Luesse Lot

An urban explorer died Sunday after exploring a tunnel and being swept into the Mississippi River near the Lake Street bridge in St. Paul, reported the Star Tribune.

Ian William Talty, 30, of Woodbury, died despite an intense rescue attempt by St. Paul police officer and several students from the nearby University of St. Thomas, said St. Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard, reported the Star Tribune.

"He was a good dad," Nicole Talty, Ian's wife, said Sunday reported Kare-11 TV. She said her husband always went out on Sunday mornings and always brought home "amazing" pictures.

Talty and his companion, Nicholas Breid, were exploring and photographing the bluffside tunnel when it filled with rainwater during a thunderstorm.

Bried, 29, swam to shore and survived, and was reported to have no injuries. Talty's cries for help were heard by the St. Thomas rowing club, who immediately called 911.

Three University of St. Thomas students then jumped into a boat with a member of the Minneapolis rowing club and went out onto the river to search for Talty, and were soon joined by a St. Paul police officer in a boat, according to the Star Tribune.

They found Talty's body some 500 yards south down river.

"We've been preaching for years to stay out of the caves and tunnels along the Mississippi," Zaccard said. He also said carbon monoxide poisoning is a potential threat too. "The message is to stay out of the tunnels and caves," he said

Posted by luess004 at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Minnesota Vikings chose Percy Harvin, a wide receiver from Florida, at No. 22 in the NFL Draft on Saturday, reported the Star Tribune.

They also chose offensive tackle Phil Loadholt with the 54th pick in the second round. The former Oklahoma player will join Bryant McKinnie at 6 foot 8, 330-plus pound tackle to give the Vikings one of the biggests set of tackles in the NFL, according to the Pioneer Press.

Coach Brad Childress and player personnel vice president Rick Spielman both believe their first draft day could not have gone any better, reported the Pioneer Press.

Harvin was one of the most explosive playmakers in college football last season, and by many considered to be a top-10 pick. Although there were issues around his character and behavior that concerned many teams, the Vikings believe in Harvin, reported the Pioneer Press.

"We felt comfortable enough that he was just too explosive of a playmaker and too hard to pass up where we were picking," Spielman said, according to the Pioneer Press.

With the first day moves, the Vikings not only fill their two most important needs, but they also land a player capable of scoring touchdowns and selling tickets, reported the Pioneer Press.

Loadholt, a sound choice and addition to the team, will have every opportunity to compete for a starting position, while Harvin is expected to step in and be a major threat right away, reported the Star Tribune.

"He's going to really help our team, and we're looking forward to it," Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said. "We have to strike when the iron is hot, and I think now is the time to do it. We're very happy to be able to pick [him] at this time."

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/43702287.html?page=2&c=y
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12230306?source=most_viewed

Posted by luess004 at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hundreds of students became disorderly Saturday night at a block party in Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota campus, bringing police in riot gear to subdue the fray, reported the Star Tribune.

Six people were arrested as police used tear gas, pepper spray, and foam bullets to disperse a massive crowd that had gathered on 7th Street and between 14th and 13th Avenues SE where at bonfire had been started in the street, according to the Star Tribune.

“This is a lot of drunk college students that are taking advantage of a good situation,” Garcia said about Spring Jam, reported the Minnesota Daily. “I think they might have gotten the message tonight.”

Students say the block party was associated with the University of Minnesota's Spring Jam celebrations, reported the Pioneer Press.

The crowd grew to over 500 people throughout the night with more than 60 officers responding to the call, reported the Star Tribune.

After their initial arrival and attempt at dispersing the crowd, the students responded by throwing beer bottles and rocks at the police, reported the Minnesota Daily.

No serious injuries were reported, according to the Pioneer Press.

“Usually when that many people get together, something stupid is going to happen,” Erik Donley, a resident of the 1400 block of Seventh St., said.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/43707982.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12232644
Minnesota Daily: http://www.mndaily.com/2009/04/26/students-riot-dinkytown

Posted by luess004 at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shoua Vang of St. Paul died Saturday night after her car collided with a stolen vehicle at the Larpeunter Avenue exit off Interstate-35E in St. Paul, reported the Star Tribune.

