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Salvation Army hosts tree lighting celebration
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Celebrate the holidays with Salvation Army and a variety of local celebrities at the upcoming “Tree of Lights” event in St. Paul.
The free event will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Rice Park. Basketball Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen, Grammy winners The Sounds of Blackness, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and additional local favorites will attend.
For the ultimate holiday experience, the trees at Rice Park will have an LED light display synchronized to holiday music, and the Salvation Army will serve up hot chocolate and cookies.
The off-duty officer crashed into a vacant building at 3rd Street E and Maple Street on August 1, authorities said.
ST PAUL, Minn — A St. Paul Police officer is charged with driving while intoxicated after a crash this summer into a building that caught fire.
The crash happened around midnight on Aug. 1 at the corner of 3rd Street E and Maple Street, officials said. That’s in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood.
The driver, Bryan McKinnon, is a St. Paul Police Officer who was not on duty at the time. When responding officers arrived at the crash, Minnesota State Patrol was requested to take over the DWI investigation to avoid a conflict of interest, charging documents state.
When a trooper asked McKinnon what happened before the crash, charging documents allege McKinnon said he lost control of the vehicle. When asked if he had anything to drink before driving, he said he had two beers. The criminal complaint states McKinnon did not want to do a breathalyzer test, but a warrant was signed for a blood draw, which showed he had a blood alcohol limit of .178.
“This incident is deeply concerning and does not reflect or align with the values of our department or the expectations we have of each other or the people we serve,” said St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry in August. “We are cooperating with the Minnesota State Patrol’s investigation and are following our internal policies and procedures.”
According to the criminal complaint the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case on a conflicts basis.
The trees were planted by local high school students over MEA break.
ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul officials are working to determine who is responsible for the damage and destruction of dozens of trees in the city.
According to St. Paul Parks and Recreation, 60 trees were harmed, including several that were thrown into the Mississippi River.
The trees were planted by local high school students in partnership with the nonprofit Tree Trust over MEA break, said the city organization.
St. Paul Parks and Rec believes the damage occurred overnight and caused nearly $40,000 of damage.
“While we are disappointed in this act and the negative impact it has on the neighboring community and our urban forest, we are working closely with Tree Trust to determine next steps for replacing the damaged trees,” said the statement.
This year’s 5k at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
MINNEAPOLIS — Did you know nearly 300,000 kids and teens live with arthritis in the U.S.?
An annual event in the Twin Cities raises awareness and money for children with arthritis.
This year’s 5k Jingle Bell Run at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
Arthritis Foundation honorees, Calvin Gerber and Rod Van Hoof joined KARE 11 News at 4 to discuss the upcoming event.
