Latest news with #MikeHanson
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Minnesota law enforcement agencies launch AI pilot program to curb traffic deaths
The Brief The "100 Deadliest Days" refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities surge. In 2024, there were 151 traffic deaths during the three-month period, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies are participating in a pilot program that uses AI software to uncover dangerous patterns. 9 - Memorial Day begins the "100 Deadliest Days" stretch that lasts through Labor Day, a period during which traffic deaths historically rise. What we know Law enforcement agencies across the state have started using the Road Safety Information Center, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to gather and analyze traffic data with the goal of identifying the riskiest areas and times to use that information for targeted enforcement. Agencies participating The agencies participating in the pilot program include Minnesota State Patrol; Stearns County Sheriff's Office; Benton County Sheriff's Office; St. Cloud Police Department; Waite Park Police Department; Sartell Police Department; Sauk Rapids Police Department; St. Joseph Police Department; Albany Police Department; Cold Spring Police Department; Sauk Centre Police Department; Melrose Police Department; Belgrade/Brooten Police Department; and Foley Police Department. What they're saying "The RSIC platform opens up a new world of possibilities for improving traffic safety," said Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson in a news release. "Smart choices such as buckling up and paying attention are still among the best ways to stay safe on the road, but with this technology at our fingertips we're hopeful even more lives can be saved." By the numbers In 2024, 151 people died in traffic accidents in Minnesota during the 100-day span, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Of those deaths, 44 involved speed, the agency said. Between 2017 and 2024, a total of 1,118 people died in traffic accidents statewide during the three-month timeframe, the agency said. What's next The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said it will collect input from participating agencies and work with its vendors to improve the technology.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Mission Possible: 2 Alberta runners complete 10 marathons in 10 days, raise close to $1M for youth in need
Mike Hanson and Dave Morin of Calgary (green shirts) celebrate after completing 10 marathons in 10 days at the Servus Calgary Marathon. The duo are raising funds for a trio of charities. Alberta runners Mike Hanson and Dave Morin completed an incredible journey Sunday at the Servus Calgary Marathon, when they finished their 10th marathon in 10 unforgettable days in May. The journey started on May 16 in St. John's Newfoundland and involved running a marathon every day at 7 a.m., in 10 different provinces, until they hit Calgary, where both extremely tired men live. 'There were some periods that were really, really challenging, mentally (and) physically,' Morin said, 'but, you know, we had each other the whole time. 'We had lots of people (helping us),' he said. 'We hardly ever took a step alone. 'And you know, at times when it gets tough, you think about this moment right here, when we finish this off and having all our friends and family around, and it's a good way to get through it.' Hanson said various sponsors and non-profits have also provided a huge boost to their tired legs. 'We've been supported by all three of the charities, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, KidsSport and Autism Asperger's Friendship Society,'he said. 'We've had an incredible number of corporate sponsors across Calgary and across Canada, the news stations, media, local runners, local organizations -- we've just been blown away by the support here at home in Calgary and (all the way) across Canada.' Mike Hanson and Dave Morin Mike Hanson and Dave Morin will attempt to run 10 marathons in 10 days across all 10 Canadian provinces to raise $1 million for charity. (Supplied) Hanson is the father of twin 14-year-old boys with autism. He says their diagnosis 12 years ago completely changed his perspective on life. 'Everything I had in mind for their future and what was important for my family changed instantly,' he said. 'We've had the capacity throughout that 12 years to give them everything they need, and I think they're thriving because of it. But not everyone is that lucky.' Morin also has a personal connection to the charitable work — specifically one local organization that'll benefit from the run. Mike Hanson and Dave Morin Mike Hanson and Dave Morin will attempt to run 10 marathons in 10 days across all 10 Canadian provinces to raise $1 million for charity. (Supplied) 'I started volunteering with (Big Brothers, Big Sisters) in about 2012, and originally thought it was a way to give back,' he said. 'But it was amazing just how much of an impact it had on me — being able to forge that connection and have a lasting impact on the littles that I worked with.' 