Jack O'Connor
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Reporter @stcloudlive | Opinions are my own | UMN 25’ | joconnor@stcloudlive.com | formerly @chicagotribune, @StarTribune, @IowaCapDispatch
Articles by Jack O'Connor
Sen. Klobuchar tours St. Cloud school's medical workforce program Original
ST. CLOUD — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Monday, Oct. 26, toured a St. Cloud high school's ambulance bay, and learned about its emergency medical technician training program. A week before Election Day Nov. 3, the DFL gubernatorial candidate spoke with Apollo High School students involved in the program as well as local educational and CentraCare leaders about the potential for more like it across the state.
Stearns County to outline legislative priorities on taxes, crime and funding
ST. CLOUD — Stearns County commissioners will outline 2027 legislative priorities that range from a sales tax exemption to increased state funding for child welfare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Klobuchar tours Apollo emergency medical workforce pathway program
ST. CLOUD — DFL candidate for governor Sen. Amy Klobuchar toured Apollo High School’s ambulance bay and learned about its emergency medical technician training program on Monday, Oct. 26. About a week before Election Day, Klobuchar spoke with Apollo students involved in the program as well as local educational and CentraCare leaders about the potential for more like it across the state. She was also joined by state Sen.
St. Cloud woman pleads guilty to killing boyfriend
ST. CLOUD — A 24-year-old St. Cloud woman pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 23, to killing her boyfriend during an argument. As part of the plea agreement, Katerina Ivanovna Markiv will receive 13.5 years in prison and plead guilty to the second-degree murder charge without intent in exchange for prosecutors dropping the intentional second-degree murder charge, according to her guilty plea petition. Markiv’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19. Markiv called 911 on Dec.
Biz Buzz: Dave’s Hot Chicken officially lands in St. Cloud
ST. CLOUD — Dave’s Hot Chicken celebrated the grand opening of its newest Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant on Friday, Oct. 21, in St. Cloud. It’s the latest opening for Dave’s Hot Chicken, which has rapidly expanded since it first opened in an East Hollywood parking lot in 2017. The restaurant chain recently celebrated its 500th store opening in Phoenix in early October.
Council previews: Sauk Rapids to promote new police chief
ST. CLOUD — Assistant Police Chief Brent Bukowski is set to become Sauk Rapids’ new police chief following the retirement of current Chief Perry Beise. Beise will officially retire in late January, with Bukowski scheduled to take on his new duties on Jan. 17 if approved by the city council. Bukowski, a lifelong Sauk Rapids resident, was first hired in 1999 and served many different roles for the city.
District 742 School Board candidate had teaching license suspended in 2022
ST. CLOUD — District 742 School Board candidate Sonia Eizenhoefer had her teaching license suspended for a year in 2022 after she slapped a student on the back, regularly got angry and tried to lead students in prayer, according to a file from the State of Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Eizenhoefer taught English to English language learners at Rocori Senior High School from 2019-2021, and resigned about a week after an investigation into her behavior began.
Two children hospitalized after they were struck by car near Talahi on Wednesday, Oct. 21
ST. CLOUD — Two children were taken to the hospital after being struck by a car near Talahi Community School at about 4:48 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to a report from the St. Cloud Police Department released Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22. A 10-year-old child was taken to Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis via ambulance, while a 6-year-old was flown to the hospital, according to the release. An adult was also hit by the car, but was not taken to the hospital.
Central Minnesota Builders Association sues state over 2024 omnibus bill
ST. CLOUD — The Central Minnesota Builders Association is part of a lawsuit seeking to overturn parts of Minnesota’s massive 2024 omnibus law that it alleges are both unconstitutional and hurting the construction industry. Two provisions of the 1,400-page omnibus bill are at the center of the suit.
CentraCare, Stellis Health announce merger
ST. CLOUD — CentraCare and Stellis Health are moving forward with a plan that would see Stellis become part of CentraCare by 2027. Shareholders in Stellis Health, a healthcare provider based in Buffalo and Monticello, voted recently to advance the agreement, according to a joint press release on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Both organizations will finalize the agreements and complete the required regulatory review and authorization.
