International Falls City Council last week heard reports about January activities of the Falls fire and police departments.
In separate reports to the council, Police Capt. Tom Lynch, in Chief Mike Musich's absence, and Fire Chief Adam Mannausau each provided information about the activities in January.
Mannausau, who also serves as chief of the city's ambulance service, called January a tremendous month for ambulance activity. He reported the following calls: 911 - 84, compared to 48 in 2014; transfers - 58, compared to 41 in 2014.
The ambulance service staff participated in training on new equipment and an emergency medical technician conference in Duluth during January.
Mannausau discussed the number of miles the city's ambulances are incurring. In January, he said the four ambulances owned by the city racked up 16,750 miles, noting that three of the four ambulances were due for oil changes Feb. 1. Mileage on the city's ambulances range from the 2014 model with 11,000 miles to the 2010 model with 113,900 miles.
Mannausau also reported on fire activities in January, noting the department responded to seven call outs, six within the city, during January.
The city responses involved: a roof fire at International Bildrite; a fire alarm activation at Menards; two smoke scares; a carbon monoxide report at the Koochiching County Law Enforcement Center involving only Mannausau; and a request for water by Canadian National Railway. The rural response involved a vehicle rollover, he reported.
In addition, he said training involved an assessment with a Department of Homeland Security team and a tour of Minnesota, Dakota and Western and Canadian National railway fumigation facility.
Police
Lynch said the department was involved in the execution of narcotics search warrants in January resulting in the seizure of cash, drugs and paraphernalia.
In addition, he reported Officer Dane Olson, who handles juvenile matters for the department, attended a conference in Duluth.
Icebox Days involved planning, escorts and traffic control by the department, the report said.
Calls for service total 540 in January and are categorized as follows:
- General calls - 351
- Traffic stops - 59
- Medical assists - 7
- Initial complaint reports generated for future use - 56
Minnesota is once again accepting TurboTax returns, following a two-day hiatus over fraud concerns.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced Saturday it is again accepting tax returns submitted using Intuit’s TurboTax after potential fraudulent activity was connected to its software.
“We took this step after Intuit implemented new targeted security measures,” said a news release from the department. “We will continue reviewing returns and will remain in contact with the company.”
The state put a halt on accepting all TurboTax filings Thursday after fraud worries surfaced when some Minnesota taxpayers logged in to TurboTax to file their tax return and received a message saying their return had already been filed.
“Our priority is maintaining the security of private taxpayer data and preventing fraudulent activity within our system,” said a statement on the department’s website. “We have sophisticated technology in place to safeguard private taxpayer information.”
The department also clarified there has not been a breach of its systems.
In addition, Intuit released a statement that any affected customers who call 800-944-8596 will get “direct access to specially trained identity protection agents who will provide comprehensive support and filing assistance. In addition, Intuit will provide identity protection services and free credit monitoring, as well as provide access to all versions of its software or to the assistance of one of Intuit’s credentialed tax experts who will prepare taxes for affected customers at no expense.”
If taxpayers have already filed their return using TurboTax, they do not need to do anything. Department of Revenue officials said they will review returns and contact taxpayers if any issues arise.
