A pilot project starting this month will provide a clearer picture of impaired driving involving cannabis and other drugs with the goal of giving Minnesota law enforcement a new tool that could help save lives.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports drug recognition evaluators from law enforcement agencies statewide will receive training Friday on an oral fluid roadside testing instrument.
The SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Analyzer detects the presence of cannabis or other drugs in a driver. This is one of two instruments being evaluated this year for effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy in detecting drugs.
The second instrument is the Dräger - DrugTest 5000. Law enforcement will train using the Dräger at a later date, according to the state.
The roadside tests will be similar to preliminary breath tests law enforcement use to detect drunk driving. The pilot project is voluntary for drivers and results won’t be admissible in court.
The agency’s goal is to obtain legislative approval in 2025.
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Plus: MnDOT will host a listening session at the Fosston High School Gymnasium on June 23, 2025, ahead of planned construction on Highway 2; the Minnesota DNR is seeking a wide range of perspectives for fisheries input groups on Lake Winnie and Rainy Lake; and animal experts urge pet owners to remain vigilant during bouts of Canadian wildfire smoke. -
And: Heintzeman, other Northern Minnesotans on water stewardship task force; federal cuts could hurt one of Greater Minnesota’s leading industries; local women elected officials feature in Beltrami County panel; and St. Louis County crafting new traffic safety plan.
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Andrew Dziengel/KAXEThe Beltrami County Historical Society will present “Women Elected to Lead: Voices from Local Government” on Saturday in Bemidji. -
Contributed/Doug Kerr via FlickrSt. Louis County is building a new safety action plan for county roads outside Duluth. The public can share safety concerns and suggestions. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe charge stems from an assault, apparently stemming from a $100 debt, that left another man dead in Beltrami County on June 15, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Minnesota DNR is looking for local or statewide anglers, local business and resort owners and others with a stake in activities on Lake Winnibigoshish or Rainy Lake. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEEmergency officials are still assessing damage after two tornadoes on Monday and are warning of unlicensed or uninsured contractors trying to take advantage of those needing repairs. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe agency will host an open house at the Fosston High School from 4-6:30 p.m. on Monday. -
Contributed/Lonesome CottageManufacturers are pushing for the renewal of funding for a program that helps small to mid-size companies. -
Contributed/Eric KlangThe first tornado began northwest of Pillager and ended after crossing Gull Lake. The second touched down north of North Long Lake near Merrifield before ending just before Ironton.
