In her last interview with the Pioneer Press, just days before she and her husband were fatally shot, state Rep. Melissa Hortman said that above all this summer she was looking forward to spending time with her family’s dog.

A nonprofit organization that trains assistance dogs posted Monday morning that their golden retriever, Gilbert, did not survive gunshot injuries he suffered during the Saturday shootings of Melissa and Mark Hortman in their Brooklyn Park home.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of Gilbert’s passing. We can confirm that he did not survive the attack at the Hortman family’s home early Saturday morning,” Helping Paws Inc. wrote on Facebook.

In this photo from 2022, provided by Helping Paws of Eden Prairie, Minn., state Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, poses with Gilbert, a golden retriever trained to be a service dog but eventually adopted by the Hortman family, at a training facility in Hopkins, Minnesota. (Helping Paws via AP)

When asked about her plans for the summer interim a few days before she was assassinated, the former DFL House speaker told the Pioneer Press that she looked forward to enjoying the backyard of her Brooklyn Park home and spending time with her dog, which she said could tell when she was about to head to the state Capitol for long days of work during the prolonged and politically contentious session.

“We are mourning the loss of two dedicated volunteers and one of our beloved dogs who once trained in our program,” the Helping Paws post said.

The mission of Helping Paws is to enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities and veterans with PTSD through the use of assistance dogs, according to the organization.

A previous post mentioned Hortman’s death saying, “She was a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer, a neighbor, and a friend. The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, who is now a working service dog partnered with a Veteran. They also helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family.”

The organization noted that when its service dog candidates can’t fulfill their training standards, volunteer training families, like the Hortmans, are giving the option of adoption.

The Hortmans’ connection to Helping Paws began in 2014 when their daughter, Sophie, chose to raise a service dog — Minnie — as her high school service project. When Sophie left for college, Mark Hortman continued training Minnie, who was successfully placed with a veteran in 2016.

The Hortmans, and Gilbert, continued their association with Helping Paws, including participating in events and dog-sitting other training candidates.

In Monday’s federal complaint charging Vance Boelter, 57, with murdering Hortman and her husband, there is mention of the dog being “gravely” injured in the attack. Helping Paws said later Monday that Gilbert was euthanized by his veterinary medicine caregivers.

“We’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support and compassion we’ve received,” Helping Paws wrote online. “In response, we will soon make a formal announcement regarding the establishment of a fund in honor of the Hortman family and Gilbert. This fund will support our program placing service dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD.”

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GRAND CHUTE, Wis. – The top-ranked Hudson Raiders picked a bad day to have a really, really bad day.

The Raiders bounced back from an early deficit but then saw their hopes for a first state baseball tournament victory evaporate during Lake Geneva Badger’s nine-run fifth inning in a 14-3 loss on Monday in the Division 1 quarterfinals of the Wisconsin high school state baseball tournament.

Hudson (19-7), ranked No. 1 in Division 1 in the state poll, spotted Badger four runs in the first with the aid of an error, but answered with three in the bottom half.

While the Raiders were unable to add on, eighth-seeded Badger (22-7) pushed across a run in the fourth to make it 5-3.

Badger then pounded out nine hits, and the Raiders committed two more errors en route to a run rule-shortened victory.

“Take nothing away from Badger, it was for sure their day,” Hudson coach Brent Blegen said. “They came out and scored four in the top of the first. I think it was a little messy. We didn’t play great that first inning. We settle down, got three back. I felt like we were going to turn the corner at that point.”

Hudson had won seven of its previous eight games, including a pair of 10-run victories in the sectional.

Sophomore left-hander Mark Susa settled in after giving up the four early runs, allowing seven runs, five earned, on five hits in four innings. He exited after allowing a double and walk to open the fifth.

“That was motivation, really,” said Susa, adding he thought the Raiders were back on track when they answered in the first. “That happened last week. They got three in the first inning, and we bounced back and 10-runned them.”

Bennett Brathol relieved and was tagged for seven runs on eight hits in two-thirds of an inning. Myles Howe got the final out.

“We never really got over the hump,” Blegen said. “We got one back, but then their bats came alive in that top of the fifth. It was their day.”

Jace Mataczynski had two of Hudson’s five hits, and Steele Homme tripled in two runs.

The Raiders committed four errors, and Badger also beat out three bunt singles.

After the rough start, the Raiders bounced back in the bottom of the first, Sam Abrahamson got the rally started with a one-out single, and Logan Hagman walked. Mataczynski lined a single off the glove of the leaping third baseman to load the bases. Abrahamson scored on Brathol’s RBI fielder’s choice, and Homme followed with a two-run triple to right.

Badger got the first three runners aboard in the top half with a walk, bunt single, and run-scoring error. A two-run double and RBI single made it 4-0 before the Raiders recorded an out.

Badger made it 5-3 in fourth on a two-base error, ground out, and wild pitch.