Vang, 48, was hit by a suspect fleeing Roseville Police in a stolen Chrysler just after 7 p.m. She was taken to Regions Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arriving, reported the Pioneer Press.

Vang's male companion, who was in the car with her, was listed as in the serious condition. The suspect and an 8-year-old boy riding with him had only minor injuries, according to the Star Tribune.

Tito Fonzio Campbell, 33, of Roseville, was arrested at the scene of the accident, according to Roseville police. He is being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide.

Roseville Police said they had called off their chase of the suspect and had not been pursuing him before the crash occured, according to the Pioneer Press.

Authorities estimated that Campbell was driving 90 miles per hour on Hwy. 36 when he crashed into Vang.

After spotting the stolen Chrysler 300M, a police officer put on his lights and pursued the vehicle, when it started to drive recklessly. At that point, "the officer immediately discontinued the pursuit due to the suspect's aggressive and dangerous driving," according to Roseville police, reported the Pioneer Press.

Campbell has extensive criminal history, such as convictions for carrying a pistol without a permit, attempted robbery and driving after revocation, according to the Pioneer Press.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12175227
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/43252917.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ

Posted by luess004 at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minnesota Twins pitcher Glenn Perkins led the team to a 3-1 victory at the Metrodome Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, reported the Star Tribune.

Perkins helped the Twins cap a three-game series sweep of the Angels even a big bruise on his thigh after being hit by Bobby Adreu's line drive, reported the Pioneer Press.

The ball hit Perkins at more than 100-mph, bouncing of his leg and to third baseman Brendan Harris who was able to pick it up and throw Adreu out at first base.

After walking around the mound gingerly, Perkins pitched and completed 8 innings, allowing only 1 run and four hits, according to the Star Tribune.

"Trying to get them to hit my pitches, and they weren't able to do it," Perkins said, reported the Star Tribune. "That's what I try to do every time: Be efficient and get deep into a game, and right now it's working out."

After losing three out of four games in Toronto, the Twins now look confident with Boston and Cleveland ahead on the schedule, reported the Pioneer Press.

"I came down and sat next to (Francisco Liriano) after the third inning. I struck three guys out on sliders, and I said, 'Man, I feel like I'm you now, Frankie — get to two strikes and you just keep throwing sliders until they swing and miss,' " Perkins said, according to the Pioneer Press. "And he goes, 'Works, man.' "

Perkins is now 1-1 and the Twins 7-7, a game out of first place in the AL Central Division.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/43251907.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12178783?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An Eagan man was charged Friday with assault and attempted murder in connection with stabbings of a Burnsville man and woman earlier this week, reported the Star Tribune.

The Dakota County attorney's office charged Taylor Pass, 18, with stabbing a woman multiple times in the chest and a man in the neck and back at a townhome in Burnsville Tuesday night, reported the Pioneer Press.

The teen faces two counts of attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault, and two counts of second degree assault. Possible motives remain unclear at the moment, according to the Pioneer Press.

Pass' bail was set at $500,000 without conditions, or $250,000 with various conditions: he refrain from drug and alcohol use and that he avoid the town home where the crime took place, reported the Pioneer Press.

The Star Tribune reports that the criminal complaint says that Pass broke his knife when he stabbed the man and woman, and then proceeded to get another one and continue attacking them.

Tina SanRoman, 35, and Odai Al-Refo, 24, were identified as the victims. SanRoman is in critical condition and Al-Refo is in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center, reported the Star Tribune.

"Their status is still fluid, your honor," said Assistant County Attorney Shirley Leko, according to the Pioneer Press. "They're in very grave condition at this point."

The Pioneer Press reports that SanRoman and Al-Refo were acquainted with Pass, who Savage Police apprehended within 20 minutes of the stabbings.

