The Geraets Gazette

Target Center drops Ticketmaster for AXS

2012-11-05T21:26:21Z

Target Center announced it will no longer use Ticketmaster to sell tickets to events and will instead begin selling tickets using a system run by company AEG Live called AXS, new sources reported.

AXS is already being locally used for the AEG-owned club Mill City Nights. The Target Center will continue to use Ticketmaster to sell tickets for Timberwolves and Lynx games, but that could change over time as well, the Star Tribune reported.

While AXS will not provide a break from the fees that made Ticketmaster unpopular, the fees are listed as a single fee up front and AXS does not charge a print-at-home fee as Ticketmaster had, the Star Tribune reported.

AXS offers a virtual "waiting room" that displays real-time ticket pricing and availability. Buyers now have the ability to reserve adjacent seats for friends as well, the Pioneer Press reported.

The first event to employ AXS will be for the WWE Holiday Show on Dec. 28. Tickets go on sale Saturday, news sources reported.

According to the Pioneer Press, Ticketmaster will handle single-game tickets through the end of the Timberwolves' 2012-13 season. Boy band One Direction's July concert will be the final event sold by Ticketmaster in the Target Center, the Pioneer Press reported.

Fire at North Branch Veterniary Hospital confirmed to be arson

2012-11-05T05:17:41Z

North Branch police are looking for information following an early morning fire Sunday at the North Branch Veterinary Hospital, news sources reported.

North Branch police and fire crews responded to calls just before 3:30 a.m., North Branch police told the Pioneer Press.

The state fire marshal confirmed the fire as a case of arson, news sources reported.

There was extensive damage to one corner of the building, and animals in that area were evacuated, Sgt. Rick Sapp told the Pioneer Press.

Five dogs and a cat were rescued unharmed after fire officials were called to put out the blaze, news sources reported.

Authorities are offering an aware of up to $2,5000 for information leading to an arrest in the case, according to Associated Press via the Star Tribune. Anyone with information is asked to call North Branch police at 651-674-8848.

New York City Marathoners lend a helping hand to victims of Hurricane Sandy

2012-11-05T04:39:34Z

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg canceled the New York City Marathon Friday afternoon in the wake of Hurricane Sandy after hearing much outcry against the race, according to the New York Times.

Instead of running the marathon, runners transported supplies to Staten Island. Thousands of marathon volunteers and runners dedicated their Sunday to helping families with damaged or destroyed houses from the hurricane, the New York Times reported.

According to the Star Tribune, some runners gathered in Central Park to finish what they arrived in New York to do - to run 26.2 miles. Though all runners are guaranteed entry into next year's marathon, not everyone was sure they'd have the chance to run, and took this opportunity to run.

Staten Island resident Jonscott Turco gave instructions to the runners that chose to help on Staten Island on Sunday, the Star Tribune reported. "The devastation and damage you are about to wander into... It's pretty extraordinary. The only thing I can prepare you for is they're still finding people, remains," Turco said.

Would-be marathoners rode the ferry carrying backpacks and luggage full of food, water, diapers, pet foods and other goods, the New York Times reported. Some delivered and served food while others got their hands dirty and helped Staten Island residents clean up what was left of their waterlogged homes.

"We had our marathon today," runner Ceresa DiTalia, told the New York Times. "But it was just more of an emotional one."