The St Thomas Fountain, a staple of our university, had a surprising new look this past Monday morning. The fountain was foaming from what St Thomas facilities believes to be a prank.

However harmless this may seem, there could be a great financial toll, as in the case that the pump that supports the fountain breaks due to the soap, the cost to replace it could be thousands.

“It could affect lubrication in the pump, which will wreck it; then we’d have to buy a new one,” Nick Scallon, St. Thomas facilities grounds supervisor, said. “A new pump costs anywhere from $4,000-$5,000, maybe even more.”

Southern Minnesota Authorities say that Michael Wegner, a 70-year-old man driving a tractor in Foster Township was killed on Tuesday night.

Wegner was driving on Highway 22 just ahead of a van carrying a California family. State Patrol claims that the two vehicles collided, but they’re not completely sure how. The 70-year-old passed away at the scene, and the three people in the van were taken to Albert Lea Hospital and are all expected to be OK.

Over 200,000 people in the state of Florida are without power so far due to Hurricane Ian.

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, in a press conference with power company linemen Tuesday said “It’s going to be a tragic event in many ways. But it’s something we’re going to dig in on. We’re going to be there. We’re going to stand with the people who are most affected.”

This comes after the nation of Cuba suffered two reported deaths to Ian and a power outage across the entire island.

For continuing coverage of Hurricane Ian, stay up to date with us here, at TommieMedia.

Karl Warner can be reached at karl.warner@stthomas.edu