Pass is being held at the Dakota County Jail in Hastings. May 4 is set for his next court date.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12115826
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/42805982.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs

Posted by luess004 at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The terrorism charges against eight defendants accused of conspiracy to commit riot and property damage during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul were dropped Thursday, reported the Pioneer Press.

The Ramsey county attorney's office said that the group known as the "RNC 8" will still face felony charges of conspiracy to commit riot in the second degree and conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property in the first degree, reported the Star Tribune.

"We believe the terrorism charges would have been a distraction at trial," said Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, reported the Star Tribune. "Dismissing those charges will help us focus on the core illegal conduct that occurred."

The Pioneer Press reports that the terrorism law, signed in by the state legislature in 2002, allows for longer sentences for felony crimes with premeditation and violence to persons or property, and are also intended to intimidate the public and disrupt the right of lawful assembly, the county attorney said.

"I suspect they (prosecutors) are responding to the political pressure and from bad publicity," said Jordan Kushner, an attorney for defendant Luce Guillen-Givens, reported the Star Tribune.

Kushner said that Gaertner, who is seeking the DFL nomination for governor in 2010, had been under pressure and criticism from political activists who thought that the terrorism charges were unwarranted, according to the Star Tribune.

Prosecutors will move to amend the complaint and dismiss the terrorism counts at a hearing May 26 in Ramsey County District Court, reported the Pioneer Press.

Pioneer Press:http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12107307
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/42749517.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUX

Posted by luess004 at 6:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Discussions over a contract extension for cornerback Antoine Winfield will continue on Monday and 'heat up', reported the Star Tribune.

Ashanti Webb, Winfield's agent, said that he was unsure if the "intense negotiations" would result in a deal this week, reported the Star Tribune. The Pioneer Press reported the Webb was also unsure if his client would attend the beginning of the team's offseason workout program on Monday.

"We have a lot of dialogue," agent Ashanti Webb said Saturday night, according to the Pioneer Press. "But things aren't as far along as I would like. We still have a lot of ground to cover to get this thing done. But I do think this can get done, and Antoine definitely wants it to get done, sooner rather than later."

The Pro Bowl cornerback was set to return to the Twin Cities Saturday night after vacationing with his family for spring break in Jamaica. Winfield, 32, enters the last year of his six-year, $35 million contract.

The Pioneer Press reports that two weeks ago, Winfield said he wanted to finish his career with the Vikings and hopes to get an extension completed.

"No bones about it; he wants to be a Viking and retire a Viking. But we want to get this done sooner rather than later, so he can go into the regular season with business taken care of," Webb said.

With about $17 million in salary cap space, the Vikings have room to sign all of their draft picks and lock up key veterans like Winfield beyond next season.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/42484232.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12074121?source=most_viewed

Posted by luess004 at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Detroit Red Wings beat the Wild 3-2 after Marian Hossa's goal with 54.3 seconds remaining snapped a tie at Joe Louis Arena, reported the Pioneer Press.

The Wild had been outplayed the entire game, but rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game. Their desperate playoff bid became even bleaker with the loss.

The Wild were 54.3 seconds from earning at least one crucial point from match, and making their longshot at the postseason still possible, according to the Star Tribune.

"They could have scored six goals," said Gaborik, who scored the tying goal with 1:03 left in the second period, reported the Star Tribune. "If we didn't have [Niklas Backstrom], it would have been much worse. But to get that close to getting at least a point, it's that much more heartbreaking."

Now three points away from the final playoff spot, the Star Tribune reports that mathematical chance for the Wild to still make it is decieving, and unlikely. Even with three games left, the Wild are disadvantaged in every tiebreaker, reported the Star Tribune.

The Pioneer Press reports that the loss was Minnesota's ninth in its last 10 trips to Joe Louis Arena and Detroit improved to 21-5-6 against the Wild since 2000-01, representing the second best of any team versus the Wild (New Jersey, .778).

