Mary Lynn Smith
Star Tribune general assignment reporter.
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Security Deposit Charges
Quote from @Cara Fazio: I just had tenants move out a week ago and have incurred some significant expenses getting it cleaned and ready for new occupants. This is a class A rental that was spotless when the tenants moved in 1.5 years ago. These tenants had a large dog that was the source of most of the damage. We did our best to clean the affected areas and avoid replacement, but we ended up having to go the replacement rout after spending considerable $$ trying to clean.
Mary Smith (1940–2026) of Jerseyville, IL | Obituary
Mary Yvonne Smith, 86, passed away at 1:07 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family while under the care of BJC Hospice. She was born on April 23, 1940, in Alton, Illinois, the daughter of Alvin Joseph and Margaret (Blanton) Bell. Mary was the owner and operator of Mary’s Wildlife Inn in Nutwood for many years before her retirement. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, William K.
Retired North Carolina firefighter killed by brother in apparent murder-suicide, police say
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A retired Durham firefighter is one of five victims of an apparent murder-suicide last weekend in Long Island, New York. Officials says Frank DeLucia was found dead Sunday. The suspected gunman is his brother, Joseph DeLucia, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. CBS 17 spoke with Durham Fire Department Battalion Chief Mitchell Morkunas about Frank DeLucia, who he worked with for years. “He was a wholeheartedly a genuine person,” Morkunas said.
Retired Durham firefighter killed in apparent domestic murder-suicide in NY, police say
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A retired Durham firefighter is one of five victims of an apparent murder-suicide last weekend in Long Island, New York. Officials says Frank DeLucia was found dead Sunday. The suspected gunman is his brother, Joseph DeLucia, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. CBS 17 spoke with Durham Fire Department Battalion Chief Mitchell Morkunas about Frank DeLucia, who he worked with for years. “He was a wholeheartedly a genuine person,” Morkunas said.
Lest we forget - Village Magazine
B P July-August 2023July-August 2023 33 T his is the real story of my brother isty Chrwas born in Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, Cork. n Whehe was six, a priest in the town of New Market, County Cork gave orders for my brother to be put into an Industrial School as our mother, Eileen, had got pregnant with me. He was raped before being put out to work for a local farmer. My mother was eventually put in what was then known as an asylum, a mental home. I too was placed in an Industrial School.
Rock Hill Rail Crossing
In appreciation to Todd Rehg, Webster Groves Director of Public Works, and Andrew Toland, Railroad Safety Inspector at the Federal Railroad Administration (DOT): After many months of working with BNSF Railway, they successfully had the railroad correct the rough and dangerous railroad crossing on Rock Hill Road at the Interstate 44 overpass. Drivers, and especially their automobiles, truly appreciates their commitment to this resolution.
Black students could use a hand
By Mary Smith, Las Vegas In 2020, nearly 30% of UNLV’s student population identified as Hispanic, according to U.S. News and World Report. The university’s designation as the second-most diverse college campus for undergraduates is quite deserving, as the Hispanic population in Nevada is about 28.3%, per the 2020 U.S. Census. This is a great milestone for UNLV and for Hispanics in Nevada.
Hennepin County initiatives to house more homeless are seeing some success
For years, Douglas Dorn bounced in and out of homelessness, mostly living out of his car and occasionally crashing on a friend's couch. "Being homeless is the most lonely feeling. It's sadness and loneliness," he said. But Dorn, 53, moved into a one-bedroom apartment two months ago — becoming one of the latest success stories chalked up by Hennepin County, owing to new strategies that seem to be making a dent in the county's chronic homeless population.
Abortion ban looms large in Wisconsin and the Dakotas
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Marcy Thomas and her husband, Scott, opened the church doors to a couple of visitors and didn't hesitate to explain how they felt about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion. "I thought it was disgusting," said Marcy Thomas, 57, as she sat a high-top table in the Valleybrook Church in downtown Eau Claire.
Abortion ban looms large in Wisconsin and the Dakotas
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Marcy Thomas and her husband, Scott, opened the church doors to a couple of visitors and didn't hesitate to explain how they felt about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion. "I thought it was disgusting," said Marcy Thomas, 57, as she sat a high-top table in the Valleybrook Church in downtown Eau Claire.
