Recent content from Matt McKinney
Virginia, Minn., launches plans to refurbish historic fountain
The Olcott Park Fountain needs $900,000 in repairs for the structure, built in 1937.
Duluth's record-setting rains led to harrowing tale
Five years later, a son's close call still gives a mother chills.
Rally at Capitol scheduled for day Yanez verdict is delivered
Supporters and friends of Philando Castile plan to hold a 7 p.m. rally at the Capitol the day a verdict is delivered in the trial…
In Melrose, plans to raze church wound many
A year after arson, parish is divided over the fate of St. Mary's.
Wetterlings sue, stopping release of files in Jacob's investigation
A district judge on Friday stopped the scheduled public release next week of some investigative documents related to Jacob Wetterling's 1989 abduction and murder.
Rochester Int'l Airport says it's poised to take off with new routes, more Mayo biz
An airline analyst said new routes are a sure sign of a growth market.
After audit, Rochester Art Center moves to shore up finances
ROCHESTER – The Rochester Art Center outsourced its bookkeeping to a local accountant after an audit released in January raised serious questions about its…
Longtime sheriff adds fourth Minnesota county to his list
Don Gudmundson has been sheriff in four Minnesota counties
St. Paul-to-Canada route added to U.S. biking network
An existing set of roadways and bike paths between St. Paul and Grand Portage State Park has been designated U.S. Bike Route 41.
Duluth woman carries aid into ruined Syrian city
Duluth woman delivered cash raised in Minnesota to rebuild Kobani's demolished library.
Lighthouse, northern trails feel the power of volunteers
Crews work to restore historic beacon and clear overgrown trails
Financial troubles, staff turnover put Rochester Art Center's future in doubt
The local arts community is alarmed and calling into question the management of the publicly supported organization.
With $300M in private funds, Rochester's DMC project set to get $585M in public aid
Public dollars pledged by Legislature will now be available for Destination Medical Center project.
Obituary: Lee Smith, owned Lee and Dee's Barbecue in St. Paul
He was “Bubba” to family and “Mr. Lee” to others, but to legions of barbecue-loving diners in St. Paul, Lee Claudie Smith was the man…
Mother of man killed by police: 'They have to live with what they've done'
St. Paul cops "have to live with what they've done," she declares at a vigil at the spot where her son died.
Klobuchar seeks money to fight anti-Semitic threats
She pledges federal money for security at community centers.
Hell's Kitchen fundraiser helps Madelia restaurateurs
La Plaza Fiesta restaurant owners Krystal Hernandez and her husband, Daniel, took home 10 percent of the day's proceeds.
New travel ban order draws mix of reactions in Minnesota
Refugee arrivals here had already dropped off dramatically as the Trump administration slashed the number to be received, and local agencies prepared for a slow spring and summer.
Boosters make bid to save 90-year-old golf course
The DNR closed the money-losing course at Fort Ridgely last fall
Trump immigration orders raise Minn. fears, sanctuary offers
In Minnesota, more than a dozen churches have pledged to safeguard those facing deportation.
Warm weather is melting winter economy in Minn., Wis. towns
Small-town festivals and ski races across the region are in danger of being curtailed or canceled, jeopardizing needed tourism dollars.
Lori Swanson: 'More deliberate approach' could have avoided litigation
While some legal observers expressed jubilation, they also cautioned that the controversy is far from resolved.
Attorneys pull MSP shifts to help incoming refugees
The volunteer group has been stationed at the airport for days now, watching and waiting at the international arrivals gate for anyone who might need legal help.
Some in Faribault see sense, not bias, in an immigration timeout
In Faribault, President Trump's travel ban has been welcomed by residents who feel the cost and pace of immigration is too much too fast.
Trump supporters say his travel ban is needed to protect U.S.
The president's executive order on immigration is necessary for public safety, say supporters of the move, and they've largely tuned out the airport protests and…
Trump's move on refugees stirs praise, worry in Minnesota
In remarks from the Pentagon on Friday, the president said the moves were necessary to prevent terrorists from entering the nation.
Border wall order finds fear, welcome in Minnesota
Apprehension mixes with defiance as local Latinos, leaders grapple with news.
For many, President Obama delivered on his promise of hope
As the Obama presidency came to an end this week and with it, Barack Obama’s tenure as the nation’s first black president, a group of…
E-bike sales grown in Minnesota; some are envious, others dubious
As electric bikes sales grow, their presence on local trails, paths and roads has made some bicyclists envious, others dubious.
Decision to stop maintaining fire-damaged BWCA trail worries hikers
As the wilderness regenerates following a fire, hikers seek reassurance that the Forest Service won't let the much-loved Powwow Trail fade away.
Owners of North Shore's stunning Naniboujou Lodge put it up for sale
Built for rich Duluth businessmen in 1928, it lists for $3.295 million.
Threat against Somali woman in Little Falls investigated as hate crime
A recent threat by two men to burn down the house of a Somali woman if she and her family didn't leave Little Falls, Minn.,…
Rural Minnesota man who shot at helicopter now faces federal charges
Carstie Lee Clausen told authorities he pointed a rifle at the helicopter; said it's their job to determine if he fired
Clearbrook, Minn., man charged with shooting at drug agent's helicopter
Clearbrook man ran failed campaign for sheriff.
Deputy injured after helicopter fired on near Fosston, Minn.
A Clearbrook, Minn., man allegedly shot at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter Monday morning, shattering one of the helicopter’s windows and injuring a…
Prince's ex attends hearing over bid to unseal divorce file
Attorneys for Manuela Testolini argued in court Thursday that the details of her divorce from Prince should remain private.
