United Way Campaign Successful; Clearbrook Man Dies In Crash; New Bill Targets Bad Adult Behavior At Youth Activities
>>Bemidji Area United Way Reaches Campaign Goal
BEMIDJI – More than 100 people gathered at Bemidji Brewing on Tuesday evening 2024 to celebrate the success of United Way of Bemidji Area’s 2023 fall fundraising campaign for the community.
The United Way’s Co-Chairs, Board members and Pacesetter Business representatives: Derek Leach 2023 Campaign Co-Chair, Brett Leach 2023 Campaign Co- Chair, Rebecca Jewett of Riverwood Bank, Alex Schussman of First National Bank Bemidji, Cammie Vogel of Beltrami Electric, Shannon Johnson and Angela Hammer of Target, Megan Steigauf from Sanford Health, and Donelle Anderson and Kev Jackson of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, revealed the 2023 campaign total. Raising over $701,000 in last year’s campaign, and with a goal of $725,000 this year, United Way of Bemidji Area ended their 2023 campaign at $725,360. Campaign co-chairs were Derek Leach and Brett Leach.
>>Second Case Of Measles Confirmed In Twin Cities
(St. Paul, MN) — A second case of measles has been confirmed in Minnesota. The state Department of Health says an unvaccinated one-year-old child from Dakota County traveled outside the U.S. and became infected, becoming the first case in the state since 2022. Health officials now say the patient’s sibling, who is also unvaccinated, has also tested positive for measles. They’re urging parents to make sure their kids are up-to-date with their vaccines, and to report any symptoms as soon as possible. (24/7 News Source)
>>One Dead After Crash In St. Louis County
(Orr, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol says one person is dead following a crash in St. Louis County. Investigators say a tractor-trailer crashed head-on into another vehicle on Highway 53 north of Orr yesterday afternoon. According to Minnesota’s 511 website, the crash happened 10 miles north of Orr around 3 p.m. Officials say a Peterbilt tractor-trailer was driving north on Highway 53 at Lambert Road when a Chevy Cobalt heading southbound crossed the centerline, colliding with the Peterbilt head-on.
30-year-old Joshua Clyde Roudebush of Clearbrook was driving the Cobalt and died as a result of the crash. The semi driver was not injured. (24/7 News Source)
>>New Bill Being Proposed Will Fine Anyone That Interferes With Youth Athletic Activity
(St. Paul, MN) — A new bill is being proposed that will fine anyone up to a thousand dollars that interferes with a youth athletic activity. Republican John Huot, a former referee, is proposing the bill after he says colleagues of his claim they have been followed home, have food thrown at them, and one had their whistle ripped off. Thousands of refs, umpires, and officials reported in a survey, with 70 percent saying sportsmanship is worsening, and about 50 percent say they fear for their safety. The bill will also create a special revenue fund, where all fines will be allocated to hire and train more referees, have new clinics, and pay off administrative fees. (24/7 News Source)
>>MN House Speaker Says Sanctuary State Bill May Not Have Enough Votes
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill that would direct state and local authorities to stop working with federal agencies on immigration enforcement may not move forward in the Minnesota Legislature. House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Monday that she doesn’t believe the North Star Act has enough support in the House or Senate to pass. Two DFL lawmakers used social media to announce their opposition to the measure over the weekend. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says it’s too soon to say whether the bill will advance since it still needs to go through the committee process. (24/7 News Source)
>>School Resource Officer Fix Advances In Committee
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill that would adjust a state law regarding the use of force in Minnesota schools is advancing in the state legislature. The bill passed its first test in the House Education Policy Committee on Monday and was approved by the Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee yesterday. The bill would offer modifications to last year’s law to ease concerns that school resource officers could be held liable for using certain types of force against students. Lawmakers expect the bill to get to the House floor next week. (24/7 News Source)
>>Pope County Man Arrested For Sending Sexual Messages On Social Media
(Glenwood, MN) — A man is facing charges in Pope County after sending sexual messages to an undercover deputy posing as a child. Twenty-six-year-old Kyle Lieser of Glenwood was arrested last week on two felony charges of trying to engage a child in sexual conduct using electronic communication. Investigators say Lieser sent a message to the undercover deputy, thinking he was talking to someone younger than 15-years-old. Additional messages led Lieser to arrange a meeting that ultimately led to his arrest. (24/7 News Source)
>>Minnesota Court Of Appeals Turns Down Challenge To Abortion Rights
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has turned down a challenge to a state court decision that ended restrictions on abortion in 2022. The decision announced this week stops an attempt by an anti-abortion group to get a new hearing in the Doe v. Minnesota case. The case was originally filed in 2019 by groups that argued restrictions on abortion care harmed patients and clients. The court overseeing the case ruled several abortion restrictions were unconstitutional and permanently blocked their enforcement. Minnesota lawmakers repealed most of those anti-abortion laws last year. (24/7 News Source)
>>Charges Dismissed Against NE MN Psychologist Accused Of Sexual Assault
(Carlton, MN) — Prosecutors in Carlton County say sexual assault charges against a former psychologist have been dismissed after a witness in the case died. Michelle Dawn Brownfield was accused of maintaining an inappropriate relationship with two men she was assigned to treat as part of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Prosecutors say the sister of one of the alleged victims in the case died. Because her testimony was vital to the prosecution, they dismissed the two third-degree felony charges against Brownfield. (24/7 News Source)
>>MDA Accepting Applications For Specialty Crop Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota farmers who grow specialty crops are eligible for grant funding to help promote and market what they grow. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program is designed to increase the competitiveness of Minnesota specialty crops in both foreign and domestic markets. The deadline for applications is March 21st. More information on crop eligibility and application guidelines is available on the MDA website. (24/7 News Source)
>>DNR Tightens Mille Lacs Harvets Limits
The Department of Natural Resources will tighten fishing regulations on Lake Mille Lacs this year in response to a downturn in the lake’s walleye population.
DNR fisheries biologists presented the data Tuesday night at a meeting of the lake’s citizens advisory committee. State fisheries chief Brad Parsons said the population decline was not unexpected, nor is it dire, But it has translated into a 10% reduction in 2024′s allowable harvest level, recently negotiated between the DNR and Ojibwe bands with treaty rights. (24/7 News Source)