Rising gas prices may be a boon for Minnesota resorts
Surging gas prices that put a damper on far-flung summer vacations could be a boon for Minnesota resort owners. For some families, the cross-country road trip to Yellowstone or Disneyland may get scrapped this year. But that will again make nearby vacation spots, such as the state's numerous resorts, a better choice for many. "People may say, let's do another COVID vacation," said Ed Tausk, owner of Vermilion Dam Lodge, about 65 miles west of Ely.
More than 300 Twin Cities high school students awarded Wallin scholarships
Chi Vue, the second youngest of nine children in her St. Paul family, knew that paying for college was going to be tough. But now the Harding High School senior, along with more than 300 Twin Cities high school students who want to pursue four-year college degrees, are getting a major financial boost. The Wallin Education Partners announced Tuesday that it will give up to $16,000 over four years to 316 high school graduates at more than 50 Twin Cities schools.
8,000-year-old skull found in Minnesota River goes home to its Native American descendants
When news broke this week that a partial skull found along the Minnesota River could be 8,000 years old, Samantha Odegard and others in the Upper Sioux Community couldn't help but feel anger and frustration. The remains obviously belonged to one of their descendants. Odegard and others from the community, Pezihutazizi Oyate, first learned about the skull in a Facebook post by the Renville County Sheriff's Office. The post included a photo of the bone.
Minnesotans' pent-up demand to travel this summer runs headlong into higher costs
People with an overwhelming urge to bust out of their pandemic bubbles are driving a surge in demand to travel this summer. But they're facing major sticker shock. The average cost of a domestic airline ticket is up more than 30% compared to the same time in 2019, according to industry observers. Travelers also will pay more — sometimes a lot more — to rent a car, stay in a hotel or fill up their gas tank, making even road trips more expensive.
Summer travel is roaring back. Are higher prices and demand impacting your plans?
Travel is back — and in a big way. Coronavirus restrictions, like mask rules, are being lifted. Some destinations are slowly reopening to tourists. More people are hitting the skies and the roads. But all that pent-up demand means those who are vacationing won't necessarily find it easy — or cheap. Airfares are rising, as is demand for hotel and car rentals. Understaffed airlines and bad weather have canceled or delayed numerous flights. And gas prices continue to inch upward. We want to hear from you.
Minnesota parents should watch for hepatitis symptoms in children
Minnesota health officials are urging parents to watch for signs of liver inflammation in their children, especially those who have had either upper respiratory or stomach-intestinal illnesses. At least three Minnesota children under age 3 who have had liver inflammation may be part of a national cluster of hepatitis in children. The cause is being investigated, but health officials said say it may be associated with infection from a type of virus know as adenovirus type 41.
Minnesota Republicans question investigation into car crash involving two DFL leaders
A car crash involving two prominent state DFL leaders was thoroughly investigated, the head of the Minnesota State Patrol said Friday, including details about an open alcohol container that was found in the car. The Redwood County attorney investigated and reviewed the case, after which State Auditor Julie Blaha was cited for failing to yield after slowing to a stop at Hwy. 67 and County Road 13.
Most Minnesota moms use unpaid leave after having a baby
A survey of Minnesota mothers shows nearly two-thirds of them took unpaid leave after giving birth. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) report was released Thursday at a time when Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature are pushing competing paid family leave proposals. The DFL proposal would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave through a state-managed fund employers and employees would pay into.
Former Alexandria police chief charged with theft of city funds
Former Alexandria Police Chief Richard Wyffels was arrested Friday and charged with with theft by swindle for using city funds to purchase items for his personal use. During a year-long investigation, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says the 57-year-old former chief, who retired in September of 2020, charged more than $65,700 to a city-issued credit card, beginning in December 2014. None of the items that were purchased could be found in the Police Department.
Rep. Angie Craig tests positive for COVID
U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced Thursday that she has tested positive for COVID-19 just days after a White House gathering that included House Speaker House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has also since tested positive. The two lawmakers joined Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and others for an event on Tuesday to celebrate as President Joe Biden signed an executive order regarding the Affordable Care Act. They huddled together, maskless.
