AM.MN: Gingrich, Pawlenty play doctor

When Newt Gingrich and Tim Pawlenty shared the stage last night at a University of Minnesota forum called “Creating a 21st Century Intelligent Health System in Minnesota,” the former U.S. House Speaker didn’t give a clinic on bedside manners. But Minnesota’s current lame-duck governor did give a diagnosis to explain unilateral cuts to funding for care of indigents that have made him the scourge of hospitals statewide. Such human services programs are “imploding” anyway, Pawlenty said.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning…

ST. PAUL: Petters pal freed on bond. A Russian-born hedge-fund honcho arrested last week for doing deals with accused Ponzi-schemer Tom Petters isn’t a flight risk, a judge ruled. [Star Tribune]

WARREN: City sheds a second official. An administrator was canned yesterday; the city’s operations superintendent has a court date Monday on swindling charges.  [Grand Forks Herald]

CENTRAL: Six counties cut library admin jobs. The Great River Regional Library system will save $100,000. Few have extra cash, but it’s Minnesota libraries’ year to seek matching funds from Bill Gates‘ foundation. [St. Cloud Times; Associated Press]

SAUK RAPIDS AND SARTELL: Bonus points for recycling. The two towns joined the Recyclebank program that rewards residents who recycle — by the pound they put out. No prizes for those who reduce and re-use? [St. Cloud Times]

STILLWATER: Pestering pigeons is group’s goal. Pigeon GO aims to reduce poo from downtown’s flock of 400 by antagonizing them with porcupine wire. [St. Paul Pioneer Press]

ST. CLOUD: Urban warfare … on deer herds. Never mind mere harassment — locals employing bows and arrows will rid this city of pesky deer. [St. Cloud Times]