AM.MN: Bemidji cuts development director, sending morale to ‘the toilet’

Last night by a vote of 4-3 the Bemidji City Council axed its community development director to make up for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s unallotments and cuts to local government aid. “Should we talk about eliminating the fire chief next?” asked one dissenter. “I think this is the stupidest thing this council has ever done.” The council acted against the recommendation of the city manager, who predicted, “Morale will go in the toilet.”

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning … 

ST. PAUL: Is Norm Coleman close to clear in Texas suit? That’s the line from the former senator’s donor’s lawyer, citing old news about a committee’s conclusion that charges won’t wash amid new news that both sides want an end to the civil case that has dogged Coleman. [Minnesota Public Radio; Associated Press]

ROCHESTER: Tim Walz wise to town hall-erers’ ways. The DFL congressman is wary of Tea Party Republicans’ wish to confront him in person rather than via teleconference. [Rochester Post-Bulletin; Mankato Free Press]

PROCTOR: County fairgrounds for sale, cheap. St. Louis County commissioners were set to decide Monday whether to sell the site of the county’s southern fair for $500. [Duluth News Tribune]

ST. CLOUD: Al Franken to talk dairy. A forum on dairy policy Wednesday will include Minnesota’s new U.S. senator, but town hall-erers be warned: Seating is limited, as is the discussion topic. [St. Cloud Times]

APPLETON: Private prison won’t get convicts from Alaska. Prairie Correctional Facility will cut staff hours to make ends meet after Alaska switched its prisoner outplacement from Arizona to Colorado instead of Minnesota. [West Central Tribune]

BATTLE LAKE: Cheney comes out of retirement to take charge. Not that Cheney: Chuck Cheney is the new part-time superintendent of the Battle Lake School District. [Fergus Falls Daily Journal]