Latest news with #StearnsCounty
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
St. Cloud man charged in court with texting, inappropriate remarks to minor
A 65-year-old St. Cloud man is behind bars after he reportedly made inappropriate remarks to a 15-year-old girl both in person and by text. The Stearns County Attorney's Office on Monday, July 14, filed felony charges against the man for allegedly soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct and engaging in electronic communication describing sexual conduct. More: Minnesota gets more opioid settlement dollars; what does that mean for Stearns County? According to the criminal complaint, the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force started its investigation on July 11. Another adult man, who isn't identified in the complaint, told police about the suspect allegedly reaching out to the child in an inappropriate way. An investigator then met with the child, who also lives in St. Cloud. The child reportedly said the man made comments about her being cute, repeatedly sending good morning texts and "told her she had gained weight since last summer because he was looking at her butt while she was swimming," according to the statement of probable cause. He also allegedly told the girl he had troubles satisfying himself sexually and planned to buy a prostitute. The statement of probable cause also states the girl told investigators the man said "... that he'd rather be with minors than anyone older." Court records also show text messages between the suspect and the girl. The suspect read some of these texts during a Mirandized statement, according to the complaint, including a text saying the two will eventually engage in sexual activities. More: Prius driver dies after vehicles collide, strike power pole near Bowlus Court records state the man told investigators those texts were meant for somebody else. He also denied talking to the girl about certain things, but he admitted to talking about soliciting a prostitute, saying "she is old enough to understand." He also admitted to knowing the girl was 15 years old and telling her she had nice legs, according to the criminal complaint. The 65-year-old man was arrested on July 11. As of July 14 morning, he is at the Stearns County Jail. Both charges, if convicted, could carry up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@ This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota man arrested for inappropriately texting to St. Cloud girl
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minnesota gets more opioid settlement dollars; what does that mean for Stearns County?
More opioid settlement dollars are making its way to Minnesota. The state's attorney general announced another settlement deal July 10. Eight opioid pill manufacturers agreed to settlements totaling $720 million nationwide, of which Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said $9.37 million could go to the North Star State. 'No amount of money can undo the tremendous harm that opioid manufacturers and peddlers have inflicted on families across Minnesota,' Ellison wrote in a statement. More: St. Cloud's increase in deadly overdoses: How families, officials are fighting back The deals would bring Minnesota's total opioid settlement yield to $633 million, according to the attorney general's office. The state made an agreement with Minnesota's cities and country's in 2024 where 75% of the settlement funds are allocated to local government bodies while 25% goes to the state. This agreement between municipalities, counties and the state requires funds to be used to combat the opioid crisis. Stearns County has the Opioid Community Advisory Committee, which helps fund community initiatives to combat opioid use. Overdoses have increased in St. Cloud from two in 2018 to 14 in 2024, with a high of 21 overdoses in 2023, according to St. Cloud Police Department data obtained by the St. Cloud Times. The first round of Stearns County opioid settlement grants sent $621,000 to eight groups. These groups were the Central Minnesota Violent Offenders Task Force, Effective Living Center, Hooyo Hour Organization, Metro Treatment of Minnesota, Sartell Police Department, Too Much Talent, Ultimate Success and the YES Network. More: Meet the Minnesota potter behind popular whimsical vending machine artworks The eight defendants in the settlement are Mylan (Viatris), Hikma, Amneal, Apotex, Indivior, Sun, Alvogen and Zydus, according to the Ellison's office. "It is still important that we hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and help those who are suffering, which these settlements do," Ellison wrote. "I will continue to aggressively pursue accountability from these companies and ensure the money they made by pushing opioids is brought back to Minnesota and used on treatment, recovery, and prevention.' Sign up for our alerts to receive the latest updates on important news. Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@ This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota could get $9.37 million in nationwide opioid settlement
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
St. Joseph detour, roundabout construction begins July 8
