NEWS RELEASE

Saint Paul, MN – Taxpayers now have even more ways to find key tax information through web-based instructional videos from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

The first series of videos is focused on income tax withholding, with visual aids and instructions for businesses required to withhold taxes for employees. Future videos will cover the requirements for other taxes.

Read more: Minnesota Department of Revenue reaches taxpayers with videos

NEWS RELEASE

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN -- The 2009 American League Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins today unveiled new official team marks, logos and team uniforms to be worn during the team’s inaugural season at Target Field, America’s newest and most intimate ballpark.

“Twins fans have many exciting things to look forward to as we enter into a new era of outdoor baseball in Minnesota,” said Twins President Dave St. Peter.

Here's the new Target Field inaugural home uniform for 2010. The uniform is adorned with a special Target Field patch. The inaugural season logo will be featured on the official commemorative baseballs and bases to be used during all Twins home games as well as on the team’s home uniforms and caps throughout the 2010 season.

Read more: Twins unveil new home, road uniforms for 2010

The ISD #299 Board of Education called a special meeting on Nov. 2. Directors met to discuss the district’s need for a superintendent when the post becomes vacant next summer.

“There are a lot of decisions to make,” Board Chair Naomi Fruechte told the directors, referring to the school superintendent job. “I’m thinking of the pros and cons of the various options. We need somebody by July first, 2010.” See more in Craig Moorhead's Caledonia Argus story.

The Anoka County Board has given the Anoka County Library Board the green light to move forward with a computer network project for the county library system.

The county board, on the recommendation of its Fiscal Control Committee, has authorized the library board to enter into a contract with CDW-G in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for network implementation services and to spend up to $130,000 to purchase the necessary equipment. See more in Editor Peter Bodley's ABC Newspapers story.

One of two men who pleaded guilty in Anoka County District Court to two of four felony charges  in connection with a drug deal gone bad in Blaine, during which shots were fired, has had prison time stayed and been put on probation.

Daroyce Garnell Mills, 18, Minneapolis, and Edward Earl King Jr., 21, Columbia Heights, both entered guilty pleas to two counts of second-degree assault with two counts of first-degree aggravated robbery dismissed in plea agreements. See more in Editor Peter Bodley's ABC Newspapers story.

Commuter rail service between Big Lake and Minneapolis through Anoka County began Monday, Nov. 16 with no glitches and 1,207 paying passengers.

And, according to Bob Gibbons, Metro Transit director of customer services, all five trains running during the morning rush hour arrived at the downtown Minneapolis station at the scheduled time. Assuming morning riders returned home that afternoon on the train, first-day totals will reach 2,414 rides, 70 percent of average weekday ridership expected during the first year, Gibbons said. See more in Editor Peter Bodley's ABC Newspapers special story.

Customers were riding the Northstar Commuter Rail train to the downtown Minneapolis station Monday, Nov. 16. (Photo by Peter Bodley, ABC Newspapers)

The Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education narrowed the field of candidates for superintendent to three individuals over the weekend.

Among them is Dr. Deborah Henton, currently superintendent of the North Branch Area Public Schools.  The other two finalists include Dr. Charles Hopson, currently deputy superintendent of schools in the Portland, Oregon Public Schools, and Valeria Silva, chief academic officer in the Saint Paul Public Schools. See more in Editor MaryHelen Swanson's ECM Post Review story.

A man believed responsible for carjacking a vehicle in Forest Lake in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 8 has been arrested.

Chief of Police Clark Quiring said Brian James Greene, 25, of 1001 SW 7th Ave. was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 14 after police executed a search warrant at his Forest Lake apartment.

Read more: Alleged carjacker arrested by police in Forest Lake

Public officials, members of the business community and key community supporters kicked off the grand opening of Northstar Commuter Rail in downtown Minneapolis Friday afternoon and evening.

Guests participated in Northstar’s inaugural ride and witnessed the historic connection of the Northstar Commuter Rail and Hiawatha light-rail lines at the Minneapolis Transportation Interchange, adjacent to Target Field. See more in Editor Jim Boyle's Star News story.

It was all aboard for Northstar Commuter Rail in Coon Rapids this afternoon (Saturday, Nov. 14).

Some 700 people rode the train free of charge from the Coon Rapids Riverdale Station to the downtown Minneapolis station and back as part of the grand opening ceremonies at the station. See more in Editor Peter Bodley's Coon Rapids Herald story.

Some 700 people boarded the Northstar Commuter Rail train at the Riverdale Station in Coon Rapids this afternoon (Saturday, Nov. 14) for a ride to downtown Minneapolis and back. (Photo by Peter Bodley)