“We couldn’t ask for much more in how we played, jumping out there with four runs in the first inning,” said Badger coach Nick Hughes. “Hudson obviously responded, and then our guy settled in and their guy kind of settled in. And then we just kind of did what we did all year. Put pressure on them with bunting, stealing bases. It’s kind of what we do, put pressure on the defense and make them make plays.”

Hudson remained winless in three trips to the state tournament. The Raiders dropped their opener last season, their first appearance since 1974 when they also lost the first game.

Badger advanced to Wednesday’s semifinals against fourth-seeded Sussex Hamilton, a 6-1 winner over Oak Creek.

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A tornado watch has been issued for much of central Minnesota including the Twin Cities metro, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities.

The watch, in effect until 9 p.m., is for the following Minnesota counties:

Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chicago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itaska, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, McCleod, Meeker, Mille Lakes, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington and Wright counties.

A tornado warning was issued about 6:30 p.m. for east central McLeod County and northwestern Carver County.

According to the National Weather Service, a watch is implemented when there is a risk of hazardous weather but the probability, location or timing is uncertain. People should stay alert and listen for possible warnings particularly if they are traveling or being outside.

A warning is when the hazardous weather or event is occurring, imminent or likely and people need to take immediate protective action.

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St. Paul police Officer Michael Tschida was named officer of the year by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association this weekend for his role in responding to a man with a gun threatening his ex-girlfriend in late 2023.

On Dec. 7, 2023, while on patrol in St. Paul’s Western District, Tschida responded alone to a domestic violence call involving an armed suspect who had rammed a woman’s vehicle and was threatening to kill her, according to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s investigation of the incident.

The woman said that Brandon Keys, 24, had chased her on Interstate 94. She said he was the father of her child and she had an order of protection against him. She said he had assaulted her when they had been together and she was afraid of him and now he was outside her van near Cretin and Marshall avenues. He had broken her window and was ramming her van with his car.

“He’s going to kill me,” she told the 911 operator.

Her current boyfriend was in the passenger seat of her van. After Keys blocked the van with his vehicle, her boyfriend got out of the vehicle. Keys pointed a gun at the other man. He tried to distract Keys to get him away from the woman and then ran away because he feared for his life.

When Tschida arrived, Keys was standing near the driver’s side of the van. Tschida exited his squad car holding his firearm and ordered Keys to get on the ground three separate times, according to the investigation. Keys ducked behind his own vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala.

Tschida moved, seeking better protective cover and to avoid putting the woman in the line of fire. Seconds after Keys ducked down, he “suddenly popped up from behind the rear of the Impala holding a black handgun,” according to the summary about what video and audio indicated.

Keys rapidly fired three shots at Tschida, striking him in the ankle. Tschida returned fire and shot Keys, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Toxicology testing showed methamphetamine, amphetamine, fentanyl and methadone in Keys’ blood.

St. Paul police Officer Michael Tschida (Courtesy of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association)

Tschida went to the hospital in a squad car and applied a tourniquet to his leg on the way. The bullet went through his ankle and exited out the other side.

“Ramsey County Attorney’s Office found Officer Tschida’s actions overwhelmingly justified,” the association said. “His response under fire demonstrated exceptional courage, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the public.”

“Officer Tschida’s bravery and composure in the face of imminent danger embody the highest standards of our profession. His heroic actions saved lives and deserves our deepest respect,” said Brian Peters, executive director of the organization.

Other awards

The following were named honorary officers and lawmakers of the year:

Minneapolis police officer Luke Kittock: On May 30, 2024, during the ambush of Officer Jamal Mitchell in Minneapolis, Kittock and his partner responded to the scene under active gunfire and extreme uncertainty. Despite being struck in the face by shrapnel, Kittock remained engaged, gathering information, helping locate and neutralize the shooter and protecting civilians.

Minneapolis Police Officer Ben Bauer: On September 6, 2024, Officer Ben Bauer responded to an active shooter incident in a South Minneapolis apartment building where an armed suspect with an AK-47-style rifle had barricaded himself and was firing at residents. Officer Bauer courageously evacuated residents, coordinated containment, and ultimately took decisive action to stop the shooter and secure the scene.

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Rep. Jeff Witte: Witte, R-Lakeville, was named 2025 House of Representatives Legislator of the Year. A retired Burnsville police officer, Witte was a driving force behind the bipartisan legislation clarifying school resource officer rules for use of force. He also championed funding for law enforcement training and authored legislation to name the Burnsville Parkway bridge in honor of the Burnsville officers and firefighter/paramedic killed in the line of duty.

Sen. Jeff Howe: Howe, R-Rockville, has been named 2025 Senate Legislator of the Year for his advocacy on behalf of law enforcement officers and first responders. A former firefighter and paramedic, Howe brings real-world experience and perspective to the Capitol, the association said.

The annual awards, based on “heroics, outstanding service or distinguished community involvement in service,” were presented Saturday at the association’s annual convention in Alexandria, Minnesota.