Recent content from Matt McKinney
A Minnesota sailor killed at Pearl Harbor to come home, 83 years later
William F. Gusie, 19, was aboard the Oklahoma when it was torpedoed and sunk
The story of Hercules the cat: Rescued in 2022, Target model in 2024
Hercules, the cat with the lovable face, now appears on cartons of Target brand kitty litter.
Mary Johnson-Roy, who drew on faith to forgive the man who killed her son, dies at 71
Renewing her life after the death of her son, Laramiun Lamont Byrd, Johnson-Roy went on to champion mercy and peace.
Judge stops St. Croix apartment project, reversing Wisconsin board's approvals
Citing evidence and "public outcry," Judge Daniel Tolan ruled the building would be visible from the St. Croix River in violation of environmental protections.
Ex-wife testifies that Apple River stabbing suspect a peaceful person
Sondra Miu testifies in court that feared for her ex-husband's safety when she saw young men surround him on the Apple River; Nicolae Miu has claimed self defense in the fight that left four people seriously injured and one person, Isaac Schuman, 17, dead.
Friend of stabbing victim who made key video testifies at Apple River stabbing trial
Jawahn Cockfield said he didn't realize what was happening as stabbings took place.
Gruesome video shown at trial on fatal Apple River stabbing
Prior Lake man's defense attorney and prosecution both say chaotic footage will prove their case in teen's death.
Apple River stabbing trial to begin Monday
Nicolae Miu, a 54-year-old Prior Lake man, is charged with homicide and faces life in prison in the 2022 killing of teenager Isaac Schuman.
Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater reopens after renovation
The building had been closed since June 2023 and is now open Wednesday through Sunday for guided and self-guided tours.
Arne Carlson: Why wasn't public told sooner about Stillwater PFAS contamination?
The former governor says the delay in notifying residents about the contamination is "stunning," and calls on government officials to act.
Washington County sets public hearing on new park rules about marijuana, mushroom hunts and e-bikes
A public hearing will be held April 23 on the new rules, which were reviewed by the county Parks and Open Space Commission but still need approval of the County Board.
New Prague attorney drowns in Puerto Rico
Ben King, 51, was one of four drowning deaths this month in the U.S. territory
Minnesota city rethinks its flag policy after Burnsville tragedy
Bayport to lower U.S. flag for statewide days of mourning, in addition to federal ones.
Riverside portion of William O'Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix closed until 2025
A section of the park is now closed for a $4.1 million remake of trails and buildings, including accessibility updates.
Washington County, probation officers reach contract agreement
The union representing the county's probation officers will vote on the agreement March 20; members had earlier threatened to strike over a disagreement about making Juneteenth a paid holiday.
Stillwater to notify residents of PFAS contamination
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a health risk advisory on well #6, which was closed last year; seven other city wells remain active.
Two former Minnesota legislators to launch Woodbury news site
The nonprofit, nonpartisan publication initially would be staffed by volunteers.
Judge: City of Hudson board broke law in riverfront development case
In the St. Croix River protections case, the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals ignored DNR concerns, erroneously granted hardship variances, the ruling says.
Cottage Grove City Council approves development near Mississippi River despite opposition
Some 377 housing units, 3 miles of trails and sidewalks are planned on the site of a shuttered golf course.
Burnsville officer Matthew Ruge wanted to 'make a difference in this world'
Ruge, 27, grew up near Wabasha before studying law enforcement at Minnesota State University, Mankato and joining the Burnsville Police Department.
Washington County buys land to add to Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
The 11-acre parcel along East Point Douglas Road cost $525,000.
From Mumbai to Minnesota, Srimati Neenaben Gada shared her native Indian culture
Arriving as an immigrant in her 20s, Neena Gada helped create a home for Indian culture in Minnesota.
USPS: Someone stole three blue mail collection boxes off St. Paul streets
The large mailboxes boxes were later recovered; an investigation is underway.
Cottage Grove couple's son died on a basketball court. Now they hope to save others.
The Dowdle family of Cottage Grove spreads the word about AEDs and quick action.
