Author: Jim Monk

South Dakota man pleads guilty in starvation death of toddler

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Brookings man has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for his role in the 2019 starvation death of a toddler. Robert Price, Jr. entered the plea after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. Price and the child’s aunt, Renae Fayant, were indicted by a grand jury in July 2019 on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and…

Highway signs altered with anti-Biden slogan in Brandon, Minnesota

BRANDON, Minn. (KVRR) – City officials in Brandon aren’t amused with whoever defaced the west-central Minnesota city’s welcome signs on the edge of town. Brandon City Clerk Deb Grommesh says someone added the words “Let’s Go” to the welcome signs, which were discovered Monday. “We understand and embrace freedom of speech,” Grommesh said. “But we will not tolerate damage or…

Voters reject bond for new school, approve levy increase in Breckenridge

BRECKENRIDGE, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) – Supporters say they have mixed feelings as voters in the Breckenridge School District approved an operating levy increase but rejected a bond for a new school in Tuesday’s referendum. The levy increase means the school district will have increased per-pupil funding to stabilize finances and continue with student programming, staff, and funding for the technology program….

Minneapolis voters decide to keep police department

MINNEAPOLIS – Minneapolis voters have rejected a proposal to replace the city’s police department with a new Department of Public Safety. The initiative would have changed the city charter to remove a requirement that the city have a police department with a minimum number of officers. Supporters of the proposal said a complete overhaul of policing was necessary to stop…

Jean Rounds, wife of Sen. Mike Rounds, dies from cancer

Sen. Mike Rounds, Jean RoundsSIOUX FALLS, S.D.  – Jean Rounds, the wife of Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, has died in hospice care. She was 65. Jean Rounds had been undergoing treatment for cancer since May of 2019. Doctors initially found a malignant, aggressive tumor near her sciatic nerve and she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery….

Media renew plea for access to ex-cop’s trial

Kim PotterMINNEAPOLIS – News organizations are renewing their request to the judge overseeing the case of a former police officer charged in the death of Daunte Wright. They’re asking her to allow live video coverage of former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter’s trial because of the continuing threat of COVID-19 and the strong public interest. Judge Regina Chu has barred…

Cass County deputy involved in DUI crash with kids in vehicle fired

Jacob DanielsonFARGO (KVRR) – A Cass County deputy who had been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for DUI has been fired. According to a termination letter signed by Sheriff Jesse Jahner, Deputy Jacob Danielson was terminated Monday. Jahner terminated Danielson for policy violations with the West Fargo Police Dept. and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Danielson was…

Fargo City Commission takes step closer to police oversight board

FARGO (KVRR/KFGO) – On a 3-2 vote, the Fargo City Commission agreed to receive a proposed ordinance to create the first-ever Fargo Police Advisory and Oversight Board made up of seven citizen members. The final decision, which could include some changes, will be before commissioners in two weeks. Police Chief Dave Zibolski says the proposal is the culmination of months…

Minneapolis voters deciding whether to abolish police department

Police Chief Medaria ArradondoMINNEAPOLIS – Voters in Minneapolis are deciding whether to replace the city’s police department with a new Department of Public Safety. The election comes more than a year after George Floyd’s death launched a movement to defund or abolish police across the country. Mayor Jacob Frey is also in a tough fight for a second term. He’s…