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Local/state briefs

Hope Harbor presents the Celebration of Hope event Sept. 28 at SMSU, RSVP by today

For the 16th consecutive year Hope Harbor will act as host of the Celebration of Hope event Saturday, Sept. 28, at Southwest Minnesota State University. Celebration of Hope is an annual event that highlights the supporters of Hope Harbor through an evening of dinner, music, testimony and fellowship.

“Sixteen years ago, this event began as a way to introduce Hope Harbor to the community, raising awareness and funds for operation.” said Cindy McKittrick, executive director. “We’re humbled by all the support from the community for this event and for the ministry of Hope Harbor.”

Celebration of Hope features a silent auction with dozens of items that have been donated from local business and individuals.

“Some of the auction items include sports tickets, local dinner events, and gift baskets,” McKittrick said.

Sponsorship and proceeds from the evening go directly to operating costs and scholarships for families who are not able to pay full program fees. Admiral sponsors for the Celebration of Hope include North Risk Partners, Edina Realty – Marshall, Ralco, First Premier Bank, and Minnwest Bank. Other sponsors include Advanced Health, Safety and Security, Buffalo Ridge Concrete, Coleman Electric, Dave and Lori Eis, Farmhouse Bakery, Great Western Bank, Grill Works, Inc, Hoffman and Brobst, PLLP, Integrity Bank Plus, Jim and Kim Christianson, Lockwood Motors, Kevin and Alyssa Mahoney, Mear’s Electric, Mike and Michelle Leary, Randy and Elaine Sook, Skewes Jewelry, US Bank, and Western Print Group.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction. A complimentary dinner and program follow at 6:30 p.m. The event is free but space is limited, call 507-537-4525 to RSVP. The RSVP deadline is today.

Police: No sign that Duluth synagogue fire was hate crime

DULUTH (AP) — A fire that destroyed a historic synagogue in northeastern Minnesota doesn’t appear to have been a hate crime, authorities said Sunday in discussing the arrest of a suspect.

Matthew James Amiot, 36, of Duluth, was arrested Friday in the fire last week at the Adas Israel Congregation in downtown Duluth, the city’s police chief, Mike Tusken, said at a news conference.

Tusken said he has no reason to believe the fire was a hate crime, although the investigation is ongoing. Police are recommending that prosecutors charge Amiot, who has no permanent address, with first-degree arson. A criminal complaint is expected to be filed mid-week, he said.

The blaze started in a shed outside the synagogue and spread into the building early Monday, fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said. No accelerants were found.

Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called in to assist in the investigation, which is standard when fires break out in places of worship.

One firefighter who was struck by falling debris was taken to a hospital, treated and released. That firefighter is still recovering from a concussion and doing well, Krizaj said.

Mayor Emily Larson said the city continues to offer “our heartfelt condolences” to the Adas Israel congregation and the entire Jewish community.

“This has been a very, very difficult week for this community,” Larson told reporters.

Phillip Sher, past president of the synagogue, would not speculate on a motive. “We’re not out for vengeance. All I can find out of this event is sadness for everyone,” he said.

Sher said it was “extremely sad” for the congregation not to have a home for the Sabbath on Saturday. The charred ruins were released to the congregation on Thursday, and the congregation is exploring how to remove the building, he said.

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