Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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St. Cloud police say a 9-year-old student is suspected of starting a fire at an elementary school last week.

The fire was started in a bathroom at Westwood Elementary on March 31. Students and staff had to evacuate the building.

The school has been closed since the fire for extensive cleaning and safety testing, and won't re-open until Monday. St. Cloud Superintendent Laurie Putnam said repairing the damage will cost an estimated $2 million.

Minnesota state law prohibits children under age 10 from being prosecuted in juvenile court. Police have forwarded the investigation to the Stearns County Attorney's Office to review and consider other alternatives for the student.

Westwood students are learning remotely this week. The district also is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota to provide emergency child care to families. 

Some community organizations, such as the Great River Children’s Museum and the St. Cloud YMCA, are offering free admission and activities.

“The level of care and coordination from our community has been extraordinary,” Putnam said.

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Kirsti Marohn

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Westwood Elementary has been closed since the March 31 fire for extensive cleaning and safety testing. Repairing the damage will cost an estimated $2 million.

9-year-old student suspected of starting fire at St. Cloud school

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