School faces cybersecurity issue

BLUE EARTH — Blue Earth Area Schools is reporting a cybersecurity event that took place in the early morning hours Thursday.

According to a press release from the district:

The incident affected the device controlling the building automation system at both district buildings.

Personnel from maintenance, technology and the building automation company worked to assess the situation, which was found to be isolated to one device controlling the automation system.

After assessing air quality, it was determined that it was safe to proceed with the regular school day. The system was restored to normal operations.

The district says steps have been taken in conjunction with technology and security professionals to assist Blue Earth Area with protection from these types of events in the future.

Plan could cut off food stamps

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota food pantry officials are opposing a federal proposal that could take away food stamp benefits from more than 35,000 state residents.

The Trump administration in July proposed closing what it calls “a loophole” that automatically deems some people eligible who aren’t qualified to receive food stamps.

Colleen Moriarty, who heads the nonprofit group Hunger Solutions Minnesota, said Thursday that the “cuts will do real harm to the people in the state of Minnesota.”

State officials say 18,000 children, 3,200 seniors and 2,900 adults with disabilities would lose food assistance under the rule change. Those losing access to food stamps are likely to rely on food pantries. Advocates say some Minnesota pantries are already serving a record number of people.

Death in crash probed as homicide

WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) — Police say the death of a Watertown woman who was killed in a crash is being investigated as a homicide.

Authorities say a 16-year-old Moorhead, Minnesota, boy was going more than 100 mph when he crashed into the woman’s vehicle in Watertown on Tuesday in an attempted suicide.

Forty-three-year-old Dawn Meyer died at the scene. The boy was taken to Prairie Lakes Hospital where he remains in serious condition. Police say Meyer was driving slower than 35 mph when the teen crossed into the opposite lane and struck her.

No charges have been filed.