Hibbing Man Allegedly Kidnapped and Tortured; More Fatal Accidents in 2024; New Retail Delivery Fee Going Into Effect
>>Women Charged With Kidnapping Man In Hibbing
(Hibbing, MN) — Two women are facing charges in Hibbing for allegedly kidnapping a man and then assaulting him for several days. Police arrested Corrine Starc and Shelly Goerdt on Monday after the man escaped from the home where he’d been allegedly held captive. The man told police that the two women invited him to the home last Friday, then held him at gunpoint while they restrained him with duct tape, plastic wrap, a rope and a chain. They then used a Taser on him several times. Police have charged Starc with kidnapping, assault and other charges, while Goerdt is charged with helping Starc. (24/7 News Source)
>>City Workers In Virginia Vote For Strike
(Virginia, MN) — Union workers in the city of Virginia are planning a strike. The union representing public works, parks and recreation, library and city hall workers in the City of Virginia voted in favor of a strike on Wednesday night. The union has accused city leaders of mismanagement and says pay and benefits are being cut as a result. The strike could happen early next month, as the union must wait for ten days after notifying the city. (24/7 News Source)
>>Deadly Crashes In MN Up Compared To Last Year
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota authorities are urging drivers to slow down to prevent deadly crashes on state roads. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says 49 deadly crashes have happened so far this year, compared to 29 at this time last year. Officials say drivers are going faster this winter because of a lack of snow and ice on the roads. That’s leading to more violent crashes that increase the risk of injury or death. In addition to slowing down, authorities say drivers should also fasten their seat belts and be attentive when they are behind the wheel.(24/7 News Source)
>>Retail Delivery Fee Going Into Effect In MN This Summer
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans will begin paying a new fee to the state when they have packages delivered to their homes. In July, a 50-cent fee will be added to most deliveries that cost over 100-dollars. The fee was approved by state lawmakers last year as a way to replace gas tax revenues that have been lost due to the increased use of electric vehicles. The fee is expected to raise about 60-million dollars that will be sent to local governments to help pay for road repairs.(24/7 News Source)
>>Duluth Man Dragged Through Skywalk Tentatively Settles With City Leaders
(Duluth, MN) — The Duluth City Council will consider a 90 thousand dollar payout to a man who was dragged through the Skywalk nearly seven years ago. Brian Houle filed a lawsuit against the city including three police officers who were at the scene of the incident near the Tech Village parking ramp. The plaintiff claimed a traumatic brain injury when he was dragged. The settlement calls for Houle to drop all charges and there is no admission of liability on the part of the defendants.(24/7 News Source)
>>Burnsville Shooter Fired Over 100 Rounds
(Burnsville, MN) — The man blamed for shooting and killing two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter paramedic fired more than 100 rifle rounds at them. That’s according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, which is releasing more details on the tragic shooting. The department also says police negotiated with 38-year-old Shannon Gooden for more than three hours before he started shooting. Investigators say they recovered a large amount of ammunition from Gooden’s home as well. (24/7 News Source)
>>MN Bill Would Offer Tax Credit For Water Quality Certification
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota farmers could soon receive a financial incentive for making sure their land meets state water quality guidelines. A bill being considered this year would offer a five-dollar an acre tax credit for land certified by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. Southeastern Minnesota Republican Representative Steven Jacob is sponsoring the bill. He was among the first farmers in the state to have his land certified when the program began ten years ago. A hearing on the bill is set in the House Agriculture Committee next week.(24/7 News Source)
>Warm Winter Brings Early Maple Syrup Season
(Victoria, MN) — This year’s unusually warm winter has resulted in an early maple syrup season in Minnesota. While tapping trees for sap usually happens in March and April, it’s happening right now because of the mild weather conditions. However, maple syrup aficionados warn that collecting the sap too early can give the syrup a bitter taste. (24/7 News Source)
>>”Daily Show” Correspondent Visits Duluth To Explore Climate Change
(Duluth, MN) — A correspondent for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” recently visited Duluth to explore the idea that the city may be resisting climate change. A segment posted online yesterday features correspondent Michael Kosta speaking to Duluth officials and residents. Kosta found many residents were open to the idea of people from other states coming to Duluth to escape climate change. The city’s chief sustainability officer did offer a warning to those who might consider moving, saying “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”(24/7 News Source)
