Local Interest

On May 4, 2025, at approximately 1:49 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff's Office responded to a medical at the address 26056 County Road 34 in Paynesville Township. When officers arrived on scene, they learned Daniel Ruprecht, 62, of Eden Valley, was cutting off a large branch from a tree. That branch was approximately 20 feet long and 10 inches in diameter. The branch fell and … [Read more...] about Paynesville Township Medical

On April 29, 2025, at approximately 5:47 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a farm accident at the location of 26338 County Road 201, North Fork Township. This location is approximately 4 miles northeast of the City of Brooten. The caller advised there was a male pinned underneath a large corn planter. When … [Read more...] about Farm Accident

Anglers and paddlers have wasted little time getting out on open water across Minnesota. However, with water temperatures still dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone around lakes, rivers, and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls quickly can turn tragic. About 30% of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the … [Read more...] about Minnesota DNR: Safety must be the priority around cold water

On April 20, 2025, at 6:50 a.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a building fire at the address of 32526 County Road 169 in Melrose Township. Upon arrival deputies learned that the resident, James Ronald Mueller, 53, had shut down and parked a skid steer in the cattle barn the previous night at approximately 9:30 p.m. Mueller reported … [Read more...] about Melrose Township Fire

High School seniors throughout Stearns County are continuing the practice of the “Senior Assassin” game. This may also be referred to as Nerf wars. This game involves students “stalking” and “shooting” each other with water guns or Nerf guns in an attempt to be the last senior standing. It is basically “Hide and Seek” with water guns or Nerf guns. The game involves hiding … [Read more...] about Public Service Announcement