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Cost to renovate Minnesota Governor’s Residence jumps to $12.8 million

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

Anticipated costs for renovating the Minnesota Governor’s Residence have ballooned because key components were in worse condition than anticipated and due to extra security upgrades, according to state officials in charge of the St. Paul project.The work, which has already begun, would reach an estimated $12.8 million if the project moves forward as planned. That’s up from $7.1 million when the inside-and-out rehabilitation began in June.In a letter Friday to top lawmakers, the Department of Administration attributed the jump primarily to higher-than-expected bids received to replace heating, air conditioning, ventilation, electrical and plumbing systems. The entire boiler and piping system is facing replacement, and much of the building’s wiring dates back to the initial construction completed in 1912.“This work to meet current code and life-safety requirements is necessary to complete if the facility is going to remain in use,” interim Commissioner Stacie Christensen wrote to DFL ...

More than 12,000 people attend Legacy Cup, a celebration of cannabis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

On an unseasonably warm and sunny September afternoon, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura sweated it out on a tiny stage in a tent, flanked by a nurse and a former police officer.A few dozen people had gathered, sitting in folding chairs, phones ready to record the upcoming presentation — espousing the benefits of cannabis.Ventura, long an advocate for legal weed, gave his cartoon-character-surreal speech at the fourth annual Legacy Cup, a Sept. 30 event at Surly’s Festival Field celebrating cannabis in all its forms. This year was by far the most well-attended for the event, and it was also the first year that adult-use cannabis, in all its forms, was fully legal in Minnesota.“I tried marijuana for the first time … and my response to it was, ‘Wow! This is way better — I don’t even want to drink anymore,’” Ventura told the crowd, who responded with enthusiastic “yeahs.”Ventura went on to discuss his use of cannabis for pain management. Many other wrestlers f...

Missing 9-year-old girl found alive, suspect in custody

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The 9-year-old girl who was reported missing from Moreau Lake State Park Saturday evening has been found alive. New York State Police said Charlotte Sena is safe and in good health. A suspect is also in custody in relation to the investigation. On scene at Moreau Lake State Park Monday evening, Charlotte's family gathered near the entrance to let out a huge cheer. They briefly thanked law enforcement and volunteers for their tireless efforts. The focus is now on caring for Charlotte. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference with several law enforcement partners late Monday night. She said the case began to break at 4:20 a.m. Monday when a ransom note was placed in the Sena family's mailbox. A fingerprint match came in at 2:30 p.m.The fingerprint was a match to Craig Nelson Ross, Jr. Hochul said the 47-year-old's fingerprint was in the New York State database after a DWI ...

Homeless encampment outside St. Louis City Hall disbanded

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A rapidly-growing homeless camp outside St. Louis City Hall was dismantled Monday evening.Nick Dunne, a spokesperson for St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, confirmed to FOX 2 that the city is clearing the encampment. Dozens of tents went up outside city hall over the past several weeks, some beneath Mayor Jones' window.The homeless were removed as the city enforced the park curfew. According to Dunne, city leadership made the decision as a result of dozens of police calls for service between Aug. 14 and Sept. 28 for overdoses, seizures, and other medical emergencies, as well as fighting among the tenants of the encampment and others who approached. Additionally, there have been reports of regular harassment of city employees by those living in the encampment.Dunne said drug paraphernalia was found in the encampment.According to the city, the Department of Human Services made several attempts with members of the encampment to connect them with housing, shelter, or other supp...

Garage fire in Dupo destroys decades of memories

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

DUPO, Ill. - Ameren Illinois and Spectrum utility workers restored power and internet to homes in Dupo after flames spread from a garage fire to a power pole."We had hoverboards, a lot of electric stuff, and there was a bunch of wooden cabinets in there," Taytum Chisolm said.Taytum's mother, Beth Chisolm, said multiple sentimental items were destroyed in the fire."My grandpa built an arbor for our wedding, and it was made of wood, so obviously it's gone. And the kids had made me some flower pots with their fingerprints on it," she said.Beth said her grandfather helped her handpick the wood for her wedding arbor. It stood above the refrigerator that burned in the fire. The arbor, her wedding bouquet, and childhood VHS tapes are gone."We had your sister's bike and the popcorn machine," Beth said.Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire. Lt. Jeremy Simmons said firefighters quickly got the fire out before it spread to the homes. Beth is thankful no one was hurt."Definitely...

