KTOE Noon News 9-10-25
Top Stories for Noon 9-10-25:
- Complaints against Kandiyohi County Judge Jennifer Fischer have been dismissed following her decision to retire. The Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards had accused her of violating a prior disciplinary agreement by retaliating against colleagues, filing baseless complaints, and making inappropriate remarks about other judges. Fischer denied wrongdoing, claiming retaliation for whistleblowing and medical leave. She was removed from hearing duties and reassigned to administrative work. Her retirement ends the disciplinary process. Fischer was appointed in 2013, and her term was set to expire in 2027.
- Authorities have confirmed that human remains recovered last month from the Mississippi River in Sartell belong to a man who vanished nearly six decades ago. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains as those of Roy Benn, a Sauk Rapids resident who was 59 years old when he disappeared in September 1967. Officials have not yet released information regarding the cause or manner of Benn’s death.
- A sad ending to a standoff between an armed man and law enforcement Tuesday night in Chisago County. The Wyoming Police Department responded to the report of an intoxicated man threatening to harm himself and others. Officers say gunfire was discharged from inside the residence, and neighboring homes were struck. Authorities tried unsuccessfully to contact the man and later deployed a drone, which found him dead inside. Investigators say no force was used by law enforcement.
- A Renville County judge has sentenced 29-year-old Julian Valdez to nearly 11.5 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of Pablo Gutierrez. Valdez was initially convicted in 2022, but the Minnesota Supreme Court ordered a new trial after ruling the jury received incorrect instructions. He was reconvicted of second-degree murder this spring. According to court records, Gutierrez confronted Valdez and his stepbrother over a prior dispute at Valdez’s home in August 2021. The tension eased as the men drank and played pool, but later escalated when Gutierrez attacked Valdez’s stepbrother and was shot.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is declaring Minnesota’s dairy herds unaffected by the H5N1 avian flu virus after four months of clean test results. Disease surveillance began in February to prevent the spread to untouched dairy herds and poultry flocks. One case was detected in March, but no others have followed. The state will now reduce milk sample testing from monthly to every other month. Officials say continued monitoring is key, and federal restrictions on interstate animal movement remain in place.
- The ability to connect with emergency services, healthcare, and loved ones isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. This week, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is joining a national campaign to raise awareness about the Lifeline program, which helps low-income residents and people with disabilities afford phone and internet service. PUC Spokeswoman Ann Thom explains: “It’s a discount of up to $5.25 off a monthly landline bill. It will also cover wireless service, and that is a discount of up to $9.25 each month.” More than 81,000 Minnesotans are currently enrolled, but nearly 420,000 may be eligible. To learn more or apply, visit lifelinesupport.org.
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High School Seniors Encouraged to Apply for Mediacom’s World Class Scholarship Program
