Agreeing to protect the Mississippi
Mayors from numerous states and tribal leaders from Northern Minnesota gathered in Bemidji last week, Sept. 12-14, to announce a first-of-its kind partnership to protect the Mighty Mississippi.
Here's how these partners intend to take action.
Hit and run
The Minnesota State Patrol is asking for the public’s help finding a driver after a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run in Deer River.
The crash happened between 3 and 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, near Highway 2.
The state patrol says the vehicle left the scene, but because of a dense fog at the time and the driver might not know they hit someone.
The victim was identified as 61-year-old Clement John Nason of Deer River.
Anyone with information is asked to call the state patrol’s investigator at 218-735-3729.
Tax crimes
The head of a Pequot Lakes dog rescue organization and her husband are facing multiple felonies for filing false income tax returns and failing to pay their taxes.
The Crow Wing County Attorney's Office filed charges against Shannon Steele and her husband Russel Steele for fraudulent filings or incorrect payments during tax years 2017 through 2021.
According to the complaints, Shannon Steele was the only person with access to Northern Lakes Rescue's bank accounts and financial records.
She allegedly withdrew thousands of dollars from the nonprofit's accounts for personal expenses such as appliances, video games, airfare, groceries and jet ski rentals.
Collectively, the couple avoided paying taxes on more than $300,000 in taxable income, the charges say.
Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Shannon Steele also faces a probation violation hearing as part of a previous theft by check conviction.
In that case, while working at a painting business in Garrison, Steele wrote checks to herself totaling $62,000 and charged more than $16,000 in unauthorized purchases to company credit cards.
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Plus: Minnesotans will honor the Hortmans at the Capitol; and forests begin recovery after the Brimson Complex wildfires. -
Plus: Bois Forte seeks input on date change for state of the band address; Park Rapids brings home victory in final MSHSL spring tourney; and Fourth of July celebrations are upon us.
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Plus: A Guinness World Record was attempted in Grand Rapids Saturday.
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Jobs in the clean energy sector
Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm the state is adding more workers to the field.
The organization Clean Energy Economy Minnesota is out with a new report, noting around the state, jobs supporting resources such as solar energy or electric vehicles grew overall by nearly 3.5% last year. Nearly 60,000 Minnesotans work in the clean energy sector.
Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of the group, said the encouraging trend is not just confined to certain parts of the state.
"The clean energy sector is benefiting economies all across the state," Cerling Hennes reported. "About one in three clean energy jobs are located in Greater Minnesota."
She cited some regional hot spots, such as St. Cloud, which is the fastest-growing area outside the Twin Cities. Statewide, there was a 10% growth in jobs supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Industry sources acknowledge challenges, with 82% of clean-energy employers citing difficulties in filling open positions, prompting renewed calls for more investments in job-training programs.
Becky Wacker, director of energy services sales for the energy solutions firm Trane, said like many other firms, they are adding to their Minnesota staff. She pointed out there are many types of roles within clean energy, and Trane is trying to help those interested make an easier transition.
"We've got some early talent development programs to help train those young professionals as they're coming into our business," Wacker explained. "Whether it's recent college graduates or technicians or those looking to be out in the field."
Both Wacker and Hennes emphasized because of the demand for services and projects, clean energy can serve as a career, as opposed to a temporary vocation. More broadly, industry leaders are calling on Congress to protect funding — from policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act — for additional clean-energy development and the jobs created. Concerns are mounting under demands from House Republicans to cut spending.
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Whether in search of supplies, groceries or even a hot meal, Bemidjians flocked to the location as the first day of operations began for the new center. -
Itasca County celebrated Pride Month with a festival at the Old Central School grounds in Grand Rapids on Sunday, June 22, 2025. -
Minnesota DNR foresters have begun taking stock of the conditions of the forests and the nearby waters after the Brimson Complex fires burned thousands of acres. -
The law allocates $848,000 to support accredited residential environmental learning centers in offering multi-day, overnight experiences focused on outdoor-based learning. -
Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. -
One person died in a house fire in Fosston on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. -
The Judy Garland Museum and Mobility Mania in Grand Rapids attempted to set the world record for most people in wheelchairs dancing in one place at one time. -
The Bois Forte Tribal Council said band members would prefer to meet in March instead of January. -
A common scam results in people handing over thousands of dollars in cash as a deposit, only to have the promised tree cleanup or repair work never occur. -
The invasive pest was found in Carlton County near Holyoke, Sawyer and Wrenshall. It was also discovered in Meeker, Murray, Ottertail and Wadena counties.