Obituary: Pioneering advertising copywriter Irene Borden dies at 91
A writer who penned witty ads and lasting slogans, Irene D. Borden was a trailblazing copywriter who rose in the industry at a time when…
Rochester tries embracing Zumbro River as remake proceeds
Projects coming out of the Destination Medical Center effort are embracing the riverfront and raising hopes of river fans.
On Ely public access TV, anyone can be a star
A prize fish, prom dates and birthday parties all make the cut
Major Rochester investment hits roadblock, is stalled again
Broadway at Center was one of three major residential/retail projects proposed for the southeastern Minnesota city's downtown.
Fire-ravaged Madelia slowly rebuilding itself
All businesses have reopened, though the town is still fighting for property tax relief and other aid from the state.
Heartland of Minnesota farming hopes campaign boosts profile
Farming in south-central Minnesota draws little attention beyond farm country, but a local business group hopes to change that on Monday with a bit of marketing magic. At a two-hour "celebration event" in Mankato, it will reveal the region's new name, which is being kept secret until then, and a website for the area designed to raise its public profile.
Rochester finally OKs food trucks after months of council debate
After months of contentious debate, a law got final approval this week allowing food trucks.
Mayo Clinic unveils plans for expanded research space
The space in downtown Rochester will focus on cures, new partnerships.
Fergus Falls police say son fatally shot father with high-powered rifle
Dustin M. Defiel, who was being held in Otter Tail County jail on charges of second-degree murder, has had run-ins with the law.
One dead, one arrested in Fergus Falls homicide
A Fergus Falls man is dead and another is under arrest in what Fergus Falls police are calling a homicide. Authorities were notified of a…
Federal agency judge fines landlord $44,000 for refusing to rent to a disabled woman
He told tenant that owner didn't want "a bipolar in the house."
5 years after bullet nearly killed her, South teen joins graduates
Minneapolis South's Guadalupe Galeno-Hernandez, shot by a gangster, will be the first child in her family to finish high school.
Rochester kicks off its renovation of a beloved local theater
ROCHESTER – With a flourish that included a mayoral proclamation, city officials here officially launched their renovation of the city’s historic Chateau Theatre on…
Riverfront plans get first look from Rochester's Destination Medical Center board
Project includes a hotel/retail complex, restaurant and fountain on Zumbro.
Protests planned as anti-Muslim speaker Usama Dakdok tours state
Usama Dakdok to appear in four Minnesota towns this week.
Minn. steam engines that gave children rides sold to Mo. theme park
Engines will be restored, put into service next year in Branson.
Federal authorities believe Melrose church fire was arson
Authorities are offering $7,500 reward for info.
Paul Hansmeier loses bankruptcy attorney Barbara May, who asks to withdraw
Barbara May didn't specify why she dropped Paul Hansmeier's case.
St. Peter man gets 5 months in jail for near-fatal Kolstad attack
Trevor Shelley of St. Peter, Minn., was sentenced to five months in jail Friday for his role in a nearly-fatal street attack two years ago on Isaac Kolstad, the Mankato husband and father who was left with a severe brain injury.
Duluth school board spurns charter school bid for vacant high school
Board president says competition, long-term benefit were concerns
Food trucks likely to be allowed on public property in downtown Rochester
Mobile vendors likely to be allowed on public property
Anti-Muslim speakers find an audience in rural Minnesota
From Mankato to Mountain Iron, speakers who paint an alarming image of Islam are drawing several hundred people per visit.
Old theater in downtown Rochester headed for renovations and a new life
Historic theater likely to get a new life as mixed-use events center.
Destination Medical Center project in Rochester reports strong private investment
Public funds are off-limits until private goals are met.
Batch of heroin suspected in 7 overdose deaths in Minnesota
Officials ask public to identify dealers, users as wave hits northern Minn.
Melrose residents stunned as fire destroys 118-year-old church
Townspeople watched with dismay Friday night as smoke billowed out of broken windows near the church's main wooden altar. The fire's cause hadn't been determined.
Obituary: Charles W. Siftar, owner of Tangletown Bike Shop
Ditching a high-stress corporate job, Charlie Siftar made a midlife change a few years ago to open a south Minneapolis bike shop, where he could…
St. Paul landlord wins case against serial ADA litigant
The Disability Support Alliance has filed dozens of such suits statewide.
Red Wing Stoneware settles lawsuit with collectors over trademarks
Nearly a year after it began, a lawsuit that pitted the Red Wing Stoneware factory against a group of stoneware collectors has been settled with…
Rochester couple renovate historic Conley-Maass building
The Downses began as Mayo Clinic patients. Now they're helping renovate downtown.
Anti-Muslim billboard posted near St. Cloud taken down
Person behind sign not revealed; sign removed due to inaccuracy
Fire took the buildings, but not Madelia's community spirit
La Plaza Fiesta co-owner thanks her lucky stars, makes plans to rebuild
'We're not going to walk away,' Dayton tells Madelia after fire
The governor toured the fire-damaged town Friday morning and pledged to support those who lost businesses in the early-morning blaze.
Overnight fire erupts, leaving stretch of downtown Madelia in ruins
Fire erupted and raced through adjoining businesses along a small south-central Minnesota town's Main Street, leaving a large stretch of the block in ruins, a witness and city official said.
Amish, non-Amish come together to help after deadly fire near Lanesboro
As Amish arrived for funeral, non-Amish neighbors offered food, bedding, machinery.
State: Anoka carnival operator took money but didn't show up for fairs
State attorney general acts to get money back for county fairs and festivals.
Destination Medical Center effort aims to jump-start state biotech sector
Rochester aims to retain the state's brightest talent by building a strong hub.
Slow start to winter slows snow-dependent sports, businesses
Cold-weather lovers feel jilted and winter sports sidelined as snow plays hard to get
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