Judge: Hudson used 'ridiculous' reasoning to OK riverfront development
The suit says the four-story project proposed for downtown violates the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Hudson installs 'largest dock' on St. Croix River
Longer than two football fields, the dock has been in the making for seven years.
Soaring home values seen across St. Croix Valley
A confluence of market forces are driving double-digit hikes in the area, popular for its rural feel.
Washington County probation officers move to strike over Juneteenth holiday dispute
The county and the union representing probation officers disagree on how a newly added holiday should affect employees' existing paid holiday schedule.
Rising home values behind big property tax increases for some in Washington County
Rising home valuations and school bond referenda are contributors to increases, but some in Washington County will see their tax bill drop.
Forest Lake fires city administrator — and hires interim city administrator let go by Lake Elmo
City officials gave no explanation for Patrick Casey's abrupt dismissal; Kristina Handt to serve as interim for now.
DNR offers to double Lake Elmo's legal water supply
City Council will consider the proposed permit at a closed-session meeting Jan. 16.
Machine-made snow will save Stillwater's snow sculpture championships
A crew from Afton Alps ski area swooped into Stillwater with a snow gun to save the snow sculpture championships.
DNR says Lake Elmo has water for new school
District says it wants to open new school, approved by voters in November, by fall of 2026.
Washington County OKs land deal for Big Marine Park Reserve expansion
The county's purchase of 240 acres from the former Kelley Land and Cattle Co. is part of a planned 685-acre addition to the park.
Investigation underway after woman, 21, dies at Washington County jail
Justice Heinrichs was 2020 Stillwater High School graduate.
Washington County approves pay raises
The Washington County Board and top county officials will receive a 6.5% raise in 2024.
In Stillwater politics, it's almost always 'Sir' vs. 'Sir'
No woman has served as mayor and few have been city council members, prompting questions from the city's human rights commission.
4-year-old Eli is back home recovering after nearly drowning in Minneapolis pond
Eli and his 2-year-old brother had snuck out and made their way across the street to Bryn Mawr Meadows Park.
Woodbury police aim to cut down on high-speed chases with new tracking darts
The city spent $60,000 on the tracking systems, which police hope will minimize the need for high-speed pursuits.
Woodbury woman sentenced for 2021 slaying of daughter
Sadiyo I. Mohamed, 34, of Woodbury is under a civil commitment and will remain at a state hospital indefinitely as part of her court-ordered treatment.
In Washington County, 'boots-on-the-ground' social work is transforming police response to people in crisis
The county plans to triple the number of social workers who are paired with police to respond to some calls for help.
What's the next Blizzo? Washington County wants name suggestions for its snowplows
Residents can share their ideas through Dec. 15; the county will review the suggestions and allow the public to vote in January.
Lake Elmo lets go its city administrator amid debate over water use, new school
Council members had indicated they would renew the contract of City Administrator Kristina Handt, but then abruptly changed course.
Woodbury City Council violated open meetings law with vote on school officers, state says
The council met Sept. 6 in closed session to discuss removing city police officers from school positions in two buildings; the state says that meeting should have been public.
Blood, possible human tissue found at east metro garbage hauling site
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is investigating why the materials ended up at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center in Newport.
Meet Otis, the Woodbury Police Department's K-9 partner for calm in crisis
He's one of two therapy dogs in Washington County trained to respond to public safety calls, and also helps lessen first responders' stress.
Facing a water-quality crisis, Woodbury asks lawmakers for help funding new water tower
The city hopes the state will pay for half of a $14.8 million water tower that would help deliver treated water during periods of peak demand.
Arizona woman, 80, charged in 1985 St. Croix Falls cold case murder
Mary Josephine Bailey, of Apache Junction, Ariz., was charged in the 1985 shooting death of Yvonne Menke, who was found in a stairwell.
After 37 years serving Minnesota mariners, Hooper's Yachts founder puts boatyard up for sale
"I think there's a buyer for every boat, and I do my best to put those two together," Bill Hooper said.
Lake Elmo drive-in is a star of Woodbury-raised filmmaker's movie
"Bobby's Intermission" will be shown at the Woodbury 10 Theatre on Dec. 11.
