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| Back to: Home > Local News & Info > KRWC News Archives 2004 |
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| KRWC News 2/23/04 - 2/29/04 |
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Counterfeit Money Shows Up at Various Local Businesses
The Buffalo Police Department, and the Wright County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the discovery of a number of counterfeit bills that have recently been showing up at local businesses. Lt. Bob Harri of the Buffalo Police department says early last week, the department got reports of counterfeit bills being presented at local businesses. Officials say at least three counterfeit 20s, at least one phony 50, and most recently, some 10 dollar counterfeit bills were passed at Buffalo businesses. Some of the counterfeit bills were identified at the businesses, while others were discovered after already being deposited at the bank. Lt. Harri says the bills had similarities to real money but had definite differences in texture, as well as the security features designed to make counterfeiting more difficult. Those features include the threads and watermarks, neither of which were present on the counterfeit bills. Authorities are asking merchants to review with their employees procedures in examining all bills, but in particular, any 20s and 50s. Anyone receiving a suspected counterfeit bill should contact the police immediately, and try to remember as much about the person who passed the money as possible, including physical features, and a vehicle description if possible. |
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Horse Industry Could be Big Player in MN Economic Future
A new report from the University of Minnesota indicates that the horse industry in the state could develop into a significant part of the state's economy. The report shows that while Minnesota is 9th in the nation in horse population, it trails far behind other states in economic contributions. The industry generates an estimated 1 billion dollars in revenue into the economy currently, but that could increase significantly if additional horse shows, and expanded horse racing industries take shape. The report goes on to say that additional dollars could be generated by new boarding, veterinary, and accessory services. Lodging and hospitality services could also benefit from a booming Minnesota horse industry. Wright County is among the state's leaders in horse populations. |
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Level 3 Sex Offender to be Released to Albertville Address
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has notified the Wright County Sheriff's Office that a level three sex offender has given an Albertville address as the location where he intends to reside after his release from prison. 20-year-old Jessy Lee Countryman is expected to take up residence on Kali Avenue in Albertville according to a news release from the sheriff's office. A public notification meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening at 7 PM at the St. Albert's Parish Center, where law enforcement officials will present information about Countryman, and answer questions from those on hand. Countryman has served his sentence, and is not wanted by the police at this time. He is however, ranked as a level three offender, which is considered to be the level at the highest risk for re-offense. According to a fact sheet from the Department of Corrections, Countryman has a history of exposure, and attempted abduction with female victims. Anyone with questions on the release is asked to attend the informational meeting Thursday evening. |
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Local Group Calls For Ice Clean-Up
A local organization dedicated to cleaner lakes and rivers in our area is calling for sportspersons to clean up the ice before the spring thaw. Dale Gustafson of the Lakes And Rivers Alliance says it's important to remember that everything left on the ice will eventually end up in the lake, or will wash ashore. He reminds sportspersons that while some of the items are simply junk, others may have toxic substances in them which can further pollute the lake or river. DNR officials remind fisherpersons that ice houses need to be off lakes in our area by Sunday, though temporary shelters may be used on a day to day basis until ice-out. |
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Memorial Fund for Local Child Killed in Traffic Crash
A memorial fund has been set up in memory of a Cokato youngster who died in an auto accident earlier this month. 4-year-old Cynthia Perez died February 11th when a car driven by her mother went out of control on icy roads and collided with another car. The youngster's mother, 22-year-old Crystal Perez, also of Cokato was seriously injured and remains hospitalized at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Donations to the memorial fund for Cynthia Perez may be mailed to Wells Fargo Bank, 1008 Highway 55 East in Buffalo, 55313. Donations may also be presented in person at local Wells Fargo Banks. |
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New Superintendent Selected for District 877 Schools
The District 877 School Board has chosen a new superintendent for the district. Dr. Jim Bauck, current superintendent at the Owatonna School District. District 877 School Board Chair Rolf Mohwinkel told KRWC news that the board felt that among the three finalists for the position, Dr. Bauck was the best fit for the district. Bauck has been in public education for more than 25 years, and served as a principal in several districts before becoming a superintendent. Dr. Bauck will succeed retiring superintendent Tom Nelson who announced last year that the 2003-2004 school year would be his last with District 877. Dr. Bauck is expected to start employment at Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose later this summer. |
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Public Informational Meeting Tonight Regarding Sex Offender Released to Albertville
A public informational meeting will be held tonight in Albertville to address public concerns and questions regarding the announcement earlier this week that a registered Level 3 sex offender has been released and has taken up residence in Albertville. 20-year-old Jessy Lee Countryman was released from prison earlier in the month, and listed a home on Kali Avenue in Albertville as his intended address. Under Minnesota law, registered sex offenders must disclose their place of residence so that the public may be made aware of their presence in the community. A Level 3 offender is defined as being at the highest risk of re-offending. The public meeting tonight will be held at 7 PM at St. Albert's Parish Center. Law enforcement officials, including a representative of the Minnesota Department of Corrections will be on hand to hear concerns and answer questions. Sheriff Gary Miller encourages residents to attend tonight's meeting. He says while he fully understands the public's concern about the presence of a convicted sex offender in their community, he reminds residents that justice runs both ways, and the man in question has served his sentence, and is not currently wanted by police. |
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Spring Weight Restrictions to Take Effect in Wright County Friday
Spring road weight restrictions will be going into effect on all Wright County highways later this week. The weight limits will be posted, and will take effect Friday at noon according to Wright County Highway Engineer Wayne Fingalson. The Wright County Sheriff's Department will be enforcing the weight limitations. Any questions regarding specific route postings should be directed to the County Highway Engineer's office at (763) 682-7383, or 1-800-362-3667. |
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Stadium Issue Could Hit the Front Burner This Session
The on-going discussions of the possible construction of new stadiums for the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers could take a more prominent position among legislative matters discussed at some point during the current session. State Representative Bruce Anderson of Buffalo says that while many of the constituents he has talked with are still generally against state funding of ballparks, he himself is beginning to warm up to the idea of a possible creative financing option that could make a stadium or stadiums more realistic. The District 19 A Republican points to the success of creative financing which was used to construction the Xcel Energy Center which houses the Minnesota Wild as a possible model by which other stadium construction could be considered. |
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State Panel Recommends Cigarette Tax Hike
A state health care task force has called for increasing the state tax on cigarettes by a dollar per pack. The recommendation is getting praise from the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition. Spokesman Jeremy Hanson says whether or not they smoke, all Minnesotans pay higher taxes, and higher insurance premiums to cover tobacco-related health costs. Hanson says his group believes that a dollar a pack tax hike would encourage smokers to quit, and would keep many young people from starting. Though the panel that made the recommendation was appointed by Governor Pawlenty, their recommendation may not be met with automatic approval. The Governor has opposed tobacco tax increases in the past. The recommendation could also face strong opposition in the Legislature. |
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Wright County Man Among 18 New DNR Conservation Officer Candidates
A Wright County man hopes to become a new member of the Minnesota DNR's Conservation Officer force. Dustin Heaton of Cokato is among 18 candidates to the DNR's Conservation Officer Academy beginning today at Camp Ripley. The intense training program runs through early May, followed by 16 weeks of "hands-on" training in the field with veteran conservation officers. This is the first Conservation Officer Academy session since 2001. The DNR hopes to fill some of the 30 vacancies among the state's 150 field stations. Graduation for the new conservation officers is set for May 18th. The DNR is already working on the hiring process for the next Conservation Officer Academy which is tentatively scheduled for next year. |
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