Tag: Minneapolis

Ahead of Minnesota State Fair, Ramsey County sheriff sends 233 warning letters to potential gang members

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Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is putting young people with potential gang connections on notice days before the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Fletcher tells WCCO he sent 233 letters to people across the Twin Cities between the ages of 16 and 22, urging them to “consider this letter an opportunity to separate yourself from persons involved in criminal activity.” He says all were identified during investigations into 12 gangs.   “If you hang around other kids that are committing crimes and you come to the fair with them, we’re going to document your activity and that can be used against you later in some court process,” Fletcher said. “Either a crime for the benefit of a gang, a RICO conspiracy case or racketeering case.”

Ten alleged gang members have already agreed to stay away from the fair after Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a civil suit against them.   Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher WCCO The sheriff says six deputies who specialize in Somali gangs will be at the fair to intervene if those 10 alleged gang members violate the court order. He also said staffing will increase at night and law enforcement will have a focus on the Midway after 7 p.m.  “Settle your grievances elsewhere,” Fletcher said. “Settle your grievances where it’s not going to impact 2 million other people.” Instagram account advertises fair “battle” According to court documents, members of The Ville gang fought members of its rival gang, Muddy, near the Midway last year.

In 2024, a Muddy member shot a rival outside the gates on the last day of the fair.  Outside of the fair, members have been arrested in connection to shootings at the 2025 Burnsville High School graduation and the Metro State graduation earlier this year, according to the lawsuits. In late July, a Ramsey County deputy noticed an Instagram account advertising “THE BIGGEST BATTLE OF THE SUMMER” at the state fair, listing Ville and other rival gangs, one of the suits says. “They’re literally advertising that they’re gonna have a big fight at the fair, and we simply have to stop this before it happens to preserve public safety,” Ellison told WCCO earlier this month. The state fair begins on Aug. 27 and runs through Labor Day.

Source: Ahead of Minnesota State Fair, Ramsey County sheriff sends 233 warning letters to potential gang members – CBS Minnesota

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Luke 9:24

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the most vital archaeological…

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Cougar spotted roaming Minnesota community

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Cougar caught at night on camera

Forty miles west of Minneapolis, Howard Lake mixes water recreation with country living. But a couple weeks ago, the small town got a visit from an unexpected feline guest.

A security camera captured video of what appears to be a cougar strolling through a neighborhood. 

“Generally, it’s pretty quiet. People like to get out on their four-wheelers and have fun,” said resident Jim Harvath. “Seeing a wild animal coming into town like that, this close, it’s definitely alarming.”

Just down the street from Harvath’s house, another family’s home security camera captured video of a large cat walking by their deck. 

Wildlife experts said that while cougar or mountain lion sightings are rare for the area, they are not entirely unheard of. Last year there was a sighting in the nearby town of Dassel. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said the animal is likely passing through, and as long as it doesn’t pose a threat to people or pets — and doesn’t linger in town — they’ll leave it alone. 

Typically, the large cats avoid contact with humans, but they could view small animals as prey. That’s why Harvath is keeping a close eye on Sonny, his Boston Terrier. 

“Normally, we let Sonny off the chain to use the yard at night before bed. I’ve been coming out here with him just to make sure nothing happens,” Harvath said. “A cougar is definitely out looking for food when they’re in the area.”

Harvath hopes the cougar safely gets to wherever it’s going. He believes it’s an animal worth admiring and avoiding. 

“Beautiful. Very graceful and very pretty. But they have four-inch claws that can do some real damage,” he said. 

The animal was spotted near the north shore of Howard Lake in late July, and the DNR was made aware of it. No sightings in town have been reported since then.

Source: Cougar spotted roaming Minnesota community – YouTube

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you tries…

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Hot, humid Tuesday in Twin Cities, with storms set to arrive late

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photo of city buildings

Tuesday will be another hot and sunny day in the Twin Cities, with possibly severe storms arriving late. Highs will be in the upper 80s, and it will be humid. The best chance for storms in the metro arrives Tuesday night. Clouds will stream in from out west before the threat arrives, likely around 8 p.m. Strong winds and hail are possible. A few showers and thunderstorms may linger into Wednesday before conditions gradually improve. After that, dry weather will return for the rest of the week, with seasonable summer temperatures. Heat and humidity will build heading into next week, with increasing potential for a prolonged hot stretch.

Source: Hot, humid Tuesday in Twin Cities, with storms set to arrive late – CBS Minnesota

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right…

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Man arrested hours after opening fire on Hennepin County deputies in south Minneapolis, sheriff says

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a person with handcuffs

Law enforcement officers arrested a man in south Minneapolis Tuesday evening following an hourslong standoff. The deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for 31-year-old Tyler Joseph O’Brien around 11:30 a.m. at an apartment unit on West 28th Street and Nicollet Avenue when they heard multiple shots fired. Deputies retreated and heard several more shots, according to Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt.

Deputies quickly learned a woman and child were in the apartment with O’Brien and were able to assist them in safely exiting the building. The apartment building was evacuated while the suspect remained barricaded inside. Witt says about an hour into the standoff, O’Brien told authorities he had pulled the pin on an explosive device and was willing to throw it. Another shot was heard, but Witt says no explosive device was used.

Source: Man arrested hours after opening fire on Hennepin County deputies in south Minneapolis, sheriff says – CBS Minnesota

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
1 Peter 3:14

God as Your Ever-Present Help

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to…

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