Local Interest

Dry weather and drought across Minnesota have created conditions favorable for wildfires this fall. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges homeowners, woodland owners, farmers and outdoor recreationists to monitor statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions, which can fluctuate quickly this time of year. “Don’t fall for the trap that cooler weather … [Read more...] about Wildfire risk increases across Minnesota

Residents and motorists may see smoke from prescribed fires of grassland vegetation along central Minnesota roads and state-owned properties through mid-October. Traffic should not be affected and all roads will remain open. If you drive by a prescribed fire in progress, treat the area as a work zone. There will be workers on the roadside, so concentrate on the road and … [Read more...] about Prescribed fires planned along area roads in central Minnesota

October 2, 2020 - The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force (CMVOTF) announced that four pounds of methamphetamine and more than $15,000 in cash was recovered following a search warrant in Minneapolis on September 30th. The seizure was part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected methamphetamine trafficking organization operating throughout central Minnesota … [Read more...] about Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force

Due to the current surge in positive COVID-19 cases in our communities, CentraCare is once again implementing a no visitor policy at all its facilities. The restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, September 30. Exceptions to the policy will be allowed for patients/visitors experiencing specific situations including: End of life Critically ill Parent/legal guardian … [Read more...] about Increased Visitor Restrictions For All CentraCare and Carris Health Sites

Local and state officials work to control infestations St. Paul, MN: An invasive vine not seen in the United States in six decades has been discovered in Stearns County. Sherry Kutter, a University of Minnesota Extension Master Naturalist, first spotted the vine along the Lake Wobegon Trail in Holdingford. Officials have identified it as rough potato (Metaplexis japonica), a … [Read more...] about Invasive Vine Spotted in Stearns County