Goalie Niklas Backstrom allowed the Wild to stay in the game against the very talented Detroit Team. Backstrom made 41 saves as the Wild was outshot 44-23 (34-11 at one point), according to the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/42505502.html?page=2&c=y
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12075232?nclick_check=1

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University of St. Thomas freshman student Daniel Zamlen was reported missing Sunday by a friend who had been talking with him via cell phone as he walked along the Mississippi River Boulevard near St. Clair Avenue early this morning, reported the Star Tribune.

Zamlen, who will turn 19 on Wednesday, was last heard from around 3 a.m this morning. He was talking on the phone when he made an exclamation, and his phone cut out, family member said, accoring to the Star Tribune.

"I don't believe he was down here by the river — we walked it enough — unless he's in some nook and cranny," said his father, Dale Zamlen, reported the Pioneer Press. "I hope he's in the community somewhere."

Zamlen, from Eveleth, is a type-1 diabetic who wears an automatic insulin pump that requires adjustments based on his activity. Concerns over the possiblity of him being in a coma somewhere are high, reported the Pioneer Press.

Zamlen was reported to have been at a party where he left possibly upset about something. He called friends Anna Chappuis and Sarah Nelson — the last people to talk to Zamlen - and asked for a ride.

Chappuis, while on the phone with Zamlen on her way to pick him up, heard him say " 'Oh, my God...where are you...help,' " just before they got disconnected, reported the Pioneer Press.

The girls called a police who did a small search, but when they found footprints in the snow leading off, they figured he had walked off or had been picked up. When there was still no sign of Zamlen in the morning, the search became more extensive, with police, family and friends searching the area.

As of Sunday evening, Zamlen was not found, reported the Pioneer Press.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/42498757.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12078105

Posted by luess004 at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hopkins Royals, the No. 4 ranked team in the nation, captured the Class 4AAAA state title Saturday at Target Center with a 69-59 victory over Osseo, reported the Pioneer Press.

The Royals cap an undefeated season, 31-0, with their final win of the season Saturday. It was their fourth title in eight years.

Royce White lead the Royal's balanced offensive with 20 points as his future coach and University of Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith watched from the sideline, according the Pioneer Press.

Hopkins forward Mike Broghammer added another 11 points and 13 rebounds, while D.J. Peterson and Marvin Singleton combined for 13 points off the bench, reported the Star Tribune.

Both the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press said that the Hopkins team takes its place as one of the best boys basketball team in Minnesota history, and the debate could be made that they are the best.

"I think we gave fans a team to remember, a season to remember,'' said senior center Mike Broghammer to the Pioneer Press. Broghammer is a Notre Dame recruit.

It was predicted and expected by fans and experts that Hopkins, with four Division I players on their roster, would take the championship, despite receiving criticism for bringing in four of its starters from other areas.

"It's a little bit of a relief that it's over,'' said Hopkins coach Kenny Novak Jr., reported the Pioneer Press. "It's been an interesting year. We've got some great kids that worked really hard, but they've had a target on their backs all year basketball-wise."

"I think everything that was said brought us together," Lockett said to the Star Tribune. "And we finished it off."

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/42070032.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUeyD8_o8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12021422?source=most_viewed

Posted by luess004 at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Red River dropped below 40 feet Sunday in Fargo, the lowest level since Thursday, reported the Star Tribune.

The flooded river slowly declined nearly a foot throughout the day after peaking at 40.82 feet on Saturday.

"Amen. It's a great feeling," said Kyle Norman, a Moorhead resident fighting the floods, to the Star Tribune. "We have said we're going to fight this thing and win and we did."

Despite the good news, The Pioneer Press reports that Fargo already is up against a big test this week as a storm approaches bringing a half-foot of snow and strong wind gusts that could put stress and potentially break the already-strained levees that residents have quickly constructed all week.

Some 1,000 volunteers flocked to the Fargodome at North Dakota State University to help build up reserves of sandbags while the city used an aerial effort of dropping one-ton sandbags onto dikes to disturb the river's violent current, reported the Star Tribune.

