Recent content from Matt McKinney
Sheriff: Teen admits setting fire to 120-year-old church in Melrose
Parishioners now must ask why as they debate whether to rebuild or restore.
Winona magazine Big River focuses on all things Mississippi
Big River's staff cranks out six issues a year for 5,000 subscribers
Superior, Wis., residents unsettled a month after refinery explosion, fire
A month after the explosion in Superior, people aren't sure how safe their soil and air are.
Volunteers to discuss future of Sherburne County camp
Arsonist set fire to the camp's main building, causing $200,000 in damage to the historic White Building that was kitchen, dorm and meeting space.
Winona County ban on frac sand mining challenged at Court of Appeals
Attorneys on both sides were rigorously questioned by a three-judge panel.
Minnesota congresswoman calls on refinery to stop using highly toxic chemical
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum said the use of hydrogen fluoride in a major population center is "unacceptable."
Minnesota state parks targeted for better accessibility for the disabled
It's time to make at least one or two state parks accessible for the disabled, commissioner says.
Legislators push to end refinery's use of toxic chemical
Public needs to know evacuation plans for St. Paul Park refinery, and first responders should do drills, two Minneapolis legislators said.
Superior refinery fire is reminder of toxic leak risk in Twin Cities
Major accidents involving hydrogen fluoride are rare. But the explosion and fire at the oil refinery in Superior, Wis., was a reminder of the potential danger at another refinery in St. Paul Park.
Twin Ports mayors want Superior refinery to stop using highly toxic chemical
Superior, Duluth leaders ask Husky Energy to stop using hydrogen fluoride.
As governor tours Wisconsin blast site, focus is on toxic chemical
The cause of Thursday's massive explosion and fire at Husky Energy, Inc. in Superior, Wis. has yet to be determined.
Superior refinery fire raged near chemical tanks with deadly risk
If a tank of hydrogen fluoride had been compromised, a "killing cloud" could have endangered 180,000 people.
Superior, Wis., evacuation order lifted at 6 a.m., mayor says
The evacuation order, which followed a fire at an oil refinery, was lifted as of 6 a.m., the mayor said in a Facebook post.
Minnesota flood warnings include Mississippi River in St. Paul
Minor flooding expected along rivers for the next few days.
Tired of endless winter? Twin Cities skiers can't get enough
Deep snow, fresh tracks, freezing temps: Winter's staying power delights some.
Minnesota flood risk low despite historic April snowstorm
A slow warmup over the next few days means there is only a low risk of flooding throughout Minnesota, with the potential for some minor…
Historic blizzard slams into Minnesota; record snowfall possible
Travel is discouraged as snow falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour and 50-mph wind gusts created whiteout conditions. With 10-plus inches at the airport, flights were grounded until late Saturday. More snow is to come, so Sunday events are getting called off.
Unsolved murder case of Cold Spring officer is closed
Focus of investigation committed suicide in 2013.
Mayo Clinic, union to meet with judge over lockout of Albert Lea health care workers
The National Labor Relations Board will hear a complaint filed by hospital workers' union.
DMC private investors spend another $131 million remaking Rochester
That's slightly less than what was invested the year before, a drop that officials attributed to the timing of projects rather than a slowdown.
'Home run' development on horizon for Rochester's riverfront
But some city planners and residents worry that the scope of the $257 million riverfront project is too much, too fast.
New ramp coming for Red Wing bridge
It's a step closer to the bridge's eventual replacement next year.
Fight over Melrose church hit by arson has divided local Catholics
A 2016 fire gutted the Church of St. Mary, scarred the Melrose community
St. Paul publisher and philanthropist John Nasseff dies at 93
Nasseff died Feb. 21, the day he turned 94, at his St. Paul home.
Rochester considers designs for new city flag
Medical symbols, stars and bars, crosses ... and lots of geese.
Family friend pleads guilty to murder, rape of 5-year-old Minn. girl
Zachary Anderson of Monticello immediately sentenced to life in prison in death of 5-year-old Alayna Ertl.
Snowmobiler faces murder, drunken driving charges in death of boy, 8
Snowmobiler's blood alcohol level was allegedly twice the legal limit three hours after the incident.
A dogged volunteer uncovers the mystery of the bell of St. Peter
It's a story that includes history, tragedy, family lore, town gossip, a thrilling discovery - and a second, enduring mystery.
Grants kick-start energy efficiency projects around Minnesota
A Department of Commerce program to kick-start energy efficiency around the state named 39 projects, from LED lighting in La Crescent to solar panel systems analysis for dairy farmers in west-central Minnesota, in its latest round of grant awards.
Rochester mayoral candidate victim of crude anti-Muslim comment
Threat was left on Regina Mustafa's webpage.
Family calls 8-year-old killed on Chisago Lake a budding outdoorsman and eager helper
Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. died five days after he and his family were hit by a snowmobiler on Chisago Lake.
Rochester restaurant's rooftop dining domes to be taken down
Fans of Rochester igloos are upset, but an official called them hazardous.
Rochester murder case may hinge on the phrase 'duty to retreat'
Rochester man's claim of self-defense in shooting likely to be tested at trial.
Rochester man charged in killing of teen who dared him to shoot
A 25-year-old Rochester man was charged with second-degree murder after a minor fender bender led to a confrontation, which led to a dare and a fatal shot.
Family that fled Iraq is left reeling by teen's shooting death after Rochester crash
The teenager shot to death was part of a tight-knit Iraqi family who fled homeland six years ago for a safer life in the U.S.
Rochester's popular rooftop 'igloo' dining may not survive
Rochester officials say the popular rooftop domes could be hazardous
Smokestacks coming down for new Austin rec center
The recreation center, with an anticipated completion date of fall 2019, will anchor further redevelopment plans.
Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede won't seek re-election
Ardell Brede, a bubbly presence for 16 years, has overseen city growth.
Election dates, license plates, eye drops: New state laws take effect
A new license plate that honors police officers killed in the line of duty will be coming, thanks to a law now in effect.
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith resigns as chairwoman of Rochester's DMC board
Smith is leaving the DMC board to take over the U.S. Senate seat now held by Al Franken.
Rochester coalition to fight city's affordable housing crisis
Coalition hopes to steer millions toward solutions.
Mayo Clinic locks out most striking hospital workers in Albert Lea
Union claims it's the first-ever health care lockout in the state.
Mayo hospital workers in Albert Lea call one-day strike to protest stalled talks
Picketers cite stalled labor talks; officials call it grandstanding.
Seven-story building for Mankato wins key approval
Proposed office building adds to string of new construction
Mankato's Bud Lawrence, champion of Dakota causes, dies at 86
A chance meeting with a Dakota Indian leader forever changed the course of Louis George “Bud” Lawrence’s life, leading him to march in support of…
Report says Albert Lea can support hospital, but it would be costly
A newly published consultant's report that says the city of Albert Lea could support a full-service hospital has emboldened citizens there who are fighting a Mayo Clinic decision to reduce services.
Ex-Minn. cafeteria worker says staff told to toss lunches for students unable to pay
Many had the hot entree portion of their meal removed from their tray, the angry former worker said.
Stewartville schools to give hot lunches to all students, paid up or not
However, parents who owe more than $75 may face debt collection.
Judge's ruling on Winona County ban of frac sand mining stirs interest
Efforts to enact similar bans have so far foundered in neighboring counties.
Rochester's bold growth plans threatened by housing crisis
This economically vibrant city already was considered one of the hottest real estate markets in the state before the Mayo Clinic's $5.6 billion expansion took off in earnest last year with multiple construction projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Worthington man files brutality suit over 2016 arrest caught on video
Man's arrest, incident caught on tape last year.
Rochester mayor, council improperly spent taxpayer money on meals, auditor rules
City Council's monthly outing cost taxpayers $10K, auditor finds.
Lanesboro, Minn., learning center acquires prized piece of forest
Nearly a mile of Root River shoreline to be used for wildlife study.
Minn. lawmaker wants to tighten arts grant rules after video game labeled as 'ecoterrorism'
He said winning video game of bird zapping pipelines "has zero benefit."
Eau Claire City Council votes to ban children from dais after breastfeeding debate
Sometimes testy debate centered on woman's right to nurse her child in public.
Mining the magic: Cuyuna Range reinvented by influx of silent sports
Thousands of tourists come for award-winning bike trails, trout-stocked lakes, deep waters for scuba diving and quiet bays for paddleboarders and kayakers.
Scenic highway through Jay Cooke reopens five years after flood
Repairs restore washed-out passage through Jay Cooke State Park
New Trump travel ban fuels anxiety in Minnesota
The new order may draw legal challenges, but it's too soon to tell what will eventually happen, said a Somali attorney in Minneapolis.
Obituary: Volunteer chess coach and role model Jack Mangan dies at 67
A fundraiser, elementary school teacher and founder of several Minneapolis chess clubs that continue today, Mangan died Sept. 1, four months after a terminal cancer diagnosis. He was 67.
Hunter rescued after nearly 3 days in forest north of Twin Cities
Robert Kniefel, 61, of Lakeville, built a fire to warm himself and endured heavy rains in the Nemadji Forest.
Missing Minnesota 4-year-old found safe in a field after lengthy search
Authorities believe the girl followed a cat into a cornfield near her home northwest of Kenyon when she disappeared Tuesday night.
Minnesotans living and working in Irma's path face rebuilding task
Minnesotans in Irma's path come to terms with what has been lost and count their blessings.
State Supreme Court ruling reverses disorderly conduct conviction of Little Falls woman
"I feel like justice was finally served," said Robin Hensel, whose removal at a City Council meeting was at the heart of the court's decision.
Minnesotans with homes or businesses in Florida brace for Irma
Anxiety mounts as residents scramble for food, water, gas and other supplies.
Faribault's Johnston Hall once again eyed for demolition
Johnston Hall is all that remains of an 1888 divinity school.
Albert Lea rises up against Mayo's plan to trim hospital services
As Mayo defends planned cuts, Albert Lea fights back.
Minnesota charity officials warn of online scams in Houston flooding
Online pleas may not funnel aid to victims of Houston flooding.
Nazi resurgence alarms Minn. WWII vets, Holocaust survivors
In the aftermath of last weekend's deadly violence in Virginia, no one may be feeling more anger and fear than those who battled the Nazis and those nearly killed by them.
First public dollars go to Rochester's Destination Medical Center project
The money will go to Rochester for infrastructure work related to the project.
Residents fight for old Rochester
Preservationists fear Mayo Clinic development could erase city's history.
Minn. arts group faces upheaval after sex harassment allegations against ex-director
Gregory Stavrou, accused of sexual harassment, had resigned in April after arts group called for his firing.
Failure to turn on body cameras flouted policy
The officer who shot and killed 40-year-old Justine Damond late Saturday apparently violated his department’s rules on the use of body cameras when he…
Chance of reopening Fort Ridgely golf course 'not promising,' supporter says
A surprise 'No' vote from the Fairfax City Council left the Friends of Fort Ridgely without a government entity and fiscal agent to pursue their plan.
Somali-American family from Eagan sues feds after being detained at border
The family was released after authorities determined that the father, who was on a watch list, wasn't a threat.
WWI patriotism, repression swept Goodhue County
Author documents Goodhue County's passions and prejudice.
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