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Local Interest

Statement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on the Flanders Fire

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has located the origin of the Flanders Fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake. The fire began Saturday, May 16, and has burned about 1,600 acres in Crow Wing County. Additionally, people of interest have been identified. Residents and others in and around the Flanders Lake area – particularly on the western side on state land, … [Read more...] about Statement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on the Flanders Fire

Bus Crash

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On May 18, 2026, at approximately 3:21 P.M., law enforcement responded to a reported traffic crash involving a school bus on Jay Avenue, south of Highway 23 in Munson Township, in Stearns County. Preliminary investigation indicates a bus operated by Richmond Bus Service was traveling southbound on Jay Avenue when it left the roadway near a curve, entered the west ditch, … [Read more...] about Bus Crash

Zion Township House Fire

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On May 14, 2026, at approximately 9:55 a.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a fire at the address of 22123 293rd Ave in Zion Township. The callers stated their attached garage was on fire. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the home. The Paynesville Fire Department arrived on scene and began to extinguish the flames. The fire … [Read more...] about Zion Township House Fire

Red Flag issued for 54 counties due to extreme fire risk

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The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 54 counties across northern, central, and parts of southwest Minnesota today, May 15, due to extreme fire risk conditions. Affected counties include Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Carlton, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, … [Read more...] about Red Flag issued for 54 counties due to extreme fire risk