The river broke under a dike at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning and flooded buildings on a 5-acre high school campus in north Fargo, according to the Star Tribune.

"The campus is basically devastated. They fought the good fight. They lost and there's nothing wrong with that," said Mayor Dennis Walaker, reported the Pioneer Press. "Those things will continue to happen. I guarantee it."

"They made a gallant effort," Principal Morgan Forness told KFGO radio, reported the Star Tribune. "They gave it everything they had, and just couldn't contain it. It came to the center of the campus, and now, it's inundating all of the buildings."

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/42076177.html?elr=KArksDyycyUtyycyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Pioneer Pres: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12023821?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bloomington native Cole Aldrich earned a triple-double in Kansas' victory over Dayton at the Metrodome on Sunday, reported the Star Tribune.

In his homecoming weekend in Minneapolis, Aldrich's triple-double was the first in six years of NCAA tournament play, according to the Pioneer Press.

Aldrich put up 13 points, 20 rebounds, and a career-high 10 blocks in third-seeded Kansas' 60-43 victory over No. 11 seeded Dayton, reported the Star Tribune.

"I've been blocking shots since I was a little kid," said Aldrich to the Star Tribune, who grew up just a few miles away in the suburb of Bloomington. "I was 6 foot in fifth grade. I had a little height advantage, or what have you. That's the one thing I try to do if guys get beat. I just try to go up there and block 'em."

It was the first triple-double since Dwayne Wade recorded one for Marquette in 2003 against Kentucky, also at the Metrodome, reported the Pioneer Press. Aldrich's performance is only this sixth of its kind in tournament history.

Sherron Collins, the Kansas' star guard, led the Jayhawks (27-7) with 25 points.

The 6-foot-11 sophomore center helps the defending champion Kansas advance to the Sweet 16 Midwest Region semifinals next Friday in Indianapolis, where they will face the winner of the Southern California-Michigan State game.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/41655757.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUnEy3L_nEh:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11972642?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President Barack Obama signed an executive order today that will grant a one-year extension to the temporary legal status of 3,600 Liberian immigrants, reported the Pioneer Press.

The order comes just ten days before the March 31 deportation deadline, and allowed thousands of Liberians a sigh of relief.

More than 1,000 of those Liberians granted the extension reside in Minnesota. The state is home to one of the largest Liberian communities in the country, more than 30,000 total, mostly in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, according the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press.

"The Liberian community has become an important part of the social fabric of Minnesota — they are our neighbors and our coworkers," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, reported the Pioneer Press. "While Liberia continues to be unstable, it is important that Liberians who are here legally are able to continue to call Minnesota home. This extension will allow us to continue our pursuit of a more permanent solution."

Those granted the temporary legal status were fleeing a violent civil war that started 20 years ago, and now have established and developed lives in communities in Minnesota and all around the country, reported the Star Tribune.

Advocates for the Liberians hope that the extension will allow time for an agreement and decision to be made to allow the Liberians to stay permanently.

Supporters also say that although conditions have improved in Liberia, it is still a "perilous environment with high unemployment and inadequate infrastructure and electricity" among other problems, reported the Pioneer Press.

"Without an extension, families would have been torn apart, businesses would have closed and communities would have suffered," said Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn, reported the Pioneer Press. "Additionally, Liberia remains a country scarred by civil war and is simply not ready to absorb thousands of new residents."

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11960832?nclick_check=1
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/east/41595947.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU

Posted by luess004 at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minnesota's highest court on Friday denied Democrat Al Franken's reguest to be certified as the winner of U.S. Senate Election, reported the Star Tribune.

The Minnesota Supreme Court said that Franken's certification must await a final resolution to the lengthy recount trial and possible appeals. It was 5-0 decision ruling that Franken was not entitled to be certified until the legal debate has made its way through the state courts.

Franken as had a 225 vote lead over Republican Norm Coleman ever since the recount ended two months ago, and argues that that should be enough to seat him in the Senate.

