By Teri Knight, News Director
On Saturday morning, Faribault Police and Rice Co. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a shooting in the parking lot of the Days Inn on Cardinal Ln. They found a 27 year old male with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was flown to a metro hospital. According to witnesses, there were two other men involved in the altercation. One of them admitted to shooting the victim, claiming self defense. In the press release from Chief Andy Bohlen, that man is being held on 2nd degree assault. The second man fled on foot before police arrived. Two firearms were recovered at the scene in various locations. With multiple canine teams, a drone, Faribault Police, Rice County Sheriff’s Deputies, and MN State Patrol began a search along I-35 near Sage Glass for the other man. Residents and businesses in the area were notified. The man in question contacted Faribault police, was located and interviewed. Chief Bohlen said he fled the area because he was scared. He is not in custody. Bohlen
praised the team response by all area law enforcement and our thoughts are with the victim and his family. The fact that two firearms were recovered at the scene causes me to be grateful we did not have more people injured.”
Draheim wants to get people safely back to work
The MN legislature is caucusing this afternoon and will be in session tomorrow. They are meeting remotely and/or physical distancing. Senator Rich Draheim said the State of Emergency expires today. This is not the same as the Stay At Home order. He added that during the State of Emergency, decisions are up to the Governor. Adding, “I think most of us want to see a pathway for our economy to get back on track. And I think there are things that we’re doing that are wrong and I think there’s things that we’re doing are right, and we need a plan. And I don’t think the planning is happening to get all the Businesses back and running”. He feels that businesses could change their behavior and get back to work after May 4th. The model he’s looking at says the peak will be April 24th to the 26th and after that it will taper down. The MN Dept. of Health model shows mid June at this pace. One consideration from the MDH was to extend the StayAtHome for vulnerable people. Draheim added that there is no reason that some businesses shouldn’t be allowed to work including those who work outdoors. As for Democratic senators, he said some of them agree with him. He gave an example of car washes with an attendant. His full interview is HERE.
Severe Weather Awareness
This is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Tornado Drill Day is Thursday, April 16. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. However, this year the National Weather service has decided not to sound the NOAA Weather radios due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses, hospitals and other organizations that are currently working are still encouraged to practice emergency plans during the statewide tornado drill at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. A second drill at 6:45 p.m. will take place in most counties, including Rice County, to allow a second chance for families and second-shift workers to practice sheltering plans. The full press release: Severe Weather Awareness Week April 13-17,2020 (1)
Post Brands establishes cash bonuses and donates to hunger relief
Post Consumer Brands announced that they’ve established a $2 million special cash bonus program for all full-time and temporary employees at their plants and distribution centers to thank them for the round-the-clock work they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the company recently donated more than $1 million in cash and product to support hunger relief efforts both nationally and in the communities where its employees live and work. The full press release: Post Consumer Brands Gives Employees Bonus, Supports (1)