CentraCare, Stellis Health announce merger
ST. CLOUD — CentraCare and Stellis Health are moving forward with a plan that would see Stellis become part of CentraCare by 2027. Shareholders in Stellis Health, a healthcare provider based in Buffalo and Monticello, voted recently to advance the agreement, according to a joint press release on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Both organizations will finalize the agreements and complete the required regulatory review and authorization.
St. Cloud attorney indefinitely suspended by Minnesota Supreme Court
ST. CLOUD — The Minnesota Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended St. Cloud attorney Gregory Walz from practicing law after he submitted fake documents and made false statements questioning the integrity of judges, opposing attorneys and his co-counsel The Office of Lawyer Professional Responsibility, which helps investigate attorney misconduct, filed a disciplinary action petition with the state supreme court in 2025.
St. Cloud man arrested after attempting to sexually assault niece’s friend
ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud police arrested a 44-year-old man on Saturday, Oct. 17, after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault his niece’s friend and threatened her with a knife. Olo Andrew Cham of St. Cloud faces a second-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a dangerous weapon and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, according to a criminal complaint. He faces up to 47 years in prison for all three charges.
District 742 to hear language access strategies on Wednesday, Oct. 21
ST. CLOUD — District 742 School Board members will listen to language access improvement strategies during their meeting on Wednesday night, Oct. 21. The strategies are designed to ensure the district is both adhering to legal requirements and providing the best possible education. Students across the district speak 54 different languages, according to a presentation that will be shown at the meeting.
Longtime Rep. Mekeland faces challenge from Davenport for House 27A seat
ST. CLOUD — Navy veteran Vanessa Davenport, a Democrat, is running against five-term incumbent Republican Rep. Shane Mekeland for the Minnesota House 27A District seat. Both ran unopposed in their respective primaries. The winner of the Nov. 3 general election will represent the district encompassing most of Big Lake, Becker, Clear Lake and the surrounding areas.
St. Cloud advances data center ordinance, public hearing scheduled for Nov. 16
ST. CLOUD — The St. Cloud City Council agreed without opposition to set a public hearing on a new ordinance that would place restrictions on new hyperscale data centers during its meeting on Monday night, Oct. 19. The ordinance, if approved, would require all data centers to use the city’s water system and be at least 1,320 feet away from abutting road right-of-ways and residential-zoned properties as measured from property line to property line.
Benton County to consider signing letter supporting Elk River Landfill growth
FOLEY — The Benton County Board of Commissioners will consider whether to signal support for the Elk River Landfill’s expansion during its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Elk River Landfill, located in Sherburne County, is looking to add another 162 acres to its 550-acre property. The landfill, which serves 23 Minnesota counties and parts of Wisconsin and South Dakota, is expected to reach its permitted capacity in 2027.
Biz Buzz: Sartell chiropractor wins national Sports Chiropractor of the Year award
SARTELL — Sartell-based chiropractor Sara Cuperus has sat on the sidelines of many sporting events, from semi-pro football to Olympic trials, treating athletes seeking championship glory. But in September, it was Cuperus who took home gold with the national Sports Chiropractor of the Year Award. Presented by the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council and voted on by past winners, the win came out of left field for Cuperus. “The award was a complete surprise," she told St. Cloud LIVE.
Senate 13 profile: Gapinski pitches path to affordability through state budget cuts
ST. CLOUD — Benton County Commissioner Jared Gapinski is promising to help make Minnesota more affordable by changing how the state approaches spending in his campaign for Senate District 13. High taxes, government mandates and government bloat, Gapinski said, have held the state back and caused people and businesses to leave Minnesota.
Senate 13 profile: Veteran Dilks brings bipartisan edge to campaign trail
ST. CLOUD — After seeing partisanship divide lawmakers and prevent good policies from passing, veteran and advocate Trent Dilks is positioning himself as a bipartisan “gray duck” candidate for Senate District 13 voters. The former Minnesota National Guardsman, who did two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, has spent more than a decade advocating for disabled veterans at the state capitol. In that role, he’s helped pass several of Minnesota’s first-ever veterans omnibus bills.