"We conclude that neither state nor federal law requires issuance of a certificate of election before the election contest is completed," the Supreme Court wrote in a unanimous opinion Friday, reported the Pioneer Press.

Without the election certificate, it'd be very difficult, if not impossible, to seat Franken in the Senate. But the Pioneer Press says that if the Franken's legal team wins one more argument, he could get the certificate soon.

Franken's attorney Mark Elias argued that Coleman had failed to prove that enough absentee ballots had been rejected for him to win.

"Whether it is nine, whether it is 19, whether it is 99, it is far fewer than 225," Elias said to the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/40850567.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_11853364

Posted by luess004 at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An Apple Vallye woman remains in critical condition Sunday after being struck in a hit-and-run Friday afternoon, reported the Pioneer Press.

Joan Levasseur, who is deaf, was crossing the intersection at Cedar Avenue and 153rd street when she was hit around 9 p.m. The 26-year-old was hit by what police described as a large neutral to light colored van with possible front end damage, reported the Star Tribune.

The vehicle never stopped and fled the scene. LeVasseur was brought to Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, and was later transferred to Hennepin County Medical Center, according the Pioneer Press.

Levasseur suffered severe head trauma and brain injuries, along with fractures in both legs, a fractured pelvis, a broken right hand and lacerations to her face family members said, reported the Pioneer Press.

Police are receiving several tips, but no arrests have yet been made, said Apple Valley Sgt. Joe Shaw, reported the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40922827.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11866385?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seven people were robbed in five seperate incidence early Sunday in South Minneapolis reported the Star Tribune.

Minneapolis police are investigating a link between five robberies committed by two suspects said to be in their 20s who were armed with a gun. The holdups occured between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday, police spokesman Sgt. William Palmer told the Star Tribune.

The robberies occured by the two suspects driving up to victims in a car and robbing them after threatening them with a gun. Police do not know whether the threats occured inside or outside of the vehicle, as well as whether there were verbal threats involved, or if simple brandishment of the gun was used.

No one was hurt, Palmer told the Star Tribune, but said, "Anytime a gun is involved, we're concerned."

The victims had cash, cell phones, wallets, purses and clothing stolen from them, reported the Star Tribune. The robberies occured all over south Minneapolis in mostly residential areas, from near Richfield to southeast Minneapolis near the Mississippi River at Franklin Avenue.

Police had not released further information, saying that the robbery unit had not looked at the cases as of Sunday afternoon. Palmer said it is too early to say whether the robberies are linked, which is usually unlikely to have mulitple robberies linked in one night.

The Pioneer Press did not cover this story as of Sunday evening.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40506827.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

Posted by luess004 at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Four teens were charged today for rape of a 13-year-old girl last weekend at a residence in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood said police, reported the Pioneer Press.

The 13-year-old Minneapolis girl was raped by four teens Friday night in what police say may have been a part of an initiation into the Hmong gang, Mafia Gangsters, reported the Star Tribune.

"For gangs, that's when they try to catch them, right around that age," said police spokesman Peter Panos to the Star Tribune. "They're looking to see who they are, trying to find something to belong to, an identity."

The teens - one 16, two 15, and one 13 - each face two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of committing a crime for the benefit of a gang.

The girl had been hanging out with the teens, and they were drinking alcohol, said police. Later she was bitten, punched and threatened before the four teens eventually raped her.

Panos said the girl claimed to already have been a member of the Hmong gang, and that it could be possible the 13-year-old boy was being ininitiated. The four teens made their first appearances today in Ramsey County Juvenile Court, where motions were filed to certify all except the 13-year-old for prosecution as adults.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_11774300?source=most_viewed
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/40234492.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl

Posted by luess004 at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two Shakopee police officers fatally shot a man wielding a knife Saturday amidst a domestic assault investigation, police told the Pioneer Press.

Gordon William Denmark, 36, ignored multiple orders from police to drop his weapon, and was unaffected by a Taser police used against him.

