A Duluth jury found Dakota Daniel Thorstenson, 29, guilty of Kidnapping, Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First-Degree, and Third-Degree Assault today for the August 11, 2022, kidnapping, assault, and sexual assault of an adult woman, St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki said.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Michael Hagley. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The question is no longer simply whether Roger Reinert deserves another term. The question is whether Duluth believes it is on the path it wants — and if not, who has the discipline, clarity and courage to alter it. November 2027 will deliver the verdict. The work of deciding it begins now.
Essentia’s downtown campus functions as a Level I trauma center — the highest designation available — meaning it must have surgeons, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and critical care specialists available at all hours. Not on call from home. Available.
Union members have announced plans for an informational picket next week on Essentia’s downtown campus. Essentia said the picket is not a work stoppage.
If the current ownership group can deliver sustained contention, it will be welcomed. If not, it may be time to ask whether a broader form of ownership — one rooted in the community — could provide the stability and commitment required to build a true, lasting winner.
