A number of internet providers in Minnesota will share in a $100-million appropriation to expand broadband coverage across the state. A total of 61 expansion projects have been chosen as part of the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Border-to-Border Program. It's the largest single investment in broadband infrastructure in the state's history. Federal funding through the American Rescue Plan accounts for $70-million of the appropriation with the state covering the rest. the Benton Cooperative Telephone Company will get just over $1.5-million, Tekstar Communications operating as Arvig in Sherburne County will receive just under $1.1-million while Melrose Telephone Company in Stearns County will receive nearly the maximum amount allowed at just under $5-million, and Albany Mutual Telephone will get just about $747,000. In Wright County, Spectrum will use approximately $2.8-million to expand broadband in their communities.
On Monday (12/05/2022) morning at 11:05am the Todd County Sheriff’s Office received a theft complaint at 15548 Century Rd (Camphill Village). Camphill Village reported their wood splitter had been stolen. The wood splitter was identified as a Huskee Vertical/Horiztonal 22-ton log splitter model #1032822, #1032830. Camphill Village estimates the wood splitter was stolen within the last 1-2 months. If anyone has information on this stolen wood splitter please don’t hesitate to contact the Todd County Sheriff’s Office your information can be anonymous.
A longtime IT employee for Beltrami county is facing charges of felony theft and fraud. A state audit revealed Ronald Pula spent nearly $150,000 in unauthorized purchases with county funds. Nearly 300 items purchased were found during a search at two properties owned by Pula. He is facing 14 felony counts. The majority of which carry a 5-year prison sentence. One carries a ten-year sentence and a $20,000 fine.
Authorities say the person involved in shooting a stop sign in Little Falls has been found. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says the vehicle, along with a person of interest was found Wednesday. On Monday, the sheriff's office received a call a man was shooting at the stop sign at the intersection of 160th Avenue and Iris Road. A witness told authorities, the man was standing in front of his black four-door SUV shooting a black pistol at the stop sign. The man then got back into the vehicle and drove toward Highway 10. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
On Wednesday (10/12/2022) morning at approximately 8:28am, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one vehicle accident involving an animal on County Road 10 near Garden Loop. A vehicle hit a dog. The dog was unable to be located after the collision with the dog. The driver of the vehicle stated the dog appeared to be a Schnauzer/Poodle breed. The driver suspected the dog had broken it’s leg, but ran off. The owner of the animal is unknown. If anyone in the area of County Road 10 and Garden Loop is missing a dog or their dog returned injured this incident may be related.