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Lakes Area Morning News for Nov. 28, 2023

By Michael Achterling Nov 28, 2023 | 10:04 AM

 

 

Alexandria police release details, victim’s name surrounding homicide investigation

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Alexandria police have released more details and the name of the victim stemming from an apparent homicide on Friday night.

On Nov. 24 at about 10:31 p.m., Alexandria police and North Memorial Ambulance responded to a residence on the 1600 block of 6th Avenue East.

Upon arrival, they discovered 58-year-old Desiree Frederick of Alexandria suffered stab wounds and performed life-saving measures at the scene, but Frederick was pronounced dead.

The Mid-West Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified Frederick and determined the cause of death to be homicide by stabbing.

In a news release, the Alexandria Police Department stated they are continuing to investigate the killing with their partner agencies and will provide updates about the case as new information becomes available.

The also said they believe the incident to be isolated and there is no apparent risk to the public.

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in ND involved in car crash in South Dakota Saturday afternoon; no injuries reported

A Democratic Party U.S. Senate candidate in North Dakota, and her family, were uninjured during a car crash in South Dakota on Saturday afternoon.

Katrina Christiansen, a University of Jamestown engineering professor running for the Democratic nomination for North Dakota’s U.S. Senate seat in 2024 says she and her family survived a crash in Plankinton, South Dakota.

Christensen says the driver of another car was attempting to pass a semi-tractor trailer and the SUV they were driving was struck. 

She said: “We are all okay because of the volunteer Plankinton Fire & Rescue’s efforts. This rural fire and rescue department saved the day. These folks represent the courage and generosity that makes our country exceptional. My family is so thankful for their dedication to helping people in the worst moments.”

Christensen is seeking the democratic nomination to challenge republican US Senator Kevin Cramer, who is running for his second term in the upper chamber.

Cramer previously served three terms representing North Dakota’s At-Large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Story by Don Haney / KFGO

Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office to implement body camera program in 2024

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has announced they will be implementing body cameras for licensed deputies and corrections officers by 2024.

The office stated the decision is supported by funds from the Public Safety Aid Program, approved in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.

The forward-facing devices attach to the officer’s uniform and, the office states, have been shown to reduce civilian complaints, enhance accountability, increase transparency, and decrease civil liability.

A community input public hearing is scheduled during the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 12, 2023.

There is also and online Body Cam Poll the office is encouraging residents to take. 

Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons highlighted that the sheriff’s office already utilizes squad car-mounted cameras in marked vehicles.

He also stated the video data is subject to Minnesota’s data privacy rules, with most body camera video data not considered public and only accessible in specific circumstances.

The Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office also recently began exploring the possibility of implementing a Body-Worn Camera program.

In 2018, Fergus Falls Chief of Public Safety Kile Bergren wrote in a statement, quote: “We do not use body cams. We don’t have any intent to use them any time soon.”

Otter Tail County Chief Deputy Reed Reinbold can be contacted for questions or comments at rreinbold@ottertailcounty.gov or by phone at 218-998-8530.

Written correspondence can be directed to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Chief Deputy Reinbold, 417 S Court St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

Story by Zakk Daniels / KBRF

St. Cloud State University president to step down in June

St. Cloud State University’s 24th president is stepping away at the end of the academic year.

Dr. Robbyn Wacker’s last day is June 30th, which marks the end of her current contract. 

Wacker came to St. Cloud in 2018 after 20 years at the University of Northern Colorado and was the first woman to lead SCSU when she started six years ago.

In a press release, Wacker calls serving as SCSU’s president “an honor and a privilege,” and added: “I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve our amazing students, faculty, staff, and administrative leaders. This decision was extremely difficult; however, I feel great about what I and my leadership team have accomplished in the past six years, and the time is right to hand the reigns over to the next leader.”

Wacker was in charge of serving during some of the university’s most challenging times, including budget challenges, declining enrollment, and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SCSU says it is turning the corner when it comes to incoming students. Its freshman enrollment was up by 16.5% this fall, the first increase since 2015. The campus also has 18.1% more students living there, and the number of students leaving with degrees is up by 11.9%.

Wacker was also heavily involved in Unleash the Future, SCSU’s first fundraising campaign in 20 years. The university eclipsed its goal of $35 million by raising around $39.8 million.

Under Wacker’s leadership, SCSU also developed new undergraduate programs in cybersecurity and environmental management, and seven new concentrations in the Masters of Business Administration program. A certificate in cannabis education is now being offered at the school, too.

Wacker is credited with serving the community off campus as part of the St. Cloud Mayor’s Downtown Development Taskforce, the Greater St. Cloud Chamber Downtown Alliance Board, the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, and the Initiative Foundation.

SCSU will begin to search in the spring for an interim president to serve a two-year term.

Story by Jake Judd / KNSI

Body found in alley of west-central Minnesota town

Authorities are investigating after a body was found in an alley in west central Minnesota late last week.

According to the report, the body was in an alley behind Western Avenue in Brooten, Minnesota, about 35 miles southeast of Alexandria. The death remains under investigation. Police say there are no apparent public safety concerns and the body has been taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy.

The name of the person found has not been released pending notification of family members.

More details are expected to be released in coming days.

Story by Mark Anthony / KXRA

Detroit Lakes man receives ‘stayed’ sentence for felony domestic assault

A Detroit Lakes man was sentenced to 21 months in prison, stayed for five years, following a guilty plea of felony domestic assault.

According to court records, on July 14 at 4 a.m., members of the Becker County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of domestic assault in Lake Eunice Township.

Upon arrival, they discovered a woman with a swollen lip, bloody nose, cut on her face and marks on her throat.

The woman told law enforcement that 55-year-old Louis Anthony Manitowabi of Detroit Lakes became enraged when he couldn’t find his wallet at the residence.

Manitowabi woke up the woman in a bedroom, punched her and then dragged her out of the room.

The woman was able to force him out of the house, but he reentered by kicking in the door.

Manitowabi then reportedly pushed her down, put his knee in her chest and strangled her to the point that she began spitting up blood.

Officers noticed the blood on the floor of the residence and on the victims clothes. The woman also said she and Manitowabi had been in a relationship for about 11 years.

During his arrest, he also kicked the arresting officer and threatened to kill him.

A felony charge of domestic assault by strangulation, a second count of felony domestic assault, and a gross misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer were dropped in a plea agreement.

Manitowabi holds five prior domestic violence-related offenses in the last ten years and was sentenced to 21 months in prison, stayed for five years while he is under supervised probation.

He is also not allowed to possess any firearms for the rest of his life and must complete a Domestic Abuse Batterer’s Intervention Program.

A domestic abuse no-contact order was also issued during the sentencing.

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