Group wants to build community center in St. Croix Valley
Organizers are seeking feedback at a Thursday meeting in Stillwater for a vision that includes space for swimming lessons, a gymnasium, a community gathering space and teen programs.
A year after opening, Marine on St. Croix school growing quickly
The student body of public K-5 charter school Marine Village School has tripled in size, with support from the surrounding community.
Cottage Grove breaks ground on PFAS-filtration plant
The new plant at Ideal Avenue S. and 110th Street S. should be functional by 2025.
After debate, Native American statue returns to Wisconsin village's main street
Community members in Osceola were split over whether the statue is about stereotypes or honoring the past.
Neighbors of Stillwater's Lily Lake celebrate decadeslong cleanup
The lake is now off Minnesota's impaired waters list, but the swimming beach where two children died of amoeba-induced infections remains closed.
'We are Water MN' exhibit opens at Stillwater Public Library
The exhibit shows how pollution and other activities in Minnesota impact water quality downstream; it is open through Dec. 3.
'His day to die': Charges filed in Benton County shooting of five officers
Karl Thomas Holmberg was charged Friday with multiple felony counts, including six counts of first-degree attempted murder.
Suspect in custody after 5 officers shot during gunfire exchange near Princeton, Minn.
None of the five officers had life-threatening injuries. The suspect, a 64-year-old man, also was wounded, officials said.
Along the St. Croix River, big ag plans prompt water-quality worries, new restrictions
Proposals for a large hog farm, a dairy farm expansion and a biogas digester have prompted outcry from people worried about the impact on water quality and public health.
Customs officials seize giraffe poop at MSP airport; passenger wanted to turn it into a necklace
An Iowa woman returning from Kenya made an unusual declaration on customs forms, catching officials' attention.
Stillwater opts to keep Lumberjack Landing Park name
The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended that the council discuss renaming the new park after some residents raised concerns that the name didn't properly represent the area's history.
Manitou Fund buys Wilder Foundation forests by Stillwater
In a deal that protects hundreds of acres of pristine land in northern Washington County, the White Bear Lake-based charitable organization confirmed that it has a purchase agreement to buy the 600-acre Wilder Forest.
Petition asks Stillwater to rename new Lumberjack Landing Park, rejecting 'cartoon' take on history
The Stillwater City Council will take up a motion to reconsider the name at its meeting Tuesday.
Lawsuit: Planned apartment building along St. Croix River is too tall for protected river
Neighbors and the nonprofit St. Croix Scenic Coalition say the village of Osceola was too quick to sign off on a plan to build on the site of a shuttered hospital.
'One Woodbury' event highlights diversity
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 30.
Amid pushback, Stillwater reminds drivers it still offers free parking
A conversion of some free parking spots to paid has drawn complaints, especially on social media, but city staff point out a majority of parking in downtown Stillwater is still free.
A plaza with a view: Stillwater reopens street with pedestrian plaza overlooking Lift Bridge
The new Chestnut Plaza will remain permanently closed to vehicles, providing a two-block stretch for pedestrians to walk, sit and check out the Lift Bridge.
Youth camp plans fall apart for land near Square Lake in Washington County
Local residents were vocal in their opposition to a Catholic youth camp on Wilder Foundation land. The foundation will now look for another buyer.
Who gets to decide if a city can use Dakota to name a park?
Woodbury set out to give some of its parks Dakota-language names, and ended up with a surprising result.
2023 Minnesota State Fair attendance ranks in all-time top 10
After setting an all-time daily record early on, attendance slowed later in the fair's run amid a heat wave.
Hennepin County District 6 special election date set
The winner will replace Commissioner Chris LaTondresse, who is stepping down to lead a nonprofit housing organization.
St. Cloud woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for 2021 murder
Angela Jones was also sentenced for taking part in a second murder and running a prostitution scheme from behind bars.
2 people killed in 3-vehicle crash on I-35 near Faribault
Stretch of Interstate 35 south of Faribault has been the scene of other accidents this month.
Work to begin on new Washington County toxic waste facility
The facility in Forest Lake is expected to open in the fall of 2024 and will accept hazardous waste along with yard and wood waste.