Maplewood police on the lookout for missing monkey
Zaurice Steward panicked when she heard the news: Her monkey was missing. Now she's heartbroken as Maplewood police investigate what happened to her 1 1/2-year-old white-faced capuchin named Coco Chanel. Steward, who is in the process of moving from Texas to Wisconsin, said she entrusted a family friend who lives in Wisconsin with babysitting Coco while she was out of town for a few days. When she returned Tuesday night, she learned Coco was missing.
Study calls for racial equity improvement in Minnesota Medicaid program
Minnesota leaders are calling for changes in the state Medicaid program to improve racial equity and health outcomes, particularly for Black residents born in the U.S. Black Minnesotans born in the country experience some of the state's starkest health disparities, according to a report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
Omicron's speed drives shift in Minnesota's COVID-19 mindset
The omicron variant is shifting how many Minnesotans think about COVID-19, as the growing risk of infection creates a weary resignation even among those who've conscientiously tried to avoid the virus. The variant is quickly creating a spike in overall cases and breakthrough infections among the vaccinated. Noting the change, more doctors and people are talking about what feels like the inevitability of becoming exposed and hope that the virus soon might enter a more tame "endemic" phase.
Minnesotans face off with omicron in their own way
As the omicron variant explodes across the country, some Minnesotans are doubling down to keep it at bay while others are paying it no mind. Together, however, they sound a collective refrain: "Here we go again." For nearly two years, the global pandemic has sent successive waves of fear, dread, hope and more dread. "It's like being on a nonstop roller coaster," said Wayne Peterson, who lost two brothers to COVID-19 in 2020.
Firefighters battle blaze at Minneapolis homeless encampment
Minneapolis firefighters were called Thursday night to a homeless encampment in a dense wooded area near 3636 Washington Av. N. When crews arrived about 7 p.m., flames had engulfed an abandoned, dilapidated shed at the base of the encampment along with nearby debris. No one was at the encampment when crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. Crews extinguished the fire and washed down the debris to ensure the fire was completely out, according to a statement from the Fire Department.
Hennepin County sheriff pleads guilty to misdemeanor drunken-driving offense
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge of driving while under the influence and said he is enrolled in an outpatient treatment program to address his issues with alcohol. Hutchinson crashed his SUV at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 8 on Interstate 94 near Alexandria after attending a state sheriffs conference. His blood alcohol content was 0.13% — higher than the state legal limit of 0.08%.
'Minnesota Minstrel' Jerry Rau, who brought folk music to street corners, coffeehouses, clubs, dies at 83
In 1965, Jerry Rau was sent to fight in Vietnam. He came back as a guitar player with a passion to tell stories. For more than four decades, the Minneapolis folk singer played on the streets, in coffeehouses, clubs and plenty of nursing homes in Minnesota and across the country. "His legacy is in his music," said Jana Metge, a longtime friend. Rau, who had prostate cancer and dementia, was 83 when he died Oct. 15 in West St. Paul.
COVID-19 cases continue to stay high in Minnesota hospitals
Minnesota hospitalizations for COVID-19 cases remain at the highest level for the year, according to the latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health. A total of 1,462 hospital beds, including 330 in intensive care units, were filled with patients with COVID-19 as of Wednesday — the latest information from the health department. Federal officials have sent in reinforcements to help Minnesota's overwhelmed hospital staffs.
COVID pandemic takes a toll on Minnesota veterinary clinics
After dozens of desperate phone calls to local veterinary clinics, Peggy Sheldon was anxious to get help for her very sick, 7-pound puppy. Not only was her local clinic in Northfield booked out for weeks, but so were a string of others she called across the Twin Cities. Her dog was struggling to keep food down and spraying blood while urinating, but emergency clinics were deluged with more dire cases.
How to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for kids in Minnesota
The rollout of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for children 5-11 has begun with numerous sites in Minnesota gearing up to administer doses. About 500,000 children in that age group can now receive their shot, which will include a smaller needle and smaller vaccine dose than what was given to those 12 and older. The pediatric vaccine vials will have an orange cap. Except in rare cases, consent from a parent or guardian is required for COVID-19 vaccination for those 5-17.