From Indian-ish nachos to skillet chicken, here’s what to make this week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

By Sam Sifton, The New York TimesWednesday marks 66 years since the Soviet Union vaulted Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into orbit. But what does Sputnik have to do with food? Think of it as a reminder that there’s always an opportunity to elevate your cooking game, as with these dishes: Indian-ish nachos with cheddar, black beans and chutney; skillet chicken with tomatoes, pancetta and mozzarella; saag shrimp; kale and walnut pasta; and chicken enchiladas. Sputnik, about the size of a large stockpot, orbited the Earth in some 98 minutes — more time than it takes to make any of these meals.Indian-ish Nachos With Cheddar, Black Beans and ChutneyThese vegetarian nachos take their cues from paapdi or papri chaat, the spicy, tangy and sweet Indian snack of fried dough wafers piled with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, yogurt and various chutneys. This take starts with standard nacho elements: tortilla chips, black beans and a healthy amount of bubbly, melted cheese. But th...

Jefferson County deputies searching for missing 7-year-old boy

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a 7-year-old boy who ran away from his home in the 6400 block of Dudley Way around 6:45 p.m. on Monday night.Logan Geist is 4-foot-1, with a thin build of around 50 pounds and with brown hair and green eyes, according to the sheriff’s office.Missing Endangered Child: 7 year old Logan Geist ran away from his home in the 6400 block of S Dudley Way around 6:45 pm this evening (Oct 2). He is 4’ 1”, thin build (about 50 lbs), with brown hair and green eyes. He is wearing a black and red shirt with a Sonic character on… pic.twitter.com/EA7ferus5q— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) October 3, 2023Related ArticlesColorado News | AI project imagines adult faces of children who disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship Colorado News | Two missing Indigenous children in Colorado Springs found safe Colorado News | 12-year-old Jefferson County boy reported missing has been...

L.A. Councilmember accused of violating ethics laws

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee has been accused of violating government ethics laws as part of an investigation by the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission.Lee, who represents the 12th District, which encompasses the northwest half of the San Fernando Valley, is alleged to have accepted gifts in excess of the government set gift limit, allegedly failing to report gifts, misusing his position, and aiding and abetting another person's misuse of a city position.The other person in this instance is Mitchell Englander, a former Los Angeles City Councilmember who was sentenced to prison on federal corruption charges.The investigation revolves around multiple trips to Las Vegas when Lee was serving as Englander's chief of staff. During one of those trips in 2017, Lee allegedly accepted multiple gifts from a businessperson and a developer, most of which exceeded the allowable limit, the Ethics Commission states. That Vegas trip was a lynchpin in the case against Englander, which led ...

Single family residence in Saratoga sells for $4.3 million

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

13751 Prune Blossom Drive – Google Street ViewA 2,758-square-foot house built in 1975 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 13700 block of Prune Blossom Drive in Saratoga was sold on Sept. 8, 2023. The $4,300,000 purchase price works out to $1,559 per square foot. This single-story house offers a spacious layout with four bedrooms and three baths. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. Additionally, the house includes a two-car garage, offering generous space for vehicles and storage requirements.Additional houses have recently changed hands nearby:A 2,862-square-foot home on the 20400 block of Chalet Lane in Saratoga sold in September 2022, for $3,750,000, a price per square foot of $1,310. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.In September 2022, a 2,995-square-foot home on Toni Ann Place in Saratoga sold for $5,295,000, a price per square foot of $1,768. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.On Verde Vista Lane, Saratoga, in September 2022, a 3,674-s...

Vegetation fire damages home in East Oakland

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:51:21 GMT

At least one home was damaged and multiple homes were threatened when a vegatation fire sparked Monday afternoon in East Oakland.The two-alarm blaze, which began about 4 p.m. and grew to about an acre after less than a half hour, was located near the 7800 block of Outlook Avenue, according to Michael Hunt, Oakland Fire Department spokesman.Firefighters reported the fire was contained about an hour later, around 5:15 p.m.Damon Covington, interim chief of the Fire Department, described the blaze as a “quick-moving grass fire” that drew about 50 firefighters.“Due to the aggressive attack and swift-moving crews, we were able to protect 10 structures who were definitely in danger of being involved in the fire,” Covington said.The cause of the fire remained under investigation, he said.No injuries were immediately reported.Fred Barcelo, whose home on Outlook Avenue was damaged, said flames got in his attic and firefighters had to cut through his roof to contain the...