PolyMet will appeal ruling

ST. PAUL (AP) — PolyMet Mining Inc. said Thursday it will ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

PolyMet President and CEO Jon Cherry said in a statement that Monday’s decision from the Court of Appeals has far-reaching impacts for Minnesota and any future project that depends on state permits.

The appeals court gave environmentalists a big victory by sending the dispute back to the Department of Natural Resources for a trial-like contested case hearing before a neutral administrative law judge on the project’s environmental risks.

PolyMet pointed out that the DNR has already held a 15-year-long environmental review and permitting process that included numerous chances for the public to weigh in.

“No other company in the history of the state has been subjected to anywhere near the time and cost that was associated with this permitting process,” Cherry said. “We did everything the state and the law required, and more. And the process confirmed that our project will be protective of human health and the environment.”

The company said it will file its petition with the Supreme Court within the 30-day deadline.

DNR spokesman Chris Niskanen said the agency has not decided whether to appeal.

Officer makes steps to recovery

WASECA (AP) — A southern Minnesota police officer who was shot in the head has shown small signs in his fight for recovery, his pastor said.

Waseca Officer Arik Matson remains hospitalized in critical condition. Matson was gravely wounded Jan. 6 as he and three officers responded to a call about a suspicious person roaming backyards in Waseca, a city of about 9,400 located 70 miles south of Minneapolis.

Matson’s pastor, Kaleb Hurley, said he has a long road ahead of him, but has responded to questions by squeezing a finger or giving a thumbs-up sign.

The bullet entered the front of Matson’s head and exited the back, Hurley explained.

“It’s a miracle that he’s alive,” he said.

Tyler Janovsky, 37, the man accused of shooting Matson and firing at two other officers, has been charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder. Maston and another officer returned fire, hitting Janovsky twice. He suffered injuries that didn’t threaten his life.

Matson, 32, is a husband and father to two young girls.