'There's just an opportunity for undeserved children to have further support and get the opportunities they need in their youth.' As of Sunday, they said they'd already raised a little over $908,000, with a final goal of $1 million. The money will go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Autism Asperger's Friendship Society and KidSport, each of which will receive around $250,000. Among the biggest supporters, they say were the Kinsmen of Calgary. 'We've been supported with a bunch of different corporations, and in particular, the Kinsmen of Calgary put forth a huge donation that we're really, really grateful for,' said Morin. 'And they split that evenly across the three charities. So they (really) got behind us. They got behind the mission. And we're so grateful for the support of the Kinsmen of Calgary.' How do you mentally digest running 10 marathons in 10 days? 'We never had to do 10 marathons,' said Morin. 'We only ever had to do one marathon, and that was the marathon tomorrow. And if we could get through today, there's just one more to do, and it's the marathon tomorrow. 'And I mean, the charities we're working with, the kids that we've seen benefited from these charities. I mean, that makes it pretty easy to keep going and working through the pain,' he added. 'I mean, it's been tough. It's been sore and been painful, but there's a lot behind this, and we're just super-excited and privileged to be have the opportunity to do what we're doing here.' How do two Albertans celebrate running 10 marathons in 10 days? 'We were in Vancouver yesterday,' said Morin, 'and took the glorious final flight home to be back in our hometown of Calgary, and we're just so happy to be back. 'Tonight we sleep in our own beds.' More information on their challenge, route and on how to donate, can be found on With files from CTV's Timm Bruch
CBC
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Why they're running 10 marathons in 10 days across Canada
Two Alberta men, Mike Hanson and Dave Morin, plan to run in 10 marathons in 10 provinces in 10 days, from May 16-25, to raise money to provide resources for children in need.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bullet found in Wisconsin middle school bathroom, school district releases statement
TOMAH, Wis. (WFRV) – A school district in western Wisconsin released a statement after officers were called to a middle school to investigate a bullet that was found in one of its bathrooms. Around 8:20 a.m. on Friday, April 11, officers with the Tomah Police Department were called to the Tomah Middle School for a report of a bullet found in a bathroom, the Department stated in a release. The school was placed on a 'hold' and officers and school administration immediately began an investigation. After identifying a student of interest, that student was interviewed and allegedly admitted to being responsible for the incident. Juvenile suspect in multiple Wisconsin church, home burglaries confesses It was noted by the school district that no firearm was found at the middle school. Tomah Area School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Hanson provided the following statement to parents on Friday: On Friday, Tomah Middle School administration was made aware that one .22 caliber bullet was found in a boy's restroom. Tomah Middle School administration immediately contacted law enforcement. The Tomah Police Department promptly responded and assisted school administration and staff in conducting interviews and searches of all people who entered the restroom prior to the bullet being found. The investigation resulted in no firearm being discovered on campus. There was no known threat to any students or faculty. Students returned to their classrooms and building activities in their normal schedule. A student has been identified and confessed. In accordance with school district policy, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Due to our legal obligation to maintain student confidentiality, we cannot share further details at this time. However, please know that we take this situation very seriously. Tomah Area School District is grateful for the quick response and instructions provided by Tomah Area Police Department officers during this investigation. We want to thank our families and community for their response to this situation. Tomah Area School District administration takes every report of threats seriously. The safety and security of our students and faculty are a top priority. If you see something, please say something, and administration will follow up. Dr. Mike Hanson, Tomah Area School District Superintendent Officers say the case will ultimately be referred to the Monroe County Human Services-Youth Justice. Neenah gas stations display fraud warnings amid surge in Bitcoin ATM scams 'The Tomah Police Department and the Tomah Area School District take these incidents and all school safety very seriously,' Assistant Chief Eric Pedersen of the Tomah Police Department said. 'We would like to thank the Tomah Area School District and especially the Tomah Middle School Administration for their quick action and assistance with the investigation.' No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Minnesota law enforcement tries roadside drug screening, like portable breath tests, on suspected impaired drivers
