Recent content from Kelly Smith
In the aftermath of U.S. school shootings, Hastings High School students learn how to stop bleeding in metro's first trauma class
In an era bedeviled by school shootings, trauma training enters more classrooms.
St. Cloud mayor launches mobile bus to bring meetings right to neighborhoods
St. Cloud's mayor is taking his weekly town hall meetings on the road, launching a "mobile town hall" bus that he will drive around the…
Breckenridge father charged in death of 3-year-old son
Couple had blamed 2-year-old for causing bruises to 3-year-old who later died, the charges say.
Minn. students rally for gun control on 19th anniversary of Columbine
Hundreds converge on State Capitol for second gun-control rally in a month
WWII mystery, letter helped a Minnesota class learn history firsthand
Letter from anguished mom led Glencoe eighth-graders deep into history.
The 'sandwich man' is on a mission to feed Minneapolis' homeless
Allan Law hopes to hand out 1 million sandwiches this year to people in need, at all hours of the day or night.
Breckenridge police investigate killing of 3-year-old in Wilkin County
The boy died of blunt force trauma, but what made those injuries is not yet known, officials said. No arrests have been made.
Former Rocori superintendent charged with indecent exposure in St. Cloud, Waite Park gas stations
Scott Staska resigned from his job earlier this month.
Minnesota's microdistillery trend is heading north after Brainerd OKs rules for cocktail rooms
Like the state's brewery boom, distilleries have popped up across the Twin Cities. But they have been less numerous outside of the metro area.
![A thin ice sign marks the area under the bridge separating Gray’s Bay and Wayzata Bay. ] (Aaron Lavinsky | StarTribune) Over the course of a particu](http://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_152304841497962.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Bad news for boaters: Ice-outs on Minnesota lakes behind schedule
No lakes have yet recorded ice-out so far, making for an unusually late season.
Full-page ad calls out Paulsen, Lewis, Emmer and Peterson on gun control measures, NRA donations
It's unclear who exactly is behind the group "Listen to the Children."
Stillwater artist Virginia Lovness, who realized dream of building Wright-designed house, dies at 93
The fashionable, flamboyant Virginia Lovness captivated Frank Lloyd Wright one day in 1955 and he agreed to design her house — one of 12 buildings he did in Minnesota — that she then built by hand. Virginia Lovness, 93, of Stillwater, died Feb. 16.
School districts from Osseo to Apple Valley seeking leaders
In the CEO-like role, superintendents face responsibilities ranging from referendum requests to addressing the growing number of school threats.
Minneapolis schools brace for cuts as district tackles $33 million budget deficit
Some parents and teachers express outrage at proposed cuts.
Ad confronts Minn. congressional delegation on gun control, NRA donations
In a full-page ad, a mysterious group called out Minnesota’s congressional delegation on gun control measures and on donations from the National Rifle Association. The…
Heavy snow for southern Minn., but false alarm for most of metro
The Twin Cities area is only expected to get a dusting or up to 2 inches of snowfall overnight.
Metro school to remove Indian emblem from gym 24 years after changing nickname
The decision isn't popular with all in the community.
More criminal charges filed against Lakeville principal charged with stalking, burglary
His next court date in Dakota County is May 31.
Minnesota pro-gun students are sitting out school walkouts
Some students reject protests and back Second Amendment.
As threats surge after Fla. shooting, Minnesota schools take no chances
Many are facing the problems for the first time, and it's putting communities on edge.
Partnership between Minneapolis yoga studio and nonprofit brings yoga, mindfulness skills to teens on probation
Instead of going to the county's secure detention center or the Home School, boys on probation attend the reporting centers and are tutored, participate in activities and learn about conflict resolution.
Minnehaha Academy unveils designs for rebuilding campus destroyed in deadly gas explosion
Modern additions to replace buildings damaged in deadly 2017 gas explosion.
Blue Earth County diversion program pairs police with social workers
Blue Earth County diversion program pairs police with social workers.