Two-time incumbent Schultz faces off with Larson in House 10B race
ST. CLOUD — DFL candidate Jeff Larson will try to oust Republican Rep. Isaac Schultz as he seeks a third term representing the Minnesota House 10B District. Schultz, who was first elected in 2022, and Larson both ran unopposed in their primary elections. The 10B District encompasses Foley, Rice, Royalton, Milaca, Buckman, Foreston and the surrounding areas.
Council previews: St. Cloud to vote on data center ordinance
ST. CLOUD — The St. Cloud City Council will have the chance to approve an ordinance that would place restrictions on the location, design and water usage of new hyperscale data centers during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 19. If approved, hyperscale data centers would be required to use the city’s water system and must be at least 1,320 feet away from abutting road right-of-ways and residential zoned properties as measured from property line to property line.
St. Cloud police arrest several juveniles after stolen car crashes
ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud police arrested three teenagers at about noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14, after they allegedly stole and crashed a vehicle and then ran away. Witnesses saw several juveniles abandon a vehicle after they hit a curb, and then run into a nearby apartment building near the intersection of Seventh Street Southeast and Oakwood Drive, according to a St. Cloud Police report. Officers later learned the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier Wednesday. No injuries were reported.
CentraCare, St. John’s University athletics announce 3-year medical partnership
ST. CLOUD — CentraCare will be the official healthcare and orthopedic provider for St. John’s University athletics as part of a three-year partnership between the local institutions announced Thursday, Oct. 15. The partnership means CentraCare will provide physician coverage at home and away football games, medical support for home hockey games and a regular on-campus clinic for student-athletes, according to a news release.
Baratta, Heurung seek open Ward 4 seat
ST. CLOUD — Union field organizer Joe Baratta and retired 67-year-old Spee Dee executive Craig Heurung are running to replace Mike Conway as the St. Cloud City Council’s Ward 4 representative. Baratta and Heurung took home about 33.9% and 40% of the vote, respectively, during the primary, beating out former Tech High School graduate and current Anoka-Ramsey Community College student Amaan Abdi and right-wing online political influencer Zak X, who received 22.9% and 3.2% of the vote, respectively.
Longtime council member Masters faces Hobbs in Ward 1
ST. CLOUD — Longtime St. Cloud City Council member Dave Masters is facing a stiff challenge from St. Cloud Planning Commissioner Charlie Hobbs for the Ward 1 seat. Masters had a disappointing primary election night, taking home only 30.8% of the vote for a seat he’s held since 2007. Hobbs, who is legally blind, received 51.9% of the vote during the August primary. Dreyton Nichols, a St. Cloud Church of Christ pastor, ran in the primary but didn’t advance after receiving 17.3% of the vote.
Ibrahim faces first electoral challenge from Christian in Ward 3
ST. CLOUD — Veteran Luke Christian is challenging incumbent St. Cloud City Council member Hudda Ibrahim for the Ward 3 seat. After being appointed to replace Mayor Jake Anderson in 2024, this November election will be Ibrahim’s first time on the ballot. Because only two candidates filed for the Ward 3 seat, no primary election was held and both Ibrahim and Christian automatically advanced to the general election.
Sartell mayor asks “Why Sartell?” during State of the City address
SARTELL — Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum used his city’s low taxes and high community satisfaction as proof that it's headed in the right direction during his State of the City address on Tuesday, Oct. 13. They were also his answers to the rationale behind the theme of his speech: “Why Sartell?” Fitzthum praised the city as an attractive place to work and live for both residents and businesses to more than 50 business and community leaders who attended.
CentraCare, U of M launch family medicine obstetrics fellowship Original
ST. CLOUD — The University of Minnesota and CentraCare are partnering to create a one-year fellowship program to help train new physicians in advanced maternity and newborn care. The family medicine obstetrics training will give new physicians advanced skills in surgical and obstetric care as fewer hospitals across the state offer obstetric services.
