Breaking: Par Ridder Shown the Door

Star Tribune publisher Par Ridder was escorted from the paper’s offices this morning, after Ramsey County Judge David Higgs ruled Tuesday morning that Ridder had to step down for one year over allegations that he broke a non-compete agreement and stole sensitive data and equipment from his old employer, the St. Paul Pioneer Press. PiPress lawyers argued — and Higgs agreed — that Ridder’s continued presence at the paper might further damage their business.

In Ridder’s absence, which will end one year from today, Strib chairman Chris Harte will become interim publisher.

More to come as this story develops.