A paramedic is dead after a crash in the northwest metro area. The State Patrol reports the 24-year old woman was riding in an ambulance which crashed into a stalled semi on the Interstate in Brooklyn Center. The ambulance driver was injured. The truck’s driver was not.
A Willmar man accused of throwing a pig’s foot at a Somali woman at a local farmer’s market in August appears in court this afternoon. 61-year-old Joseph Fernkes says he didn’t throw anything at anyone but admits to laying the pig’s foot on the vendor’s table. While some believe this incident was a hate crime, Fernkes disagrees. He is charged with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct but is hoping the charges will be dropped.
As chilly temps return to Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers about the Cold Weather Rule which goes into effect next week. The rule protects qualified homeowners who are having trouble paying their natural gas bills. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect between October 15th and April 15th. To find out if you qualify, call 800-245-2377.
Freeze warnings are in effect until 9am across central and northern Minnesota — along with many southwestern counties. Some spots are in the upper 20’s for the first time since early spring. A frost advisory remains in effect over the Twin Cities area, along with Red Wing, Mankato and Worthington.
Two Somali girls are serving as inspiration to others for making history in St. Cloud. Just a couple of months ago, Suhan Mohamed and Nimo Gohe did not know how to swim. Now, the two girls are on the Apollo High School swim team. They are the first Muslim girls to swim competitively in Minnesota.
Fall colors are peaking through a good portion of the Iron Range and in northeastern-most Minnesota. Northwestern Minnesota is also in full foliage along with the St. Croix Valley along the Wisconsin border.