The money paid to consultant Donna Swanson in 2019 and 2020 appeared to be for laying the groundwork for the creation of the School of Leadership for Public Service, the 6th through 10th grade charter school envisioned in a news release Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher's office issued last week.
The decision to deny a temporary injunction was made by Ramsey County District Court Judge Laura Nelson on the eve of the 2021 fair’s opening day. It isn’t a final resolution to a lawsuit filed this month by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and some of its members, and an appeal is possible.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and two people who want to go to the fair armed filed a lawsuit Tuesday, Aug. 10, that contends the Minnesota State Agricultural Society lacks the authority to impose the restriction. Ramsey County, whose sheriff is directing fair security this year, is also named as a defendant.
According to court documents, from at least August 2020 through November 2020, the two conspired with others to steal mail and packages from post offices, apartment complexes and mailboxes.
Security at the fairgrounds became an issue when the fair this spring decided to do away with its decades-long police department and instead turn to an outside agency to provide security.
Lori Christensen recorded the homeowners repeatedly since they moved into the home in 2016 while they were outside or doing yard work, the complaint said. She also cut their cable and Internet lines and placed a mannequin head on a stake on her deck that she would turn to face the neighbors.
“For decades, the Minnesota State Fair has maintained its own police department to oversee law enforcement and security during the Fair and year-round at the Fairgrounds,” State Fair general manager Jerry Hammer said. “We’ve determined that the most effective and efficient way to provide the best possible public safety is to partner with an outside agency.”
ST. PAUL — Under terms of a settlement agreement announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Monday, Sept. 21, former Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman will repay $60,000 in charity funds he misused.
