Hometown Source

by T.W. Budig ECM Capitol reporter Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton today (May 2) and Republican leaders will meet this afternoon to likely discuss the Vikings stadium and other end of session issues. The meeting comes after Dayton delivered a blistering critique of the Republican leadership and their recent proposal to use general obligation bonding and [...]

Ask a Trooper – QUESTION:  I have been trying to find out what the laws say about using All Terrain Vehicles on public roads and in right of ways.  Not the safety requirements, just using them on roads. Thanks! ANSWER: Currently, state law does not prohibit ATV’s from being operated on city or township roads.  [...]

Ask a Trooper — QUESTION: Is it still a misdemeanor to not have a ID in your position in Minnesota if your over 18? ANSWER: Rick, M.S.S. 171.08 says yes, that every licensee shall have the license in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand of [...]

Clicking on the Web by Howard Lestrud, ECM Online Managing Editor – What is Cinco de Mayo? It is a Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5 each year and commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is primarily a regional holiday [...]

Don Heinzman Editorial – Apparently there is bipartisan legislative support to pass a sales tax on online purchases made in Minnesota to online sellers located outside the state, like Amazon. This makes so much sense because it would bring in a badly needed extra $5 million this year and more next year. Critics will say [...]

by T.W. Budig ECM Capitol reporter Former state representative Mike Obermueller of Eagan has won the 2nd District DFL endorsement for U.S. House. He will now  challenge five-term Republican Congressman John Kline of Lakeville. Obermueller, defeated in his second bid for the Minnesota House, bested Dakota County Commissioner and former South St. Paul mayor Kathleen [...]

Clicking on the Web by Howard Lestrud, ECM Online Managing Editor – It is highly probable that the 2012 session of the Minnesota Legislature will adjourn before the month of April has ended. If so, this will mark the first time the Legislature has not adjourned in May for some time. In today’s column, we [...]

Don Heinzman Editorial – There is a bill that if passed by the Minnesota Legislature would allow the public to use publicly-owned or managed shooting ranges, some in local police stations. It originated in the city of Plymouth where a firearms safety instructor wanted to use the police shooting range to teach firearms safety and [...]

Joe Nathan Column – Youngsters from Minnesota  are among the best US chess k-12 players in various divisions, based on results at the U.S. Chess Federation national chess tournament held recently in Minneapolis. More than 1,300 students competed, including more than 300 Minnesotans from 100 schools. Andrew Hanson, an 11th grader at Rosemount High School [...]

by T.W. Budig ECM Capitol reporter The Republican Senate (April 24) passed a fireworks bill allowing for more powerful fireworks as well aerial fireworks such as bottle rockets. The bill was an amended version passed yesterday by the Republican House. “We’re trying to solve the problems (with the bill),” said Sen. Michael Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, [...]