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PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF: Food in oven likely causes fire PAGE 6
Public safety aid will make difference in NE metro BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
About $17 million. That’s the amount of money that is being disbursed to cities, counties and townships in the northeast metro area to be used under the umbrella of public safety. This year, Gov. Tim Walz signed $300 million into law to help communities meet
respectively, in public safety aid. Eligible uses of the funding include community violence prevention and intervention programs, community engagement, mental health crisis responses, victim services, training programs, first responder wellness, emergency services
their local police, fire and emergency management needs. The Department of Revenue has begun sending the funds to local governments. Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) was the author of the bill. Anoka, Ramsey and Washington counties will receive over $4.1 million, $6 million and $3.3 million,
SEE PUBLIC SAFETY AID, PAGE 8
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Heather Gustafson and Public Safety Director John Swenson discuss public safety aid.
Canine Inspired Change: Dogs serve as bridge to connection BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
FILE PHOTOS
Got blood? The American Red Cross has several opportunities in the area for the public to roll up a sleeve and give as we head into 2024. St. Genevieve in Centerville just hosted a blood drive and next up will be St Mark Lutheran Church in Circle Pines Jan. 8. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to sign up. Those who give during the month of January will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Las Vegas.
CONTRIBUTED
Susan Loftus and Hutch are a certified therapy dog team with Canine Inspired Change.
he was going to have Hutch be a therapy dog when he finished his treatment — So instead, I did that for him.” Loftus got about halfway through the training when Hutch was attacked by another dog during training. “I was so discouraged, but SEE CANINE INSPIRED CHANGE, PAGE 12
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When Susan Loftus and her husband Dan lost their 15-year-old son Owen to leukemia, she made it a goal to carry on her son’s wish, to not only have a goldendoodle but to certify him as a therapy dog. Loftus, a resident of White Bear Lake, explained that her son had always wanted a goldendoodle. So, for Owen’s 15th birthday, they arranged to go meet a litter of pups. A week later, he was diagnosed with leukemia. The family brought home Hutch, an 8-week-old goldendoodle puppy. Owen was able to spend four days with Hutch before he passed away. “While our son was having chemo, a therapy dog would come in every week,” she said. “He loved that so much
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