>>Man Dies After ATV Breaks Through Ice Near Cass Lake
(Cass Lake, MN) — Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk is telling citizens that several area lakes remain extremely unsafe for ice travel, as recent colder weather has not been enough to stabilize ice that has only recently frozen. An 82-year old Bemidji man died Friday after his Polaris Ranger ATV went through the ice on Pike Bay near Cass Lake. A passenger on the ATV was rescued from the lake and was treated by first responders. Assisting with rescue and recovery efforts were Leech Lake Tribal Police, the Minnesota DNR, Case Lake Fire Department, Bemidji Fire Department, Leech Lake Ambulance, and Bemidji Ambulance.
>>Radon Awareness Month
(BEMIDJI) January is National Radon Awareness Month. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in your home, and is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. About 40% of homes in Minnesota have elevated radon and the only way to know if your home has radon is to test.
Beltrami County Public Health has radon test kits available for residents who would like to test their home. The free kits can be picked up from the Beltrami County Public Health Office at 616 America Ave NW in Bemidji.
>>Beltrami Electric Announces 2023 Touchstone Energy Community Award
(BEMIDJI)– Beltrami Electric Cooperative named Bemidji’s Let’s Go Fishing with Seniors program as the winner of the local 2023 Touchstone Energy® Community Award. The award recognizes organizations making remarkable contributions to their local communities. Angela Lyseng of Beltrami Electric Cooperative released a statement saying, “As Let’s Go Fishing with Seniors stands as a shining example of the power of community service, Beltrami Electric Cooperative takes pride in celebrating and acknowledging the program’s dedication to fostering well-being, camaraderie, and joy among seniors and other community members.”
>>Three Hospitalized After UTV Crash Critically Injures Two Boys
(Norway Lake Township, MN) — Three people are hurt after a crash involving an off-road vehicle and a pickup truck near Willmar. The collision happened yesterday afternoon in Norway Lake Township. Minnesota State Patrol authorities say two boys suffered life-threatening injuries. The UTV’s driver, a 15-year-old boy, was also taken to a hospital but there is no word on his condition. (24/7 News Source)
>>Victims In Deadly Lake Benton Shooting Identified
(Lake Benton, MN) — Investigators in Lincoln County are identifying two people who died in a shooting last week in Lake Benton, near Marshall. The sheriff’s office says 81-year-old Sandra Goertz died from multiple gunshots on January 4th. Her husband, 90-year-old Irwin Goertz, died from a single gunshot wound. The sheriff’s office believes the elderly man shot his wife and then took his own life. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the sheriff’s office in the investigation.(24/7 News Source)
>>Fire Kills Two Dogs, Destroys Home
(Otter Tail County, MN) — A fire has destroyed a house in Otter Tail County. The incident happened over the weekend. When deputies reported to the home, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but a pair of dogs were killed, and the house was a total loss. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the incident.(24/7 News Source)
>>Likely No Prison Time For Wizard of OZ Slipper Thief
(Grand Rapids, MN) — Federal prosecutors aren’t recommending prison time for the man who stole the Wizard of Oz ruby slippers from a Grand Rapids museum. Seventy-six-year-old Terry Jon Martin pleaded guilty in October, admitting that he used a sledgehammer to steal the slippers worn by actress Judy Garland. He said he got rid of the slippers after realizing they weren’t made of real rubies. A report reveals that both prosecutors and Martin’s defense team agree he shouldn’t spend anymore time behind bars due to his declining health. Instead, they’re recommending house arrest.(24/7 News Source)
>>DNR Looking For Summer Interns
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for summer interns. The agency wants to employ 200 students to fill positions at fisheries, state parks, state forests and other DNR operations. The students will work between 20 and 40 hours a week and will receive 19-dollars an hour. More information on applying for the positions is available on the DNR’s website.(24/7 News Source)