Similar to portable breath tests to detect if a driver has been drinking, Minnesota law enforcement has tried roadside tests to preliminarily screen for recent drug use and the chemicals that can impair drivers. It was part of a pilot program and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety recently gave its report to state legislators, recommending they approve the use and funding of the screening devices. 'This would expand the ability to stop drug-impaired driving' with the goal of safer roads for everyone, said Mike Hanson, director of DPS' Office of Traffic Safety, on Tuesday. The Cannabis Legalization Act passed by the legislature in 2023 included a plan for the Office of Traffic Safety to carry out a pilot program to study roadside screening tools for the presence of 'a controlled or intoxicating substance' in people stopped or arrested for driving while impaired offenses, according to the report to the legislature sent last week. There were 57 officers, who are certified as drug recognition evaluators, from 41 agencies who tested two instruments across Minnesota last year, evaluating them for ease of use, accuracy and practicality. The pilot program was voluntary for drivers who were pulled over for suspected impaired driving. Officers carried out standardized field sobriety tests and, if they arrested a driver, they asked if they'd take part in the pilot program to help evaluate the devices, Hanson said. The results were not used as probable cause for arrest, in prosecution or for driver's license sanctions. Some drivers agreed to be tested on both devices — there were 329 tests on 268 people. The tests are conducted with a cotton swab, which a driver runs over his gums. The screening machine then produces preliminary roadside results for the presence of six categories of drugs — they're not an indicator of impairment, but recent drug use. Drugs were detected in 87 percent of the tests in the pilot program and the most frequently found substances were cannabinoids (THC or marijuana), methamphetamines and amphetamines. 'The results showed how prevalent and disturbing the simultaneous use of multiple substances is to driving impairment,' Hanson said. More than one drug was found in 62 percent of the tests. In 90 percent of drivers found to have been drinking, based on a preliminary breath test, they also tested positive for one or more drugs, Hanson said. Like portable breath tests, oral fluid testing instruments wouldn't be admissible in court, according to the Office of Traffic Safety. The screening could be used in applying for a search warrant to draw a driver's blood or urine for drug testing. It's those test results from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension that are used in DWI cases. The pilot program showed the drug screening was accurate in detecting the same substances the BCA found in its lab tests, though the BCA has the capability to detect more substances, according to the report. Driving under the influence of drugs accounted for more than 8,000 DWI incidents in Minnesota from 2013 to 2017, and that number nearly doubled between 2018 and 2022, according to State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic. 'You don't need a test to tell you it is never OK to get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol,' she said. 'Our troopers see every day how the choice to drive impaired can end badly in so many ways — getting arrested for driving while impaired is not just a simple traffic citation. It's a crime that can cost you thousands of dollars, a loss of a driver's license and possible jail time.' And Bogojevic said, 'That's the best possible outcome — at least you're alive and no one else was harmed because of an easily preventable decision.' A survey released by AAA this month showed 85 percent of people who used cannabis reported driving the same day, 53 percent said they used cannabis an hour or less before driving and 81 percent 'falsely believed their driving was the same or better after using cannabis,' she said. Crime & Public Safety | Another raw pet food recall is tied to illness and death in cats Crime & Public Safety | After boy, 14, shot in head in St. Paul, he will become organ donor, family says Crime & Public Safety | St. Paul City Council debates creation of public safety budget oversight committee Crime & Public Safety | Pedestrian fatally struck while walking in traffic on Lafayette Bridge in St. Paul Crime & Public Safety | Stillwater moves to ban cryptocurrency ATMs after series of scams When are people safe to drive after consuming cannabis? 'If you feel different, you drive different,' said State Patrol Sgt. Tyler Milless. '… If at any point that you doubt your safety to drive, get a sober ride.' The Minnesota House and Senate transportation committees authorized the drug screening pilot program and allocated about $900,000 for purchasing devices, training officers and preparing a report about the results. The Office of Traffic Safety submitted the report last week to the committees. The devices cost about $5,000 each to purchase and each test costs $25-30, Hanson said.
