NEWS
--Congratulations to MPPOA's 2023 Officer of the Year, Trooper Megan Boser of the Minnesota State Patrol. She demonstrated unwavering bravery, exceptional courage, and embodies the essence of service and commitment to public safety. Trooper Boser is the first female and second state trooper be awarded MPPOA’s “Officer of the Year.” Presenting the award was previous "Officer of the Year" Arik Matson. On April 28, 2022, law enforcement members of the West Central Drug Task Force tracked a vehicle to Morrison County which was occupied by those suspected of trafficking large amounts of narcotics. Trooper Megan Boser and several other law enforcement officers attempted to stop the vehicle by boxing it in and surrounding it. As the officers worked to take the vehicle occupants into custody, the driver produced a black handgun and pointed it at officers, which posed in an immediate threat. In the face of this life-threatening danger, Trooper Boser displayed remarkable courage and swift decision-making. Fearing for her safety and the safety of the other officers, Trooper Boser fired three shots at the driver through the driver’s window. This allowed the other officers the opportunity to get to a position of cover. Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said, “Trooper Boser took decisive action and prevented potential loss of life, while effectively bringing an end to a dangerous criminal operation. Her selfless dedication to duty and her unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association serve as an inspiration to us all.” MPPOA announced the award this past weekend at our 101st annual convention. The nominations for MPPOA Officer of the Year are based on “heroics, outstanding service, or distinguished community involvement in service.” Recipients were selected by the MPPOA Board of Directors from many nominations. The award is considered a high honor, as it is from the largest association representing Minnesota public safety officials.
--A 17-year-old male from Alexandria died in a one-vehicle rollover early Friday morning northeast of Alexandria. At 3:29am, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office received a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash on County Road 73 NE near the intersection with Berglund Mile NE in Alexandria Township, about two miles southeast of the Nordic Trails Golf Course. Deputies arrived, and the driver, a 17-year old male, was pronounced dead on the scene. No name has been released yet. The incident remains under investigation. The Minnesota State Patrol has been asked to assist.
--Minnesota’s labor force grew again in May. More than 8,700 workers entered the job market, but the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says there are still two open jobs for every unemployed worker in the state. A growing labor force is the latest sign of strength for Minnesota’s economy. Employers constantly tell us that they need more workers to fill their open roles. Now, we’ve seen back-to-back months during which more workers are pursuing jobs around the state. This is great news for Minnesota workers and employers, and we will work hard to make sure this trend continues. Employers added over 7,700 new jobs in May, fueled by increases in Business Services and Hospitality. Minnesota continues to outpace the U.S. economy, boasting a 62 percent labor force participation and an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.
--Due to the Little Falls city offices being closed today for Juneteenth the Little Falls City Council will meet Tuesday night at 7:30pm. A reminder that many government offices, post offices and banks are closed for the holiday today.
--On Wednesday at approximately 9:30am. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and the Crosslake Police Department were dispatched to an address on the east shore of Cross Lake for a report of an adult female found floating face-down in the water. 73-year-old, Susan Ann Mezzenga of Crosslake, was discovered within feet of the shoreline in front of her Crosslake home. Investigators from the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office processed the scene. No foul play is suspected at this time. Mezzenga lives alone at her residence, and the event was unwitnessed. The Mezzenga’s body was transported to the Ramsey County Medical examiner’s office for an autopsy. Probable cause of death is fresh water drowning. There are no other details to be released at this time. Assisting the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office were the Crosslake Police and Fire Departments.
--The Minnesota DNR has released their full turkey hunting harvest numbers for the recently completed season. This year's totals were the 2nd most behind only the 2020 season which had the most licenses sold because many people chose to turkey hunt due to the pandemic. The total harvested this spring is 13,652. The record set in 2020 was 13,991. It ended up being a pretty good turkey season despite a slow start in harvests and licenses sold due to the longer winter. Turkey hunting is split up into multiple seasons each spring.
--A Minnesota Man has been charged with trafficking human remains stolen from the Harvard Medical School. Mathew Lampi of East Bethel was one of four individuals to be indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam says the indictment alleges Lampi was part of a nationwide network that bought and sold human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and a mortuary in Arkansas from 2018 to 2022. According to court records, the manager of the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School would steal organs from the medical research cadavers before their cremation. Others would buy the stolen organs, transport them across state lines, and resell them.
--A midday crash in Big Lake sent a woman to the hospital. The Minnesota State Patrol says a BMW Coupe, driven by 28-year-old Reyna Romero from Big Lake, and a Peterbilt dump truck driven by 67-year-old Gary Plamann from Clear Lake, were both heading west on Highway 10. The two vehicles crashed near Industrial Boulevard at about noon Friday. Romero was sent to the Monticello hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Alcohol may have been a factor.
DEATH NOTICES
--Roger Nelson, age 86 of Little Falls.
--Eileen M. Brausen, age 76 of Pierz.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and humid, high 86, humid night, low 66.
TUESDAY= sunny and warm, high 91, humid night, low near 60.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and warm, high near 90, low around 63.
SPORTS
TWINS= Detroit blasted the Twins 7-1 on Friday night. Twins use the bullpen for a 2-0 win on Saturday. Detroit beats the Twins 6-4 on Sunday to take the series. Twins host the Boston Red Sox tonight at Target Field, pregame begins at 6pm on Q92 WYRQ
HS BAB= State Champions crowned on Friday, in Class A Fosston, Class AA Esko, Class AAA New Prague and Class 4A to East Ridge.