News

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office Saturday morning shared that Douglas County was searching for Endangered Missing Person. The sheriff's office was asking all residents to please keep an eye out for the missing individual and vehicle described in the alert, with special attention to the Motley area and surrounding communities. 68-year-old Kathryn Woessner was reported missing June 3rd in Hubbard County south of Akeley and may been going to the Motley area. It was reported later on Saturday by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office that Woessner has been located. They thanked everyone who helped assist in the search and that Woessner has been located according to Douglas County. 

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory evacuated all guests and nonessential staff after bomb threats were made on Saturday.   In a statement, the Como Zoo spokesperson Matt Reinartz said they received a report that a bomb had been placed on the grounds of the zoo. In an update shortly before 4pm zoo officials said there was a thorough search and no threat was found. The zoo will remain closed for the rest of Saturday. All animals have been secured, according to the statement.  "The safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and animals remains our highest priority. We appreciate the swift response of the Saint Paul Police Department and the cooperation of our guests and staff," Reinartz said in a statement. The zoo was opening two hours earlier (8am) Sunday to make up for those who were evacuated Sunday as many were coming to the zoo to get a glimpse and a smell of Horace the blooming Corpse Flower. 

A Central Minnesota man has been convicted of sexually assaulting six juveniles over seven years. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office and Todd County Attorney's Office have convicted Mervin Kauffman on six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Kauffman pleaded guilty to all six counts at his hearing on Thursday. Attorney General Keith Ellison says Kauffman's crimes shock the conscience of all decent Minnesotans, and his heart breaks for the children he assaulted, and he prays for their recovery and well-being. The assaults took place in Clarissa between August 14, 2015, and September 5, 2022. Ellison says Kauffman was over 18 at the time he sexually assaulted six children at his family home in Todd County. Kauffman admitted to having a significant relationship with each of the victims at his plea hearing, and is being held in the Todd County Jail pending sentencing. The Attorney General's Office prosecuted Kauffman upon a referral from Todd County Attorney John Lindemann.

One person was injured in a shooting in Cass Lake Thursday night. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received reports around 7pm of shots being fired in the city, and when deputies arrived, they learned that individuals were shooting at each other. A juvenile male was struck in the leg and taken to Sanford Bemidji with non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Bryan Welk says several parties of interest, including juveniles and adults, have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched more than 60 new state water trail maps, including those for the Sauk and Long Prairie rivers and the North Fork of the Crow River. The maps, according to a recent press release, are designed to provide accurate navigation and recommended routes for paddlers, including sections with fewer obstacles such as dams, rapids and other obstructions. Marked portages and public access facilities, as well as route lengths and trip durations, are also included. “Because Minnesota’s outstanding water trail system is so large, figuring out where to go can be overwhelming for some users,” said DNR Water Recreation Consultant Nancy Stewart. “We reviewed the whole system to identify sections on each state water trail’s map that are most likely to provide an enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and abilities.” Minnesota has more than 4,500 miles of 35 designated state water trails. A full list is available to view here on the DNR website.

The Little Falls School Board meets today at 5pm at the District Office. 

The Pierz City Council meets tonight 7pm at Pierz City Hall. 

Death Notices: Gary H. Irwin, age 88 of Little Falls. John Heisick age 83 of the Upsala area. 

One person was injured in a one vehicle accident Thursday around 1:08pm in Lastrup of Morrison County. 86-year-old Sharon Schlegel was on Highway 27 at Pine Street when she hit...

People in communities near the Camp Ripley Training Center will be hearing some loud noise and seeing smoke trails throughout the next few weeks. National Guard soldiers are working to meet...

The National Weather Service reports a slight risk of severe weather tonight into tomorrow morning for the central and southern portions of the state. The main risk is high winds...

Authorities have released the name of the man who drowned this past Saturday in Crow Wing County. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says 29-year-old Cody Kent of Burnsville drowned...