Denmark had allegedly assaulted his estranged wife and a neighbor with a knife late Friday night and fled the scene in the 3000 block of Pine Tree Lane. He was wanted for second-degree assault, second-degree domestic assault and violation of an order for protection after the attack, police told the Pioneer Press.

Police came back to the scene Saturday afternoon for further investigation, where they discovered evidence of a break-in. They later found Denmark hiding in attic space, where he then came out with a knife in hand and police commanded he drop his weapon.

In fear for their lives, the two officers fired and hit Denmark. He died at the scene.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11761860
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40058902.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs

Posted by luess004 at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The St. Paul city attorney's office said Friday that they will not be prosecuting the 323 people arrested at the Marion and Cedar street bridges on Sept. 4 during the Republican National Convention, reported the Pioneer Press.

That means 82 percent of the total 396 people arrested that day will walk with clean records. Mostly juveniles and journalists, they were arrested on suspicion of unlawful assembly or presence at unlawful assemby.

That final protest has yet to yield a single charge reported the Star Tribune.

"When we decide to proceed on a case, it is because we believe we can succeed at trial," said City attorney John Choi at a news conference. "If we come to the conclusion that we can't prove this beyond a reasonable doubt ... we have to dismiss this case. Ultimately, it's the right thing to do in terms of our role as prosecutors."

Choi made sure to reaffirm that declining and dismissing a case does not mean police did not have probably cause to make the arrests or that they acted inappropriately.

Ted Dooley, an attorney who has represented a number of the activists, told the Pioneer press that Choi was acting "honorably."

The City attorney's office had reviewed 672 cases as of friday, with 52 resolved, 52 active or pending arrest warrants, and another 67 still under investigation reported the Pioneer Press.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_11749199?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/conventions/39993192.html?page=1&c=y

Posted by luess004 at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Eagan native Laura Osnes landed a role in Broadway production Saturday reported the Star Tribune.

Osnes will take on the role as the new Nellie Forbush in the production of "South Pacific" at Lincoln Center on March 10. The Pioneer press said it was fitting for Osnes, describing the role as a" cockeyed optimist.

The Eagan native starred in the successful Broadway revival of "Grease" in 2007, after winning the role of Sandy in NBC-TV's competition "Grease: Your the One That I Want". The show closed in January after Osnes had spent a year on it, according to the Star Tribune.

Osnes' local experience includes productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre and Childrens' Theatre Company. After "Grease", Osnes had been in the Kennedy Center's "Broadway: Three Generations" concerts.

"South Pacific" is directed by Bartlett Sher and won the Tony award for best revival in 2008. Osnes succeeds Kelli O'Hara, a Tony nominee, who is pregnant with her first child and will return to the role next October, reported the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/onstage/39611777.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU&elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_11701117

Posted by luess004 at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minnesota Timberwolves star center Al Jefferson will be out for the rest of the season with a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament.

A magnetic resonance imaging exam showed that Jefferson had torn the ACL of his right after landing awkwardly with a mere 27.2 seconds left in Sunday's game in New Orlean's, reported the Pioneer Press. Coach Kevin McHale said Jefferson will have surgery within the next week to 10 days and told players to expect him to out for six to eight months.

"I feel terrible for Al," McHale said. "Al's really, right now, devastated. He feels terrible about it."

Jefferson, 24, is the team's leader scorer and rebounder, and was having an all-star-worthy season, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game, both ranking him in the top 10 in the league. The injury will even put Jefferson's readiness for next season in to question.

"Al's played at such a high level for the team," said McHale. "Everybody around today is just down in the dumps."

The Timberwolves (17-33) will face the Toronto Raptors at Target Center tonight and have near a week off for the All-Star Game, before finishing the remaining 32 games.

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_11664211
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/39322117.html?page=2&c=y

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11663164?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

http://www.startribune.com/sports/39306752.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU

Posted by luess004 at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 19th ranked Gopher men's basketball team came up short against Ohio State Saturday night, their fourth loss in their past six games.

