Former coach pleads guilty

A former Barnum girls basketball coach pleaded guilty Friday to having sex with a player.

Andrew Palmer, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Two other third-degree counts will be dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Carlton County Attorney Lauri Ketola said Palmer “provided a factual basis that he had intercourse with the victim,” adding that there was no agreement on sentencing.

According to the criminal complaint, a 17-year-old Barnum student’s parents contacted local law enforcement in January, regarding the possible criminal sexual assault of their daugh...