5 people sickened by E. coli linked to salad kits

ST. PAUL (AP) — Five Minnesotans have gotten sick from eating salad kits linked to an outbreak of E. coli, state health officials said Tuesday.

The state Department of Health says the Minnesotans became ill between Nov. 8 and Nov. 16. Two people were hospitalized. The ill Minnesotans ranged in age from 21 to 91. Four were from the Minneapolis-St. Paul are and one from Greater Minneota.

Officials say nine people from three states have gotten sick. The infections are linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. Health officials are warning consumers not to eat the salad mix, or to throw it out if they have it in their refrigerators.

Duluth council OKs $235K bailout of ski hill

DULUTH (AP) — The Duluth City Council has approved a bailout of financially struggling Spirit Mountain ski hill.

The council voted 8-1 Monday night to give Spirit Mountain $235,000. The money will come from excess tourism tax dollars that had not been set aside for other projects.

Skier visits to Spirit Mountain have dropped in recent years. Last month the Amsoil Snocross National race was canceled at Spirit Mountain due to the Thanksgiving weekend blizzard.

Residents told the City Council that the ski hill is an economic asset for tourism and holds memories for Duluth residents, the Star Tribune reported.