CentraCare, U of M launch family medicine obstetrics fellowship
ST. CLOUD — The University of Minnesota and CentraCare are partnering together to create a new one-year fellowship program to help train new physicians in advanced maternity and newborn care. The family medicine obstetrics training will give new physicians advanced skills in surgical and obstetric care as fewer hospitals across the state offer obstetric services.
Biz Buzz: Canadian opens St. Cloud-based Nirvana Wellness and Spa
ST. CLOUD — A passion for wellness and a love story that began in New Orleans led Canadian native Moksh Stoerzinger to open Nirvana Wellness and Spa in August in downtown St. Cloud. Stoerzinger once ran a laser hair removal business in Canada, but after a chance encounter with her now-husband on a trip to Louisiana, she headed stateside and brought a scaled-up version of the business with her.
Biz Buzz: Canadian opens St. Cloud-based Nirvana Wellness and Spa
ST. CLOUD — A passion for wellness and a love story that began in New Orleans led Canadian native Moksh Stoerzinger to open Nirvana Wellness and Spa in August in downtown St. Cloud. Stoerzinger once ran a laser hair removal business in Canada, but after a chance encounter with her now-husband on a trip to Louisiana, she headed stateside and brought a scaled-up version of the business with her.
House 13B profile: Former union leader, veteran Doyle emphasizes public service
ST. CLOUD — Public service has always been a strong motivator throughout the long career of Central Minnesota native Justin Doyle. The Navy veteran and former local chairman of the then-United Transportation Union emphasized that when things go wrong, someone needs to step up. And with politicians disinterested in hearing from residents and too afraid to cross party lines, Doyle said things are clearly going wrong and that he wants to be part of the solution.
House 13B profile: Loberg targets wasteful spending, taxes
ST. CLOUD — A traditional conservative message focused on cutting taxes and wasteful spending is at the center of former Republican fundraiser Dawn Loberg’s campaign for the District 13B House seat. Most of Loberg’s political experience has been spent in the background, primarily helping Republicans get the cash they need to run successful campaigns. But Loberg said she’s always wanted to run, and that being pushed to the forefront by the district’s retiring Rep.
Council previews: Sauk Rapids to discuss trail design near Scheels baseball complex
ST. CLOUD — The Sauk Rapids City Council will get its first look at the new design for a trail extension project during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 12. Sauk Rapids received around $420,000 for the project from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. That grant plus additional funding from the city’s capital improvements fund will pay for the project’s estimated $712,000 price tag.
Cold Spring man faces murder charges in fatal stabbing of group home employee in St. Cloud Original
ST. CLOUD — A grand jury on Wednesday indicted a Cold Spring man who allegedly fatally stabbed a Catholic Charities group home employee in June. Luke Patrick McLane, 33, faces two charges for premeditated first-degree murder and intentional murder in the second degree. In Minnesota, grand jury indictments are required to charge someone with first-degree murder or any other charge that could result in a life sentence.
Perryman retreats from June statements supporting National Guard at polls
ST. CLOUD — Republican Rep. Bernie Perryman told a small crowd in June that she thought deploying the National Guard on Election Day would be a "good" idea, as can be heard in leaked audio obtained by St. Cloud LIVE. About three months later, Perryman now says those statements don’t reflect her current positions. The audio came from a June 25 meeting hosted by the Central Minnesota Freedom Advocates — a local conservative political advocacy group.
Central Minnesota city officials discuss regional answers to e-bike safety Original
SARTELL, Minn. — When St. Cloud area officials decided to come together on Sept. 29 to discuss ways to promote e-bike safety, they couldn't have predicted how relevant that meeting would be. Earlier that day, an 11-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, boy was taken to a hospital with serious injuries after the e-bike he was riding collided with a car. He was wearing a helmet.
