NEWS
--Another candidate has entered the race for the newly redistricted House District 10B race. Blake Paulson, a lifelong central Minnesota resident and former staffer for President Trump’s campaign in Minnesota, announced his campaign seeking the Republican endorsement in House District 10B. Paulson, a former Trump campaign staffer, legislative assistant, and recent graduate of the University of Minnesota. Newly redistricting House District 10B will include southern Morrison, portions of Benton, Mille Lacs, Isanti and Kannebec. Paulson makes 3 vying for the Republican endorsement.
--Former Mille Lacs County Sheriff Brent C. Lindgren announced his run in Senate District 10. Lindgren grew up in Morrison County, living in Mille Lacs for work and has lived in the district for over 50 years.
Lindgren has served Mille Lacs County for over 30 years as a deputy sheriff, D.A.R.E. Instructor, Civil Defense Director, Welfare Fraud Investigator and Criminal Investigator all before being elected Sheriff of Mille Lacs County in 2002, He served 16 years as sheriff. He currently lives on Platte Lake in Hillman in Morrison County with his wife, Lisa. Lindgren previously worked for the state of Minnesota as an Instructor at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, instructing motorcycle safety; and taught for Minnesota West Colleges as an adjunct Law Enforcement Skills Instructor. His 50 years of service to public safety and experience with folks from all walks of life is incredibly relevant in today's political and social climate. Minnesota Senate District 10 was recently redrawn to include all or most portions of Aitkin, Benton, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Morrison counties. He is seeking the Republican endorsement.
--After about 13 hours of deliberation, the jury in the federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers, J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, found them guilty on all charges relating to denying George Floyd his civil rights on the day of his murder in 2020. All three officers were charged with denying Floyd his right to medical care, while Kueng and Thao also faced charges for failing to intervene with Chauvin's use of force. In addition, the jury unanimously found the offense resulted in death of George Floyd which is expected to be important information for sentencing.
--A Clear Lake Man has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl. Fifty-four-year-old Shawn Shaney previously pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to the release, Sherburne County prosecutors asked for an upward departure from sentencing guidelines, which called for probation. Judge Walter Kaminsky granted the motion and sentenced Shaney to prison, citing the victim's particular vulnerability, including the fact she was in a foster home at the time of the assault. Records show, while Shaney denied assaulting the girl more than once, a forensic analysis of his cell phone revealed more than 5,400 contacts between him and the girl in just over a month.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds the public that it is illegal to deposit snow on or next to a public highway or street and asks for their help in keeping the roads clear for everyone’s safety. Minnesota law and many local ordinances prohibit the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow onto public roads. This includes the ditch and right of way area along the roads. Violations are considered misdemeanors, but civil penalties also apply if the placement of snow creates a hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, that contributes to a motor vehicle or pedestrian crash. The liability goes back to the residential owner.
--Specialized agricultural license plates are now available to Minnesotans. The design reflects nearly 100 sketches submitted by 4H and FFA members: There’s a rising sun, which represents a new era in agriculture. It also includes two sets of hands, which is a nod to both 4-H and FFA. The cost is $15.50 for the plate itself and a minimum annual $20 contribution to be divided equally between the state FFA and 4-H. She expects people to start seeing the Minnesota Ag license plate on vehicles in the next weeks.
--A 66-year-old Brainerd woman was injured Thursday, February 24th after her vehicle struck a trailer on Highway 371 north of Baxter. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the crash, reported at 8am at the intersection with Barbeau Road in Unorganized Territory. Gloria Jean Cauley, suffered non-life-threatening injuries while the pickup driver from Pequot Lakes was not injured in the accident.
--A St. Cloud man is accused of stabbing another man after an altercation at a Sauk Rapids apartment unit. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries after 21-year-old Demaun Ford allegedly stabbed him in the back. Ford is charged in Benton County District Court with three counts of 1st-degree burglary and two counts of 1st degree assault from an incident a week ago Thursday.
--A 27-year-old man was injured last Friday after his vehicle struck a semitrailer on Highway 4 in Crow Wing County. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office said at 9:12am south of Breezy Point, a car struck a semitrailer whose driver was attempting to unload material from his trailer in the area of County Highway 4 and Bay View Lane. The man, whose name was not released, was transported by North Memorial Health from the scene with non-life-threatening injuries.
--Due to the delayed start Wednesday at Swanville schools. Their kindergarten roundup will now be next Wednesday March 2nd from 8:30am-11am at the Swanville Elementary School.
--Events this weekend include the Sobieski and Swanville Lions Fishing Contest and Raffle Saturday at Long Lake near Swanville starting at noon, raffle at 6pm top prize $2,500 from a $5 ticket. Also a book bingo Sunday in Pierz, and the LF FFA Breakfast Sunday.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
--Aaron and Melissa Baros of Grey Eagle, girl on 2/22/22
--Christopher and Lisa Bertram of Holdingford had a baby boy
DEATH NOTICES
--Margaret “Marge” Sudmeyer, age 75 of Pierz.
--Marie Altrichter, age 93 of Little Falls, Green Prairie Township.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly cloudy, high 11, low -3 then rising overnight.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, windy, blowing snow, high 28, low 0.
SUNDAY= sunny, cooler, high 23, low around -8.
MONDAY= cloudy skies, high 28, flurries at night, low around 5.
SPORTS
BBB= Pillager at Pierz tonight 7:15pm on 94ROCKS KFML.
BHK= Little Falls hosts Monticello in boys hockey section semi-final play Saturday at 7pm on Q92 WYRQ and fallsradio.com.
GHK= Andover shut out Brainerd/Little Falls 5-0 last night at the State Tournament. Brainerd/Little Falls vs. Maple Grove in the consolation semi-finals today at noon. Winner plays on Saturday.
COL HK= Gophers take on Wisconsin tonight 7:30pm on KLTF.
COL BB= Gophers vs. Indiana Sunday at 4:30pm on AM960 KLTF.