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District 16 B State Representative Mark Olson of Big Lake says he's considering the option of running as an independent candidate for re-election to his Minnesota House seat. The Republican Party recently endorsed former Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer to run for that seat. You may remember that Olson was convicted last summer of one count of domestic assault, but was acquitted of a second, stronger charge. Following the conviction, the House Republican caucus expelled Olson. Olson recently told the St. Cloud Times that he has reportedly found good support and interest in the possibility of a run as an independent. Some political analysts have speculated that an independent candidacy by Olson could split the Republican vote in the district, possibly leaving the door open for a DFL victory. Steve Andrews of Big Lake Township is the DFL-endorsed candidate. Olson says he plans to make a final decision by this spring or early summer. He has held his Minnesota House seat since 1992.

The State Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash that happened just south of Kimball Monday morning. Authorities say a southbound vehicle on Highway 15 about 4 miles south of Kimball crossed the center line into the northbound traffic lane, struck a dump truck head-on, then caught on fire. The driver of the vehicle that crossed the center line was killed. That person's identity has not yet been released. The driver of the dump truck, 30-year-old Jason Kantor of Clearwater sustained minor injuries.

Work on a major city street re-routing is scheduled to resume today in Buffalo. Signs have been posted for several days reminding motorists that work will be resuming on the 5th Street North project, which eventually will connect traffic to the intersection at Highway 55 and the new alignment of County Road 35. The roadwork will result in Soo Lane being closed to thru traffic once again, as it was for a good share of last summer, though access to businesses in the area will be kept open. Drivers are asked to watch for posted detours, and to drive cautiously in the work zones.

The Capitol was crowded with veterans Monday as Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a bill that allows soldiers' family members to take time off for military events. Other provisions include expanded educational benefits, veterans license plates for motorcycles and legal protections against civil claims for businesses owned by reservists who are called up. Another portion of the bill requires diesel fuel sold in the state to contain a greater share of plant-based fuel. The bill bumps up Minnesota's 2 percent biodiesel requirement to 20 percent by 2015, although the required level falls during the cold months of the year. The governor called the agriculture and veterans bill one of the successes of the '08 legislative session. Pawlenty said he still hopes lawmakers will pass an income tax exemption for military pay and authorize borrowing for improvements at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

This is National Law Enforcement Memorial Week across the country, and locally. Jeff Olson is a deputy with the Wright County Sheriff's Department, and is the president of the Wright and Meeker County Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. He says there are a number of dangers that any officer may face while in the line of duty, many of which don't necessarily include a suspect using firearms or other weapons. The local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police will hold a fundraising pancake breakfast Saturday morning at the Buffalo Applebee's restaurant. Serving will be from 8 to 10 AM. Proceeds from the event will go for the organization's ongoing efforts to support member families in times of trouble, and for scholarships for law enforcement students.

These stories and more follow CNN and MNN network news in our Wright County News at 6:10, 7:10, &  8:10 AM and 12:10, 4:10, 5:10, & 6:10 PM on AM 1360 / KRWC.