Minneapolis

Pool has scare on opening weekend

A search for a child was called off Saturday after a false alarm at north Minneapolis’ newly opened Webber ­Natural Swimming Pool. A lifeguard saw two children enter the water from the jumping platform and only one come to the surface.

Authorities later learned that the boy had swum to the other end of the pool underwater before emerging for air, scaring the lifeguard and sounding the alarm for emergency protocols.

The pool, which is touted as the only public swimming area in North America to use a natural filtration system, was opened to the public Friday afternoon.

On its opening day, lifeguards assisted at least three youngsters under the age of 12 who were struggling in the pool. But those incidents were not a result of the facility, rather a lack of education by its users, said Dawn Sommers, spokeswoman for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Liz Sawyer

 

Westbound Interstate 94 reopens early

Sunday drivers have one less hassle. Westbound Interstate 94 between I-35E and Hwy. 280 reopened late Saturday, or about 32 hours earlier than planned. The closure, so Minnesota Department of Transportation crews could finish pouring concrete for the north side of the Snelling Avenue bridge, had been announced to end at 5 a.m. Monday. That’s good news for those heading from the east to the conclusion of the Twins-Yankees series at Target Field or the One Direction concert at TCF Bank Stadium. A big west metro closure continues, with the southbound lanes of I-494 between the Fish Lake Interchange and I-394 closed until 5 a.m. Monday.

Vince Tuss

 

Police shoot alleged gunman downtown

Minneapolis police shot a man early Saturday morning near the Pizza Luce restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. According to police: An officer attempted to stop a man around 3 a.m. Saturday near 1st Avenue and 4th Street after reports of a person with a gun in the area. A chase ensued, during which the officer shot the suspect. The suspect reportedly has a non-life-threatening injury. A gun was recovered.

Staff report

 

West metro

Events celebrate Liberian independence

Three events across the west metro area Sunday will celebrate the 168th Liberian Independence Day. An interfaith prayer service will be held at Northbrook Alliance Church, 6240 Aldrich Av. N., in Brooklyn Center from 5-7 p.m. Also in Brooklyn Center, a service is planned at 5 p.m. at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church. And in Brooklyn Park, a celebration is planned at Park Center High School at 5:45 p.m.

Staff report