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Rongstad pleads guilty to making threats
(Montevideo MN-) Former Watson Mayor Joseph Rongstad has pled guilty to two counts of Threats of Violence for threatening the lives of University of Minnesota students online January 11th. Ronstad, 42, has been battling mental illness for several years, which resulted in some run-ins with the law. but earlier this year Judge Jennifer Fischer ruled Rongstad was mentally competent to stand trial. Last week Rongstad's attorney stated he planned to use a "defense of necessity" at Rongstad's trial in which Rongstad would testify that the reason he made the threats was to draw attention to what he called was a secret government conspiracy to kill people in the Upper Minnesota River Valley area. Rongstad pleaded guilty to two of three charges against him with the understanding he will be given a minimum sentence of 21 months in prison, and will be given time in court to expain why he did what he did. Sentencing takes place August 22nd (1:45 p.m.).
What fireworks are legal in Minnesota?
MINNEAPOLIS — Rainy weather could shut down fireworks shows on July 4 and that might spark people to ignite their own backyard performances.But before trying that in the North Star State we wanted to know: What fireworks are legal in Minnesota? Good Question.Before colors burst in the sky, stores like Fireworks Nation in North Hudson, Wisconsin are nearly bursting with excited customers, many of whom are taking their haul back to Minnesota."You don't have to go far," said one Minnesotan who loaded up on fireworks for a show in his home state. "This is of course our busiest week," said co-owner...
Some cities adjust fireworks shows ahead of Fourth of July weather
EXCELSIOR, Minn. — Eyes are typically on the sky each Fourth of July but our soaking summer could complicate Independence Day plans. Showers may steal the fireworks show depending on where you live. After a five-year hiatus, Red, White and Boom in Minneapolis will return on the Fourth of July — pending no severe weather."They will be monitoring it throughout the food trucks and the live performances and live bands as people gather and we'll be calling it as the evening progresses," Minneapolis Parks Spokesperson Dawn Sommers said.Sommers says the decision to cancel the fireworks show will be made that evening,...
Minnesota family fighting for daughter with ultra-rare genetic mutation, others like her
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota family is fighting for their daughter's future.Mae Knopik, 4, has an ultra-rare genetic mutation that affects only about 430 people in the entire world.When she was 1.5 years old, Mae was diagnosed with the neuro-developmental disorder, CTNNB1 Syndrome."She's non-verbal, she's unable to walk unassisted," said Emily Knopik, Mae's mother. "She definitely has that developmental delay, cognitive disability."Emily and Joe Knopik say it's a random genetic mutation that wasn't passed down from them.They've traveled the world to get Mae treatments and therapies. They also started a nonprofit, Mae's Mission.They're raising money for a clinical trial of a...
Trouble getting a Minnesota driver's license? Here's why.
Anisa Ali is a veteran of the rutted road to obtaining a driver's license in Minnesota. The 17-year-old, who lives in Blaine, passed the written exam on her first try. Then, after months of the requisite practice driving, she took the road test for the first time in February, but didn't pass. When she and her father, Abdi Hussein, tried to book a second try, the two watched as open times disappeared in the online booking system.
FOR SALE: Minnesota Church has Been Turned Into Beautiful Home
I love checking out different things people have done to their homes to make it theirs. Whether it's a DIY project or a huge remodel, they're all so cool. For this particular Minnesota home, it was a complete overhaul. Church-Turned-Home For Sale in Minnesota. Every once in a while, I...
Minnesota’s Largest Fireworks Display to Proceed Rain or Shine
As the Fourth of July approaches, everyone has their fingers crossed, hoping that Mother Nature cooperates and doesn't rain on the parade—or the BBQs, picnics, and other get-togethers that make this holiday special. While these activities are a big part of the fun, the fireworks are always the main event.
Flooding impacting dozens of parks and recreation areas ahead of holiday weekend
ST. PAUL, Minn. — You might be thinking of spending time outdoors this holiday weekend, but there's a warning from state officials about the impact of flooding.The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting dozens of closures in its parks and rec areas, including to trails, beaches and some other amenities. Fort Snelling State Park, however, is the only state park that is fully closed."Even with the recent flooding around the state, there are a lot of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this 4th of July," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. "As long as you do a little...
Flooding along Mississippi River extends throughout western Wisconsin
WISCONSIN — A number of counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting flood conditions, as rainfall remains in the forecast. Over the weekend, parts of Minnesota were on high alert as flood levels continued to rise in many areas after days of unrelenting rain. Wisconsin’s northwestern neighbors are now...
New state law seeks to increase wages, competition for workers
Michael Rubke works at the front desk of a Minneapolis condominium building — and he wants to be able to keep working there. Last year, he was surprised to learn that he could be forced to leave, regardless of his job performance. Rubke works for the property management company...
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