×

Minnesota

DNR: Noticeable increase in loon deaths

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota conservation officials say there’s a small, but noticeable increase in loon deaths and the likely cause is West Nile virus.

The Department of Natural Resources says the virus was confirmed as the cause of death in two of three loons from northeastern Minnesota earlier this month.

Minnesota Public Radio News says the agency is asking lake property owners and others using the lakes to contact a wildlife office if they see two or more dead loons with no obvious injury or cause of death.

West Nile was first confirmed in Minnesota in 2002. The virus is spread through mosquito bites. The DNR says loons and crows are especially susceptible to the infection.

Top staffer resigns from Corrections Dept.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A top administrator has resigned from the Minnesota Department of Corrections amid an investigation into unspecified complaints.

Sarah Walker resigned Friday as deputy commissioner of the department.

The Star Tribune reported that Republican Rep. Marion O’Neill filed a data practices request for information about Walker’s time cards, calendar entries and electronic correspondence. O’Neill says she asked for that following concerns about Walker’s job performance. She also asked for any open investigations into Walker.

A corrections department spokeswoman said the department has received complaints about Walker, but that the investigation is not completed.

Walker says she left on her own volition. In her resignation letter, she said she is convinced her voice and skills are best suited for pushing reform from the outside.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today