St. Cloud

Trail connection along Mississippi gets OK

St. Cloud will bring a trail through downtown at a cost of $6.2 million.

On Monday, the City Council approved a four-block extension of the Beavers Island Trail, which will run along the Mississippi River. The project includes better connections to the River's Edge Convention Center.

The city has "underutilized our greatest natural asset," Mayor Dave Kleis told the council, according to video of the meeting. Later, he added: "This will take people to the river, within a couple feet to be able to reach out and reach the Mississippi River."

Funding for the project includes sales tax dollars and $1.1 million from a federal grant.

"This is a costly process," Kleis said. "There's no doubt that this is the most costly piece of the trail that we've had. But it has the greatest impact."

Jenna Ross @ByJenna

Redby

National group offers reward for burned puppy

The Humane Society of the United States is acting in defense of the young dog found burning in a Redby, Minn., garbage dumpster last month.

The national group is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the husky-mix puppy's maltreatment. The pup was rescued by a man who heard its faint whimpers. Now named "Phoenix," the malnourished dog emerged with charred fur, swollen feet and burned knees and is recovering.

A connection between animal cruelty and human violence is "well-documented," the society said in a statement announcing the reward. "Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Red Lake Police Department at 218-679-3313.

Pam Louwagie @pamlouwagie

DULUTH

Long-planned Dunkin' Donuts return delayed

The long-awaited return of Dunkin' Donuts to Duluth has been delayed.

The doughnut chain, which shuttered its last shop in Minnesota a decade ago, is staging a return, opening a location in Rochester last summer and making plans for as many as 50 more locations across the state in the coming years.

But not in Duluth. Not yet.

The Duluth News Tribune broke the news last week that the planned opening of a new Dunkin' Donuts has been pushed back from this spring until at least summer or fall. Minnesota franchise owner Brian Weidendorf is planning to open at least seven Dunkin' Donuts stores across northern Minnesota over the next five years.

The Dunkin' Brands media office did not respond to calls or e-mails for comment.

Jennifer Brooks @stribrooks