team in the league’s 10-year history to win multiple titles.  […]