Despite Blake Hoffarbers 19 second-half points, the Gophers lost to the Buckeyes 64-58 in front of a sold out crowd in Columbus. However, Coach Tubby Smith found value in loss, especially after the route handed to them by Michigan State Wednesday night.

"We showed a little more toughness and a little more fight," Smith said. "We can do better, but this is kind of a sign of a youthful team."

The Gophers leave a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten, and drop back to sixth, with 7 conference games left in the season. Minnesota finds itself in a bit of a slump, with a sense of urgency in place now as they try to get to the Big Dance.

"We've only won two of the last six, so we're kind of in a slump right now." said junior forward Damian Johnson. "We just have to focus on getting back to where we were. We need to go on a nice run to end the season to get us into the (NCAA) tournament."

The Gophers are set to play Indiana on Tuesday at Williams Arena.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/39293522.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_11654990?source=most_viewed

Posted by luess004 at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The number of farms in Minnesota grew overall despite an overall declilne most places according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture released Wednesday.

The U.S. Agriculture Department's 2007 Census of Agriculture showed that traditional medium-sized family farms are in great decline, while the largest farms continue to grow and produce more and more of our food. This trend was true for Minnesota as well, but unlike other areas Minnesota saw an overall growth in numbers.

"Minnesota still remains a dominate force in agriculture on the national picture," said Gene Hugoson, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner, to Minnesota Public Radio. "We're ranking number seven among all the states and I think that's fairly significant."

The Star Tribune reported that Minnesota's neighbors in the Farm Belt are losing farms by the thousands, such as Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana.

Much of the decline in the traditional mid-sized farms results from the drastic increases in energy costs. Almost all of the growth was shown to be because of the multiplying small, hobby and organic farms. Minnesota Public Radio reports that these smaller farms have increased 66 percent since the last estimate report in 2005.

The organic farm market is showing itself to be strong, formidable and in demand, and will definitely have a role in the uncertain future of agriculture.

MPR: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/02/04/agriculture_census/
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/south/39093342.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl

Posted by luess004 at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bald eagles have made a sharp recovery and rebound in southern Minnesota reports the Department of Natural Resources.

The once-endangered species was taken off the list 2007 and is reported to be thriving in numbers. At one point there were only around 500 nesting pairs, which is now estimated at 10,000. In another figure, the DNR reports 872 nests in the area, a 670 percent increase since 1973.

Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, a DNR non-game specialist, says that bald eagle populations have been growing exponentially, reported the Associated Press. Gelvin-Innaver says bald eagles need adequate tree cover, food supply, and distance from other nesting pairs to do well. It seems they must be finding just that.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/38757027.html?elr=KArksUUUU
MPR: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/01/31/bald_eagles_rebound_in_southern_minnesota/

Posted by luess004 at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Target Corp. announced Tuesday afternoon that it is laying off 600 employees from its headquarters staff, as well as cutting 400 other open positions.

The Star Tribune reported the layoffs amount to 9 percent of the Minneapolis-based corporation's headquarters staff, and will affect employees primarily in the Twin Cities area. In conjunction with the cuts, Target will also close one of its distribution centers later this year in Little Rock, Ark., affecting another 500 employees.

The news comes after a wave of job cuts and layoffs by companies nationwide. Monday, according to the Star Tribune, around 75,000 cuts were made by companies such as Home Depot and Caterpillar, amounting to some 170,000 total for the month of January. Richfield-based Best Buy also said Tuesday that it will be announcing cuts of its own on Feb. 19.

“We are clearly operating in an unprecedented economic environment that requires us to make some extremely difficult decisions to ensure Target remains competitive over the long-term,�? said Gregg Steinhafel, Target’s president and CEO. The cuts come amidst a worsening economic recession, as consumers tighten their belts and purchase less clothing, electronics, and other discretionary products. After the worst holiday shopping season in 40 years, Target has also seen its stock drop 38 percent in the past year and faces a daunting levels of defaults in its credit-card portfolio.

http://www.startribune.com/business/38457219.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11564182?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 5:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)