Minority students and those with disabilities disproportionately suspended, study finds
Students of color, disabled more likely to be suspended or expelled.
Brainerd man charged with poisoning baby with antifreeze fluid
The infant girl survived and is now in foster care.
Go fly a kite on ice on Lake Mille Lacs
Snowkiting is a growing sport across Minnesota's 10,000 lakes
More busts along I-94 suggest pot coming from legal states
The busts, surprising in their worth, have some authorities wondering whether the I-94 corridor that slices through the heart of both states and Wisconsin is becoming a major pipeline for marijuana and other drugs.
Brainerd pushes ahead with plan to revitalize river, downtown
It's part of a statewide trend in revamping access and amenities to the Mississippi River.
New St. Paul city attorney sues DFL legislator for defamation, 'innuendos'
Lyndsey Olson alleged in a court document that state Rep. John Lesch smeared her professional reputation in a letter to the mayor.
Minnesota incident included in 2018 U.S. school-shooting total shouldn't be, police official says
Cmdr. Dave Kvam said school shootings should be defined as deadly, intentional criminal acts in talking about officer's gun that discharged.
Authorities in northern Minnesota searching for pregnant woman missing since Feb. 2
Kara Blevins, 27, was last seen in the town of Akeley. Investigators have yet to find evidence of a crime.
Super Bowl visitors leave some Minnesota Nice along with winter gear
Parkas piled up, thanks to last-minute collection.
St. Paul boy dies after hitting tree while sledding at Scout camp
Simon Caquelin hit a tree while sledding at a Boy Scout camp last week. After 10 days in the hospital, he died Monday.
Minnesota communities are considering resolutions that affirm they are welcoming to all
City councils in Willmar and St. Joseph are expected to discuss resolutions Monday. The measures don't change policy but are considered symbolic.
NFL officials, players discuss taking a knee, racial equality in sports
More than 200 people attended the third annual Super Bowl Town Hall held by the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality.
Where did the homeless go in Minneapolis during Super Bowl week?
Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis has opened up space. And over the weekend shelters will extend opening times.
Hennepin County staffer helps lead Super Bowl committee cracking down on sex trafficking
Committee hopes Twin Cities' response can be a model for future games.
Colorado hot springs draw crowds year-round to Steamboat Springs
In this Rocky Mountain town, natural hot springs keep things steamy year-round.
Sauk Centre pilot killed in small-plane crash in Stearns County
Authorities found the wreckage of the plane Wednesday in a Stearns County farm field hasn't yet been identified.
For Vikings fans, defeat is familiar ending to 'miracle' season
The Eagles fans lived up to their reputation — pelting Vikings fans with beers before the game and doing the same to the team bus as it prepared to head to the airport.
Want to watch the game with a crowd? On a lake? With a Skol drum? Here's where
As the Vikings travel to Philadelphia to take on the host Eagles in Sunday's NFC title game, some Minnesota fans opt for collective celebration.
Marilyn Brooke Goffstein, children's book author and artist, dies at 77
The author of some 30 books kept writing and telling stories until she died on her 77th birthday.
Mohamed now among most popular baby boy names in St. Cloud, reflecting area's diversity
The St. Cloud Hospital also recorded a recent record number of babies born there in 2017.
Alexandria couple die in first fatal fire in Minnesota in 2018
The mobile home didn't have smoke detectors.
State boating deaths slow, but distracted driving leads to surge in accidents
Officials say apps, GPS take drivers' eyes off the water.
St. Cloud, Duluth add homeless teen programs
Of the state's homeless youth, 40 percent live outside the metro
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New task force to help Stearns County crack down on sex trafficking
A two-year state grant will enable the task force to work full time on sex trafficking crimes.
State's liquor stores toast Christmas Eve opening
Melissa Surdyk arrived at her family's Minneapolis store to find an unusual scene for Christmas Eve: 35 people standing outside in the 20-degree morning, waiting…
"Ojibway Netflix" app launched as part of effort to revive American Indian languages in Minnesota
The streaming service was launched this month by a Winnipeg-based company.
