Jury set to deliberate in Brandrup murder trial
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
The members of an Olmsted County Jury spent the afternoon listening to closing arguments in a Rochester man's murder trial. The panel will decide the fate of 29-year-old Adam Brandrup. He is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter for his alleged role in the death of a Muhidin Mumin in 2008. Brandrup was involved in an assault on the 42-year-old man shortly before he was found dead in a downtown Rochester alley.
Routes for Capx2020 powerlines recommended by judge
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has been sent the recommendations of an administrative law judge assigned to identify routes for the high-voltage power transmission lines proposed as part of the CapX2020 project. The plans call for a 345-kilovolt line that would run from Hampton to near Oronoco and then east to the Mississippi River near Kellogg. There would also be a 161-kilovolt line from the Pine Island area to a new power substation just west of Rochester. The utilities behind the CapX2020 project hope to begin construction this summer and complete the work by the end of 2015.
Man accused of being busy bank robbery indicted on federal charges
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
The so-called "Man in Black" bank robber is now facing federal charges. 49-year-old Mark Wetsch has been indicted on charges stemming from 13 bank robberies in Minnesota between April of last year and early January. Wetsch was captured the day after he allegedly robbed a bank in Brewster on January 3rd. Federal prosecutors say the total take from the bank robberies was just under $70,000 dollars.
Former northern Minnesota school official sent to federal prison
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
The former business manager for a school system in northern Minnesota has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison for stealing $300,000 dollars from the Chokio-Alberta School District. 44-year-old Liane Claassen pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge for using her position to increase her pay and transfer district funds into her retirement account. In addition to the prison time, Claassen was ordered to pay over $260,000 dollars in restitution.
Rochester project recognized for its "green" design
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
The Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center in northwest Rochester is the city's "greenest" building. The facility near the Rochester Athletic Club has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification, which is the highest level recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Cascade Meadow Center is the first project in Rochester to win the platinum certification for its environmentally sustainable design and construction. The facility houses exhibit galleries with interactive displays exploring wetland ecology and preservation as well as sustainable building practices.
Rochester teacher nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year award
Andy Brownell KROC-AM NEWS
February 9, 2012
A kindergarten teacher for the Rochester School District has been nominated for the Education Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Kim Firstbrook teaches at Longfellow Elementary School and is among the 111 candidates for the honor, which will be awarded during a ceremony in early May.
MN girl victim of recalled coffee machine
Minnesota News Network
February 9, 2012
A Minnesota girl is among nearly 40 people who have been injured when hot liquid sprayed from a now-recalled coffee brewer. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the girl, who has not been identified, was hospitalized with second-degree burns to her face and neck. The coffee maker recall includes Tassimo and Bosch single-cup brewers. They use plastic discs which in some cases have burst while brewing. Owners are being asked to stop using the machines and to contact TassimoDirect.com for more information.
Minnesota to receive nearly $300m as part of mortgage abuse settlement
Kim David, KROC AM News, Metro News
February 9, 2012
The Obama Administration today announced a multi-state settlement involving home mortgage lending abuse by several large banks. The $25 billion settlement resolves government lawsuits over faulty foreclosures and servicing misconduct, which included so-called " robosignings. " The banks involved in the settlement are Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup and Ally Financial, formerly known as GMAC. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says the state's portion of the settlement is $280 million. She says this includes up to $113 million in monetary and refinancing relief to borrowers, and up to $167 million in principal reductions and other homeowner relief, which is targeted at mortgage holders who are underwater or owe more than their homes are worth. Only homeowners with privately held mortgages will benefit from the settlement. Troubled mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are not part of the settlement. State bank regulators, including the Minnesota Department of Commerce, were asked to sign onto the settlement. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman joined Attorney General Swanson today in signing the agreement. As part of the settlement, the Commerce Department will receive $1 million as the State's banking regulator. It's expected to take months to work out the administrative details involved in getting the settlement money to homeowners.
Minnesota gets waiver from No Child Left Behind
Kim David, KROC AM News/Metro News
February 9, 2012
The U.S. Education Department announced today that Minnesota and nine other states will be granted waivers that exempts them from the requirements of the controversial federal No Child Left Behind law. In exchange for the waiver, the states have agreed to reforms in areas including teacher evaluation and help for low-achieving schools. The No Child Left Behind Act took effect in 2002 and required all schools that receive federal funding to administer annual standardized tests to all students. Schools with overall low scores were required to develop remedial plans and if the problems were not corrected within 5 years, they faced possible closure or a takeover by the state. The goal of the law was to ensure that 100 percent of students are proficient in math and reading by 2014.