Woman says Braves World Series is the light she needed after battling cancer
By Mary Smith Click here for updates on this story Canton, Georgia (WGCL) — A Canton woman is finding a bright light in her struggle with cancer. Heather Iverson says she was practically born a Braves fan and the news of them in the World Series is what she really needed. CBS 46’s Emily Gagnon interviewed a tearful Iverson Saturday night after their NLCS win. Wednesday, we sat down with her again to learn more about her story.
Salmonella outbreak likely caused by contaminated onions sickens Minnesotans
A multistate outbreak of salmonella likely caused by contaminated onions has sickened nearly two dozen Minnesotans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Wednesday that fresh whole red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc. are the likely source for the outbreak. Federal health officials advise people not to buy or eat these onions.
Many Minnesota health care workers fighting vaccine mandate have received exemptions
Weeks after Minnesota health care workers filed a lawsuit to block a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, most have obtained a religious exemption from the rule. Now they likely will have to decide whether to continue the legal fight. In a three-hour court hearing Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Brasel rejected the health care workers' request for an injunction to stop their employers from enforcing the vaccine mandate. But the judge's decision doesn't preclude the lawsuit from continuing.
Faith in COVID-19 vaccinations remains despite breakthrough infections
Tiffany Doherty, a Minneapolis teacher, knew the COVID-19 vaccine might keep her from becoming seriously ill, even if it couldn't guarantee protection against infection. "But I didn't expect to be one of those who got it," said Doherty, 43, of Crystal. For Doherty and others who've been inoculated, the vaccine allowed life to return to near normal. "You want to run around and lick doorknobs and shout, 'I'm free of this,' " she joked.
Twin Cities Marathon and 10-mile race are back, with COVID protocols
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is back this year but with COVID-19 protocols mandated to keep runners in the 26.2-mile and the 10-mile runs safe. The COVID-pandemic forced race organizers to cancel the annual fall event last year. This year, with more people vaccinated against the disease, the Oct.
Damon Thibodeaux escaped death row for a crime he didn't commit, but died of COVID-19
Damon Thibodeaux escaped death row when DNA helped exonerate him of a murder he didn't commit. Then COVID-19 killed him. "It's so unfair," said Steve Kaplan, a retired Minneapolis attorney who helped free Thibodeaux after he spent 16 years behind bars, 15 of them on death row in Louisiana. "I'm struggling to make peace with it, but you can't." Thibodeaux, who moved to Minnesota to restart his life and eventually settled with his family in Texas, died Sept. 2 of complications from COVID-19.
Family of teen killed in elevator accident hires attorneys for independent investigation
By Mary Smith Click here for updates on this story ATLANTA (WGCL) — Another investigation into the death of 18-year old JauMarcus McFarland has been launched. The Champion Prep Academy athlete died last week following an elevator accident in Northeast Atlanta. Attorneys with the Cochran Firm claim the building has a slew of issues and say property management has been negligent.
80 years after Pearl Harbor, a young sailor comes home to Minnesota
They stood in near silence Thursday on the airport tarmac as a flag-draped coffin slowly emerged from the plane. The remains of Lloyd Timm were finally coming home, nearly 80 years after the 19-year-old from southeastern Minnesota was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. No one — young or old — gathered on the tarmac at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had ever met Timm. The young sailor's siblings and parents died decades ago.
Michael Nesset, writer and teacher who drew people in with his prose and generosity, dies at 78
For decades, Michael Nesset's published essays took readers on a tour of his life from his small-town childhood in Iowa to growing old in the Twin Cities. Along the way, he wove lessons of hope, loss and the inevitable changes that come with time. But for those who sat in his classroom at Century College or the dozens of kids he mentored, it wasn't so much the lessons on a page that mattered. It was the example he set.
New COVID variants drive many Minnesotans to get their vaccination at last
When hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans rushed to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Brian Cunningham waited. Concerned about long-term side effects, the 47-year-old Chaska resident wanted to at least hold off on a shot until the Food and Drug Administration gave vaccines final approval. His trepidation, however, was trumped by the highly transmissible delta variant first detected in India and now the dominant strain in Minnesota and the United States.
