Local News
Pawlenty to consider gas tax
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is willing to retreat from his firm opposition to a state gas tax increase in the wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse and approve a transportation funding bill during a possible special session, a spokesman said Friday.
The state’s gas tax has been at 20 cents per gallon since 1988. Attempts to raise it in 2005 and earlier this year ran into Pawlenty vetoes.
“We’re willing to consider all options, including a gas tax,” said Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung.
When pressed, McClung said Pawlenty would sign a bill with a gas tax as long as legislators accept some of his ideas for funding roads and bridges.
After meeting Friday with the Republican governor, Minnesota’s legislative leaders began putting lawmakers on standby for a post-Labor Day special session. Pawlenty said in an interview earlier Friday that he would likely summon lawmaker to St. Paul to respond to the bridge disaster.
No date has been set and the details of emergency legislation still have to be worked out.
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Update: Chase ends with car driving into Wal-Mart
Armed with a pellet gun, a one-legged man led police, including sheriff, on high-speed chase that ended near the frozen foods section at the Mankato Wal-Mart.
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Flood warning for region upgraded to "moderate"
CLICK for latest Mankato weather forecast
Detailed floodwatch for New Ulm, Mankato, St. Peter, Henderson.
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Dogs, deer affected by flooding
Dogs and deer are having a hard time with spring flooding.
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MnDOT warns of deer moving across road
Floodwaters are forcing them to higher ground
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Census response rates vary
When it comes to responding to census forms, some neighborhoods are better than others.
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Mankato Schools to update phone system
A new phone system will save money for Mankato Area Public Schools.
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Rural fiber optic installation set to go
Federal stimulus money is helping parts of southern Minnesota move into the technology age.
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School's phone bid comes in under budget
Consortium involvement helps lower costs
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Dogs, deer affected by floodwaters
Mankato expected to crest near 2001 high of 26 feet
- Today's services — 3/19/10
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