Cold Spring man indicted for murder on charge of fatal stabbing of group home employee
ST. CLOUD — A grand jury indicted a Cold Spring man who allegedly fatally stabbed a Catholic Charities group home employee in June for first- and second-degree murder on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Luke Patrick McLane, 33, faces two charges for premeditated first-degree murder and intentional murder in the second degree. In Minnesota, grand jury indictments are required to charge someone with first-degree murder or any other charge that could result in a life sentence.
House 13A profile: Tanja Goering pledges to listen, let ‘constituents do the talking’
ST. CLOUD — A knock on the door, an introduction and a question about what concerns a resident has going into the November elections is how Republican Tanja Goering begins every canvassing conversation. And it’s similar to how she hopes to govern. Goering, a former chair of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said the pragmatic approach she’s learned throughout her business career is the same approach she’d take to policymaking.
House 13A profile: Arlis Sayler puts healthcare, farmers first in bid for rural seat
ST. CLOUD — Arlis Sayler grew up on dairy farms in North Dakota and worked for more than three decades as a Cargill agricultural engineer before retiring. Now, Sayler is making farming families a focal point in his campaign for a rural House seat. He knows winning House District 13A as a Democrat is an uphill battle. It’s a mostly rural district that includes cities like Paynesville, Cold Spring and parts of St. Joseph, which have historically voted conservative.
Students promote AI literacy, creation of advisory group at District 742 board meeting
WAITE PARK — Creating an artificial intelligence student advisory group and promoting AI student literacy were among the recommendations two students returning from an AI leadership summit gave District 742 School Board members during their meeting on Wednesday night, Oct. 7. District 742 students Bihmanji Acho and Jiech Jiech attended the national summit in Boston over the summer, where they served as “Student AI Senators” and helped draft a national student-centered AI policy for K-12 schools.
Motorcyclist killed in Minden Township crash
ST. CLOUD — A 66-year-old Minneapolis man died Sunday, Oct. 4, after colliding with a car while riding his motorcycle in Minden Township. Mark Skanes Cady was riding his 2022 BMW motorcycle when he hit the 2016 Honda Odyssey driven by Ahmed Mohamud Haji Isse, 46, of St. Cloud, at the intersection of 35th Avenue Southeast and 2nd Street Southeast, according to a Benton County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Conservative groups to rally Tuesday for DOJ election monitors at St. Cloud-area polls Original
ELK RIVER, Minn. — Conservative voting groups are holding a “Protect the Polls Community Action” event in Elk River, Minnesota, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to encourage the U.S. Department of Justice to deploy federal election monitors at St. Cloud area polling places.
Biz Buzz: Avivo Village opens 48-room homeless shelter
\ST. CLOUD — Avivo Village officially opened its new 48-unit emergency homeless shelter in St. Cloud during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 2. Each private room comes with a bed, wardrobe, nightstand, chairs and a TV stand. In the shared living spaces, there is a laundry room, kitchen and an outdoor area for recreation, pet care and gatherings.
City council previews: St. Cloud to weigh going 50/50 with Rox on new MAC flooring
ST. CLOUD — The St. Cloud City Council will consider whether to split the costs of installing new flooring at the Municipal Athletic Complex Faber Stadium’s lobby and restrooms with the St. Cloud Rox baseball team during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 5. The Rox are offering to donate $20,550 to the city, about 50% of the project’s cost, if the city agrees to pay the remaining 50%. Installation would begin this fall if approved.
League of Women Voters to host forum for District 13 on Wednesday, Oct. 7
ST. CLOUD — The League of Women Voters of the St. Cloud Area will host a forum for District 13 state House and Senate candidates at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Sartell Community Center. District 13 Senate candidates Jared Gapinski and Trent Dilks, House 13A candidates Arlis Sayler and Tanja Goering, and House 13B candidates Justin Doyle and Dawn Loberg. The forum will be recorded and uploaded later to YouTube.
Conservative groups to call on DOJ to ‘deploy federal election monitors’ in St. Cloud area
ST. CLOUD — Conservative voting groups are holding a “Protect the Polls Community Action” event on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to encourage the U.S. Department of Justice to deploy federal election monitors at St. Cloud area polling places.
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