Possible reopening of Canadian border buoys resorts, business owners
Word that Canada may reopen its borders to fully vaccinated Americans in mid-August has buoyed resort and outdoor business owners decimated by the yearlong closure, as well as those eager to return to Ontario's remote northern waters. But they're also wary. "I won't believe it until I see it," said Jason Goulet, part owner of the family business, Angle Outpost Resort in the Northwest Angle, the chimney-like chunk of Minnesota that juts into Canada.
Low-vaccine counties in Minnesota make high-risk gamble
LONG PRAIRIE, MINN. – Like some of the regulars who frequent his barber shop, Datrick Mitchell doesn't see much reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19. "I just figure I never got a flu shot either," said the 37-year-old Texas transplant, who was elected last year to the Long Prairie City Council.
Child among 2 people shot and wounded in Minneapolis
Two people were struck by gunfire Friday night in Minneapolis, including a 3-year-old boy, according to Minneapolis police. The sound from a barrage of gunshots about 10 p.m. was captured on a porch security camera in the 3300 block of N. Emerson Avenue, where the gunfire occurred. When police arrived, they found the child and performed emergency first aid.
Two more people arrested in MN man's death
Montana law authorities arrested two people Friday who are wanted for the slaying of a 55-year-old Minnesota man. A man and a woman were arrested near Laurel, Mont., about 20 miles southwest of Billings. The Dakota County Attorney's Office issued warrants for the two in connection with the death of Chris Lafontaine, who was found dead July 2 inside his home in Greenvale Township, about 10 miles northwest of Northfield.
Minnesota mourners find solace after long-delayed funerals
Under a cloudless summer sky, taps sounded and a three-volley rifle salute boomed across Tanners Lake as more than 100 people finally gathered to bid farewell to a beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend who died six months ago. "I'm tired of crying," said Lynn Wright days before her husband's June 12 memorial service in the same parklike spot outside the St. Paul Harley-Davidson dealership where the couple married in July 2016.
Invasive algae found in Pimushe Lake near Bemidji
Starry stonewort, an invasive algae, has been found in Pimushe Lake, about 20 miles northeast of Bemidji. The algae, first confirmed in Minnesota in 2015, has now been found in 17 of Minnesota's 11,842 lakes. Pimushe Lake is near other Beltrami County lakes with confirmed populations of starry stonewort, but it's not directly connected to those lakes. The algae can spread when fragments aren't properly cleaned from trailered boats, personal watercraft and other water-related equipment.
Normandale music teacher David Docter dies at 85
David Docter's love of classical music found its way into the lives of those who knew him. Innumerable Normandale Community College students left his classes having learned more about music than they expected. His friends learned about Mozart and opera because Docter eagerly shared his knowledge. And his three children grew up with classical music filling their home — a foundation that led them into successful careers in the arts.
Minnesota State Fair preview offers taste of return to normalcy
The cold rain that fell Thursday afternoon wasn't enough to dampen Alayna Jones' joy. Along with thousands of others who wandered the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on the first of five days of a Memorial Day weekend event, Jones finally was feeling a sense of normalcy after a pandemic year that was anything but. Live music blared across the grounds amid the smells of corn dogs, cotton candy and cheese curds. Jones and her boyfriend, Chris Westly, were eager to take it all in.
No face mask? It's about time for some Minnesotans; too soon for others
After wearing a face mask for nearly year, Kim Bertram admits she's tired of it. "It's been such a long time," she said. Like so many other Minnesotans, she yearns to feel a sense of normalcy to once again see faces without the coverings. And yet the retired social worker from Rochester had mixed emotions this week when the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people could shed their masks in most public places and Gov. Tim Walz officially lifted the statewide mask mandate on Friday.
Minnesotans excited to shed COVID-19 restrictions Original
The excitement of returning to life as it once was rippled across Minnesota on Thursday after Gov. Tim Walz announced that the last of the state's COVID-19 restrictions would soon be lifted. For many, the news signaled the beginning of the end of an unprecedented year of lockdowns, isolation and uncertainty that kept them hunkered down as the coronavirus pandemic spread around the world.
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