Cow on the run is detained by Stearns County, then reunited with owner
The cow may have traveled more than 20 miles.
For many Minnesotans, Franken news brings resignation and melancholy
Moments after Al Franken stood on the U.S. Senate floor and announced his resignation Thursday, a red-eyed staffer answered the senator’s locked St. Paul office…
Mayo Clinc launches gift registry to support sex trafficking victims
The registry accepting donations of items to support sex trafficking victims in Minnesota is one of many new initiatives before the Super Bowl.
Hungry Hippie Hostel outside Grand Marais satiates North Shore travelers
This renovated horse barn has become a hot spot in its new life, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Cold Spring honors police officer Tom Decker five years after fatal shooting outside bar
Five years after the shooting of police officer Thomas Decker, the community of Cold Spring, Minn., paused to remember the incident and pay respects to the man who lost his life.
Stearns County deputies are latest in Minnesota to train in de-escalating mental health calls
Last month, 12 of the department's 41 deputies learned about different types of mental illness and acted out role-playing scenarios.
Blue Earth seeks answers after 4 teens are charged in attack on teammate
Among the questions: What prompted the beating last month and why did it take so long to be investigated?
Amid "public safety crisis," Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe holds rally to protest impasse with county
Monday's rally came days after the Mille Lacs Band sued Mille Lacs County over a policing agreement.
More Minn. sex trafficking victims are getting help
That could be a sign of more awareness and services.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe sues county over policing dispute
Talks have deadlocked and Dayton's attempt to intervene failed.
Father of St. Cloud 3-year-old who shot himself is arrested in Montana
The father, a felon, wasn't allowed to own a gun.
Report: Refugees have almost no impact on Stearns County budget
As St. Cloud debates resettlement issue, numbers show costs to county are negligible.
Police: St. Cloud 3-year-old shot self with dad's improperly stored gun
Police say the boy's father, a felon, was not allowed to own a gun.
Investigators hope 15th anniversary of St. John's student's disappearance sparks new tips
On Nov. 9, 2002, Josh Guimond left a party on campus around midnight and disappeared without a trace.
St. Cloud mayor vetoes 'tobacco 21' ordinance after a split City Council approves it
ST. CLOUD – In front of a packed City Hall audience, a split St. Cloud City Council narrowly passed a new ordinance last week…
St. Cloud council soundly rejects ban on refugee resettlement
City Council voted 6-1 against the measure in a meeting that was at times heated, and approved a resolution saying that the city is a welcoming community.
From fish boils to fall colors, Wisconsin's Door County shines in autumn
The postcard-perfect forested scenery of the Wisconsin peninsula takes center stage.
Minnesota law requiring carbon monoxide detectors on boats wins national recognition
It's the first boating law of its kind in the U.S.
Minnesota police, led by Minneapolis, prepare to crack down on sex trafficking during the Super Bowl
Police updated city leaders Wednesday on plans.
Stearns County deputies tap drones for aerial searches
A growing contingent of Minnesota law enforcement has an "eye in the sky."
Pine County, Mille Lac Band will hire cultural coach to help at-risk youth
The new contract position, one of the few of its kind in Minnesota, starts Jan. 1.
3 dead as snowstorm makes driving treacherous in Minn.
A 58-year-old St. Paul man was killed when his pickup spun out and rolled over in a ditch on Hwy. 169 in Princeton.
New campaigns launching in Minnesota to curb sex trafficking ahead of the Super Bowl
With the Super Bowl here, prevention efforts are picking up across the state.
Lower Sioux aim to revitalize Dakota language in Minnesota
Minnesota is embracing an effort to reclaim American Indian languages.
Amid refugee debate, St. Cloud OKs 'welcoming' resolution
After one St. Cloud city leader proposed a moratorium on refugee resettlement, the City Council instead passed a resolution Monday to support being a "just and welcoming community."
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