Author: Jim Monk

Minnesota college removes name of botanist from arboretum

ST. PETER, Minn. – A private college in Minnesota has renamed its arboretum that originally honored an 18th century Swedish botanist who has been lambasted for promoting racist scientific theory. The 120-acre greenspace at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter has been known as the “Linnaeus Arboretum” since 1988. It recognized Carl Linnaeus, who popularized the system of naming living…

UND to receive $1.85 million to play football against U of M, Iowa State

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR/KNOX) – The University of North Dakota will play two non-conference football games against the University of Minnesota in 2028 and 2030 in Minneapolis. According to FBSchedules.com, the games will give UND a guaranteed total of $1.25 million.  UND will be paid $500,000 for the first game and $525,000 for the second game. UND will also play…

Two men sentenced for selling meth in western Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – Federal prosecutors say two men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution ring in western Minn. Thirty-five-year-old Jonathan Listrom of Circle Pines and 53-year-old Steven Johnson of Glenwood sold meth in the Alexandria area. Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk says Listrom was sentenced to 16 years in prison followed…

Minnesota COVID-19 positivity rate hits vaccine-era high

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s COVID-19 test positivity rate has soared to 8.3%, the highest mark since the vaccines first rolled out late last year. The seven-day rolling average for the state’s positivity rate continues to climb toward the high risk category. The state draws that line at 10%. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota reached 960 as of Monday and…

Rabbits killed in Minnesota barn fire

HOLLANDALE, Minn. – A fire in southern Minnesota has killed more than 100 rabbits. The fire broke out in a barn north of Hollandale on Sunday night. The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor walking nearby saw the fire and reported it. The sheriff’s office says 117 rabbits died in the blaze. Three survived. The cause of the fire remains…

Minnesota high school football coach resigns amid police investigation

PROCTOR, Minn. (AP) – The football coach at a Minnesota high school has resigned amid a police investigation into player misconduct on his team. Derek Parendo resigned from his coaching and teaching jobs at Proctor High School on Monday. He had worked for the school district for 21 years. Officials canceled the football season for all high school grades in…

Man hits two police cars, gets shocked by officer

MANKATO, Minn. – A Mankato man has been charged with two felonies after he allegedly hit two squad cars and threatened an officer with his belt. Daniel Devens was charged Monday with fleeing police and property damage, both felonies, as well as gross misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated and obstructing the legal process. According to court documents, Devens began…

Police impound car suspected in Dilworth bar burglary

DILWORTH, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) – Investigators have impounded a car that police say was used in a burglary Oct. 8 at the Silver Spike Bar & Grill in Dilworth. Police Chief Ty Sharpe says police have also identified the driver of the car and found evidence that links the car to the break-in.  No one has been arrested. Money was stolen…

Police investigating break-in at Dilworth bar

DILWORTH, Minn. (KVRR) – Dilworth police are investigating a burglary at the Silver Spike Bar & Grill. Officers responded Friday morning to an alarm at around 7:00 a.m. at 314 15th St. NE. There was damage to the business and gaming machines, as well as the cash registers and business doors. An undisclosed amount of cash was also taken.  …