Dolphin dies at Minnesota Zoo
Minnesota News Network
February 7, 2012
The Minnesota Zoo is mourning the loss of its female dolphin calf "Taijah" who died last night after a sudden and acute illness. Zoo veterinarians began working around the clock on the young calf after an ultra sound showed fluid in the stomach early Monday. The dolphin was put on medications immediately and seemed to be stable until late last night. Taijah was born in 2010. A autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death.
MPCA reports success in meeting permiting deadline goal
Minnesota News Network
February 7, 2012
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports a 99-percent success rate in issuing environmental permits for new construction projects and expansions within 150 days. The 150-day goal to speed up the permitting process was part of Governor Dayton's executive order and later became law last legislative session. The overall success rate for issuing both priority and non-priority permits within 150 days was 81-percent.
Arson was the cause of a fire at a Northfiield assisted living center
Minnesota News Network
February 7, 2012
A 46-year-old resident has admitted to starting a fire that caused smoke damage throughout an assisted-living facility in Northfield. Police say the fire at the Valleyview Assisted Living facility was started in the closet of the resident's apartment. Damage was contained to that unit and nearly residents were evacuated without injuries. No charges have been filed. The resident is being evaluated at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Several companies interested in Rochester transit program
Kim David, KROC AM News
February 7, 2012
Several firms have contacted Rochester about managing the city's public transit system. The federal government has ordered the city to begin using a competitive bidding process when awarding a management bid. The deadline to submit a proposal is February 22. In the past, the city simply negotiated with Rochester City Lines to manage the system for a fee but was told last year that was not allowed because federal funds are involved. The city wants the new management contract to begin July 1st. In the meantime, the city has heard from two lawyers representing Rochester City Lines, which has argued it owns the current operation. City Attorney Terry Adkins disagrees, noting the existing contract specifies RCL will provide the service in exchange for a management fee. The city owns the busses, bus stops and other property that make up the transit system. Adkins says it's unlikely the transit operation would be affected by any legal action RCL may take should it lose out in the bidding process.
Most traffic victims not buckled
Kim David, KROC AM News
February 7, 2012
For the second straight month, the majority of those who were killed in traffic wrecks in Minnesota in January were not wearing seatbelts. The state Public Safety Department says 13 of the 18 victims were not buckled. Only five of the 23 people killed in wrecks in December were buckled. The department says more than half of those involved in traffic wrecks in the state each year are not belted, contributing to 150 fatalities and 400 serious injuries.
Supervalu cutting 200 MN jobs
Kim David, KROC AM News
February 7, 2012
Twin Cities-based grocery wholesaler and retailer Supervalu has announced it will cut 800 jobs around the country before the end of the month, including 200 in Minnesota. Most of the Minnesota cuts will take place at its corporate headquarters in Eden Prairie. Some of the cuts will be handled through attrition. Supervalu has been facing financial challenges in recent years and its current common stock price is about half the size it was two years ago.
Duluth cop charged with stealing from fellow officer
Minnesota News Network
February 7, 2012
An 18-year veteran of the Duluth Police Department has been charged with theft - involving another officer. The Department says 42-year-old Michelle Rafferty is accused of stealing $150 from a fellow officer's locker in December. She is now on paid administrative leave.
Former Twin Cities man admits sending money to Somali terror group
MInnesota News Network
February 7, 2012
A former student at Eden Prairie High School has pleaded guilty to being involved in recruiting young Somali men in the Twin Cities area and sending them - and money - to their homeland to join the terrorist organization known as al-Shabaab. Entering the plea in federal court yesterday was 27 year old Ahmed Hussein Mahamud, who indicted last year. He admitted he and others conspired to provide young men and money to al-Shabaab, beginning in 2008. Some of the money used in the conspiracy came from the Somali-Americn community in Minnesota as donors were told it would be used for charitable purposes in Somalia. Federal investigators say since 2007, at least 20 young men from the Twin Cities travelled to Somalia to train with al-Shabaab. Mahamud is now facing a possible 15 year prison teem when he is sentenced. Two Rochester women were convicted of similar charges last October and are waiting to be sentenced.
MN precinct caucuses tonight
Kim David, KROC AM News
February 7, 2012
Minnesota's political parties hold their presidential precinct caucuses around the state this evening. Most of the attention will be on the Republican caucuses because there are four candidates still in the running and they have been spending time and money in the state, even though tonight's poll will be non-binding. Three of the candidates - Ron Paul, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich - spent time in Minnesota the last few days. Mitt Romney was here last week.Check the websites of the Minnesota Secretary of State or your preferred political party to find your caucus site.
Veteran Duluth cop accused of $150 dollar theft
Minnesota News Network
February 6, 2012
An 18-year veteran of the Duluth Police Department is charged with theft and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Department says 42-year-old Officer Michelle Rafferty is accused of stealing approximately 150 dollars from a fellow officer's locker. The alleged offense happened on December 15th and came to light after an internal police investigation.