Becker County swears-in temporary veterans services officer

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – A temporary Becker County Veteran Services Officer was sworn-in Tuesday morning to replace the current office holder as he prepares to go on deployment early next year.

Donovan Strandberg, of Audubon, is a 23-year veteran of the Minnesota Army National Guard and will take over for current veterans services officer, Matt Erickson, when he deploys with his Minnesota National Guard unit to the middle east in early 2024.

During the meeting Strandberg introduced himself to the commissioners.

“I’ve been living in lakes country for almost 20 years,” said Strandberg. “23 years in the National Guard. I work full-time at the Armory across the street. And just glad to be able to help to continue this service for our veterans.”

Following the swearing-in ceremony, commissioners congratulated Strandberg and then publicly thanked Matt Erickson for his work with the county, wishing him well as he prepares to deploy.

Erickson said Strandberg will be shadowing him over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of veterans stewardship in Becker County. Erickson is expected to resume his role when he returns from deployment.

4 people charged in connection with death of 15-year-old boy due to alcohol poisoning

Four people were charged in connection with the death of a 15-year-old boy at an underage drinking party in Clearwater County in March.

According to court records, 26-year-old Rainee Thompson of Mahnomen and another adult provided alcohol for the underage gathering where 15-year-old Dennis Goodwin Jr. was found dead.

Clearwater County Prosecutor Katy Lorsbach charged Thompson with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and said similar charges are pending against the other adult who also provided the alcohol. Adding, two juveniles will face charges in juvenile court in connection with the incident.

Officials also stated the reason the adults were not charged with causing Goodwin’s death is because they did not directly provide Goodwin Jr. with the alcohol.

A medical examiner determined Goodwin Jr. died of alcohol poisoning and his blood alcohol level was 0.36%.

M State to celebrate 20 years under one banner; tree planting ceremony Sept. 27 on all four campuses

M State will be celebrating 20 years since combining four regional community and technical colleges under one expansive west-central Minnesota collegiate campus.

On Wednesday, Sept. 27 at noon, each of the four M State schools in Detroit Lakes, Moorhead, Fergus Falls and Wadena will be holding tree dedication ceremonies on their campuses to celebrate their two decades of service under one banner.

The events will feature remarks by M State President Carrie Brimhall and featured local speakers at each campus.

In Detroit Lakes, Mayor Matt Brenk along with Essentia Health Radiology Clinical Educator Coordinator Melissa Watson, who was an M State graduate in 2005, will be the featured speakers.

In a news release, Brimhall said any M State graduate is encouraged to come and celebrate the anniversary with them.

She also said, quote: “M State would not be the strong and successful institution it is today without the incredible and inspiring students, staff and faculty, campus communities and supportive stakeholders who have backed us every step of the way. As we reflect on our history and accomplishments at the 20-year milestone, it’s clear that M State has much to be proud of and many reasons to celebrate.”

M State is also planning a commemorative 20th anniversary magazine and website to celebrate entering their third decade of service to the lakes area.

To check out M State photos, history and accomplishments over the decades, check out their new web portal at: https://www.minnesota.edu/20.

American Legion Post 148 holds flag disposal event in Perham

Perham area kids, firefighters and other event attendees participated in a ceremonial flag burning disposal event on Thursday afternoon hosted by American Legion Post 148 in Dent.

The annual burning ceremony retires old, tattered and worn flags by burning them, which is the official disposal method of the Department of Defense.

The event was held at St. Henry’s Catholic School in Perham and students from their school and St. Paul’s Lutheran School participated in the event by assisting members of the Legion with the ceremony.

Veterans service organizations and the local scout troops all have the ability to conduct flag retirement burning ceremonies.

The DoD warns flag owners that some nylon flags can be toxic when they are burned and recommends those flag owners should perform a ceremonial burial instead.

Old flags can also be donated to nonprofit organizations like Stars For Our Troops, which cuts out the embroidered stars from the donated flags and sends them to veterans with a note stating that their service will never be forgotten.

Waterfowl hunting begins this weekend

Minnesota’s duck and goose hunting season starts a half hour before sunrise on Saturday, and low water levels will be a reality for some.

Waterfowl hunters have the same regulations as last year. 

Minnesota’s three hunting zones, north, central and south, share the same season opener but have different end dates.

Dry conditions across the state will likely lead to shallow water levels and dry ponds. 

The Minnesota DNR recommends scouting ahead of the season which can help identify any changes hunters need to make to access their favorite hunting spots.

For a complete list of rules and regulations, check our station’s website, or find them on the Lakes Area Radio app.

Story by Jake Judd / KNSI

Sartell man arrested following pursuit and rollover crash in Stearns County

A Sartell man is facing charges after allegedly leading police on a mile-long high-speed chase in Stearns County.

The sheriff’s office says a deputy spotted the 45-year-old in a white Dodge Ram pickup heading north on County Road 1 near 4th Street North in Sartell around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The deputy says they saw the truck cross the fog line multiple times and drive halfway off the road.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop and was concerned the driver could be impaired, but the driver failed to pull over and took off. 

During the pursuit, the deputy said speeds reached 100 MPH while he was trying to catch the vehicle. 

After a mile pursuit, the truck lost control, rolled several times and crashed near the intersection of County Road 1 and Coneflower Lane in Le Sauk Township.

The driver told deputies they was not hurt and they were the only person in the truck. 

Firefighters had to extricate the suspect from the vehicle and they were taken to CentraCare in St. Cloud to be evaluated for injuries.

After being cleared, the suspect was booked into the Stearns County Jail on charges of fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and third-degree DWI. 

Story by Jake Judd / KNSI

3 Fargo businesses raise $40k for victims of July 14 shooting

Three businesses raised $40,000 to support those involved in the July 14 ambush shooting in south Fargo that killed police officer Jake Wallin and injured three others.

Big Erv’s Bar and Grill, Midwest Tree Service and Skooter’s Plumbing decided to turn a private party their were going to host into a benefit to help the victims of the tragedy.

The three businesses presented $30,000 to the Leadership Care Fund.

The rest will be given to Karlee Koswick, the 25-year-old bystander from Boston who was shot during the incident.

Koswick has had multiple surgeries done on her leg and hip. Her doctor said recovery could take another year.

The business owners said they’ve sold just under 3,000 blue line t-shirts.

Big Erv’s owner Kelly Visto said the benefit was the least they could do to help the community.

The businesses are planning to make the event an annual benefit for the Leadership Care Fund.

Story by Ryan Janke / KFGO