A new roundabout is coming to St. Joseph, and construction starts July 8. Stearns County released a statement informing the public the project is sparking traffic detours. The new roundabout will be at the intersection of County Road 2 and Minnesota Street in St. Joseph, which will be closed during construction. Construction is expected through August 2025, but it may take longer depending on weather. St. Joseph: Strong community, collaboration at heart of city's booming growth Drivers will take a detour that includes Highway 23 and County Road 75. A full detour map is available on Stearns County's website. "Drivers are strongly urged to find alternate routes to minimize delays," Stearns County wrote in a statement. Roundabouts in Minnesota have reduced accident-induced fatalities and serious injuries by 80%, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Sign up for our alerts to receive the latest updates on important news. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota roundabout construction project prompts St. Joseph detour
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minnesota budget deal sparks controversy amid undocumented immigrant health care cuts
SAINT PAUL — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders announced a budget agreement Thursday, May 15, but not everyone is thrilled with the deal. While party leaders discussed the proposal, a group of DFL lawmakers drowned out those speaking at the Thursday morning presser. These chants included "Don't kill immigrants" and "You're killing our communities." At times, these protesters pounded on the doors of the Governor's Reception Room, where the news conference was held. How your wallet could be impacted: Minnesota state budget could mean hefty property tax increases for Stearns County residents These lawmakers protested removing undocumented adult immigrants from MinnesotaCare coverage. Lawmakers say the health care cut is to reduce government spending, as the budget is expected to be $66 billion to $67 billion — roughly $5 billion less than the current two-year budget. "It's not a measure of being uncaring. It's a fiscal issue, and there are still opportunities (for) those Minnesotans that are here," House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said. "Those that are here illegally, they can still join the private market, so it's not that health care is being denied in any way." Demuth said more than 20,000 people joined the program, compared to the projected 5,700 people. MinnesotaCare coverage is expected to continue for undocumented children. There are an estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants in the North Star State. House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said coverage for undocumented adults is expected to end Dec. 31. The program went into effect this past January. Members of the Minnesota Senate and House People of Color and Indigenous Caucus held a separate press conference Thursday afternoon, condemning the undocumented immigrant health care cuts, alongside other supporting legislators. "There is no fiscal responsibility when you do this," State Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina, said. "When we take away people's health care they end up in the emergency department. It costs more money for everyone in our community. It costs hospitals more money. It puts our health care system in disarray." St. Cloud's increase in deadly overdoses How families, officials are fighting fentanyl, xylazine On Thursday morning, the St. Cloud Times didn't see any St. Cloud area lawmakers participating in the protest. Some protesting lawmakers include Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-Saint Paul; Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley; and Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis. The Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate must pass the proposed budget. Since there are only four days left in the legislative session, lawmakers say a special session could be on the horizon. A recent discovery: St. Cloud skull solves mystery of missing Wisconsin woman, sparking dialogue on addiction A prospective special session comes as Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, didn't sign the agreement, and several DFL Minnesota Senate members are protesting the deal. The DFL has a one-seat Senate majority. "While the final deal includes some needed reforms, it falls short of acknowledging we need bipartisan support to stop the harmful progressive policies hurting small businesses and working families," Johnson wrote. Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@ This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Democrat protesters drown out Gov. Tim Walz during budget conference
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Driver injured in crash early Saturday outside Paynesville, Minnesota
Jun. 7---- A 51-year-old Lake Lillian man was injured early Saturday after driving into the ditch outside the city of Paynesville. Chad Micheal Fischer was northbound in a 2013 Lincoln MKX on Minnesota Highway 23 near milepost 174 when the vehicle went across the southbound lanes and entered the north ditch, according to a report from the Fischer was treated at CentraCare — Paynesville Hospital for injuries described as non-life-threatening. The airbags in the SUV did not deploy, but he was wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was not involved, according to the The roads were dry when the crash occurred around 12:33 a.m. Saturday. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.
