Swany Flour mill fire cause unknown, Magnetation: Minn. pollution rules burdensome
Freeport's Swany flour mill fire's cause unknown
St Cloud Times: "Investigators have been unable to determine what caused the fire that destroyed the Swany White Flour Mill, a Central Minnesota landmark. The Dec. 27 fire caused $850,000 in damage, according to the State Fire Marshal's report released Tuesday."
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Magnetation criticized for scouting sites beyond Range
Duluth News Tribune: "Iron Range officials this week expressed frustration with Magnetation Inc. over the company's threats to build an iron ore pelletizing plant in another state. But company officials say Minnesota's tough pollution rules are forcing them to look elsewhere. State Rep. Tom Rukavina and St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson say they are upset that the company is considering building the $300 million plant somewhere other than the Iron Range, especially after Minnesota invested heavily in helping Magnetation get started."
Ely city workers poised to strike
WDIO: "Employees for the City of Ely could go on strike at any time.Ida Rukavina, a representative with AFSCME, told Eyewitness News the city has asked employees to start contributing more to health insurance."
Stealth donor gives millions to GOP candidates, causes
MPR News: "As lawmakers, candidates and political action committees release required reports this week on their 2011 campaign fundraising and spending, a person most Minnesotans have never heard of will likely show up as a major Republican donor."
Mitt Romney heads to Minnesota amid talk of Michele Bachmann endorsement
Boston Globe: "Aides to Romney and the Minnesota congresswoman have been in conversation in recent days about securing the candidate's endorsement by the Tea Party favorite and forceful public speaker, The Boston Globe has learned. Not only would it add to the impression of Romney consolidating the GOP base after rebounding in Florida from his South Carolina loss, but it could help Bachmann by earning her an ally to help her pay off her lingering campaign debt."
Romney wins Florida, candidates eye Minnesota
KAAL: "'A month ago we would've probably expected that Minnesota wouldn't have been a particularly big deal,' says political analyst, Shane Baker. ... Baker says Minnesota could alter the momentum for any of the candidates."
Electronic pulltabs gain favor for stadium
Star Tribune: "New revenue estimate that grew by $32 million is key."
Panel opposes child care union dues deductions
Bemidji Pioneer: "Heather Falk successfully pleaded with a Minnesota House committee Tuesday to ban deducting union dues from state child care assistance funds.'Nothing should come from those low-income families,' the Cloquet in-home child care provider said."
One week in, partisan divide is deep at the State Capitol
KARE11: "'The gloves are off. University of Minnesota political analyst Larry Jacobs says 'we're seeing the sharp knives coming out.' Just a week into the legislative session and the partisan divide at the State Capitol is deep."
Superior police officer accused of misconduct resigns
Duluth News Tribune: "A 20-year-career in law enforcement ended Jan 24, when Master Police Officer Daniel E. Hawkin II resigned from the Superior Police Department."
Stillwater school cuts could include elementary band, free all-day kindergarten
Pioneer Press: "A budget committee of the Stillwater Area School District has finalized a list of about $12 million in recommended cuts."
Diversity in St. Paul school choice mix
Star Tribune: "In St. Paul, 20 percent of seats would be saved for students in need."
Apple Valley man accused of driving Zamboni while drunk
WCCO: "'The coaches noticed he was off the mark quite a ways, bumping into the boards and having trouble maneuvering the machine and thought they need to call someone for help,' said Randy Johnson, Apple Valley's Parks and Recreation Director."