Thursday, October 30, 2025

A woman is in custody after fleeing police in Waite Park on Wednesday morning. The Waite Park Police Department says at about 9:30 a.m., they were dispatched to 210 2nd Street South on reports of a possible drunk driver. Witnesses reported that a woman was twirling around and swearing at employees inside a restaurant at the location. The witnesses additionally told police the woman was inside her vehicle and getting ready to leave. A Waite Park Police officer found the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The woman sped away and was pursued. The suspect eventually stopped on the southeast side of Crossroads Center. Officers contacted her and identified the driver as 39-year-old Tasha Larson. Larson was evaluated by Mayo Ambulance at the scene and later taken by police to the St. Cloud Hospital. Larson was booked into the Stearns County Jail for felony fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and the case is still under investigation.

Four members of the Minnesota Nurses Association were assaulted over the last two weeks, one at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd last Thursday, and another was attacked at the same facility over the weekend. These come less than two weeks after two nurses were injured at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. MNA officials said in a comment that the violence is preventable, and that by delaying changes, Essentia is putting both nurses and patients at risk. Essentia Health responded by saying they will continue to focus on preventative measures at all facilities.

Drivers who take Wilson Avenue Northeast in St. Cloud. There will be a closure that will stretch between 2nd Street Northeast and 7th Street Northeast on Friday, October 31st. City crews will use the closure to complete resurfacing work as part of a planned infrastructure project. Detours will be marked to guide traffic around the construction zone. Officials say the closure is expected to last just one day, but the work is weather dependent. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time and follow posted detour signs. For questions about the project or updates on the closure, contact the City of St. Cloud Public Works Department.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang on Wednesday wanted to celebrate Sergeant Chad Paulson, who recently reached an incredible milestone, 30 years of dedicated service with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. For three decades, Sgt. Paulson has served our community with integrity, professionalism, and heart. He’s been a mentor to many, a steady hand in challenging times, and a true example of what it means to wear this badge with pride. Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Paulson on 30 years of outstanding service!

Cargill Incorporated, the Minnetonka-based food and beverage manufacturer, has announced the permanent layoff of 80 employees in its Wayzata office. The information comes from a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development alert, stating Cargill is undergoing "business restructuring."  "A year ago, Cargill set a long-term strategy to build on our 160-year legacy while positioning the company for future growth. We continue to align resources and talent to our most critical priorities: staying competitive, delivering for our customers and performing against our strategy. As part of this effort, we have made the difficult decision to reduce roles in select professional areas. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues affected and are committed to supporting them with care and respect through this transition," said a representative for Cargill, in a statement.