BCA Continues Burnsville Shooter Probe; Ref Protection Bill considered in legislature; DNR Bans 14 Invasives
>Official Fund Set Up For Fallen Burnsville Cops, Paramedic
(Burnsville, MN) — An official fund has been set up to help the families of two fallen Burnsville police officers and a paramedic. Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were gunned down Sunday after responding to a domestic call at an area home. Authorities previously warned that scam artists were using fake funds to make money in the victims’ names. Anyone donating to the account set up by Law Enforcement Labor Services can be assured that the money raised will be delivered directly to the families. For more information go to lels.org.
>>BCA Investigating Where Burnsville Shooter Got Guns
(Burnsville, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is looking into where Burnsville shooter, Shannon Gooden, got the guns he allegedly used to kill two police officers and one paramedic. Gooden was banned from possessing guns following his 2007 conviction for felony assault. The charge was lowered to a misdemeanor after he finished probation, but the judge specified he still could not possess guns. Gooden appealed to have his gun rights restored in 2020, but the appeal was denied.
>Former State Lawmaker And Judge Announces Run For Dean Phillips Third District Seat
(Maple Grove, MN) — A former Minnesota legislator and judge is entering the race for Dean Phillips’s Third Congressional District seat. Tad Jude announced his campaign yesterday for the Republican nomination. Other GOPers in the race are Blaize Harty, James Page, and Quentin Wittrock. Congressman Phillips, a Democrat, is currently running for president and announced in November that he will not run for re-election this year. The Republican primary election is on August 13.
>>New Bill Would Protect Youth Sports Refs
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are looking at a bill that aims to protect youth sports referees. Under the bill, fans who interfere before, during, and after a sporting event could be fined a-thousand dollars. The bill would classify such attacks as a gross misdemeanor. The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission estimates there are up to a-thousand such cases each year. The bill is not expected to move quickly, as lawmakers are trying to determine costs.
>>MN DNR Bans 13 Invasive Species
(St. Paul, MN) — The state of Minnesota is putting 13 plants, fish and worms on its list of prohibited invasive species. The state Department of Natural Resources announced yesterday that a dozen types of plants, fish and shellfish are immediately banned to protect Minnesota’s environment and economy. The list includes mitten crabs, walking catfish, golden clams and the non-native common reed. Jumping worms will be banned effective July 1st to give businesses that sell worms a chance to comply with the new regulations.
>>Mapleton Mayor Charged In Minnesota Car Crash
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The mayor of Mapleton, North Dakota faces felony charges in connection with a crash that seriously injured a woman. It happened Sunday afternoon at the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes, where Andrew Draeger reportedly took a curve too fast and crashed into some trees and a large rock. A woman in Draeger’s truck suffered a fractured back and neck and was knocked unconscious. Police claim Draeger had been drinking before the crash, and he’s charged with two counts of felony criminal vehicular operation.
>>Minnesota State Fair Holding Auction
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is auctioning off some memorabilia. Some of the items are related to circus or carnival themes, auto racing, railroad, Ye Old Mill Boats, and more. Online bidders have about a week to make bids, and bidding ends on February 28th at 1 p.m.
