Mayor Don Ness responded to Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposed budget with concern for how a high level of services would be delivered in Duluth, Brendan Stahl reports in the Duluth News Tribune. “Part of Pawlenty’s proposal would be to cut $250 million from city and county local government aid, which would include a $3.9 million slice from Duluth,” the story says, adding that the city dealt with a $3.5 million cut last year. Ness said, “To put it in perspective, the combined budgets of our entire parks and recreation departments and library is around $5 million.”
Authorities searching for missing La Crosse student Craig Meyers are focusing on the Mississippi River after a dog tracked his scent to the ice, report Chris Hubbuch and Anne Jungen in the Winona Daily News. In addition, a security video camera filmed someone matching Meyers’ description walking in downtown La Crosse early Sunday, the story says.
“Plans by Duininck Inc. of Prinsburg to erect an industrial transfer and storage facility for asphalt cement are facing opposition from many of the rural residents who will live within its shadow,” writes Tom Cherveny in the West Central Tribune. The facility would be located about five miles north of Granite Falls, he writes.
On a visit to Albert Lea on Monday, gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton said that if elected he would increase state funding for K-12 education each year in office, reports Tim Engstrom in the Albert Lea Tribune. Where would he find the money, Dayton was asked. “It’s very simple: Tax the rich,” he said.
