Local
December 3, 2022
State Rep. Tim Miller, R-Prinsburg, shown in 2019 on the House floor.

Minnesota town backs down from abortion ordinance

The Prinsburg City Council unanimously shelved an ordinance suggested by a GOP state lawmaker who hoped to insert the western Minnesota town into the nationwide legal fight over abortion.
Sports
December 3, 2022
Nikolas Jesch (3) and Braylen Keith celebrated a touchdown for Mountain Iron-Buhl in the second quarter. 

Live: Prep Bowl continues. In-game updates, stories, watch the games

Day 2 of the Prep Bowl kicks off at 10 a.m. with three more games. Tap here for a detailed guide to the action, including the latest from U.S. Bank Stadium.
St. Cloud
December 2, 2022
After leading St. Cloud’s police department for a decade, Blair Anderson cleaned out his locker on his last day as chief on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

St. Cloud's groundbreaking police chief retires: 'He took engagement to heart'

Blair Anderson fiercely defended his officers and city when policing and diversity were under fire.
North Metro
November 30, 2022
Osseo Superintendent Cory McIntyre answered a question Wednesday night as he was interviewed by the Anoka-Hennepin school board during a meeting in An

Anoka-Hennepin school board chooses superintendent finalists

Sartell-St. Stephen School District Superintendent Jeffrey Ridlehoover and Osseo Superintendent Cory McIntyre will interview again next week.
High Schools
November 30, 2022
Quarterback Cade Osterman leads Elk River’s distinctive offensive attack.

How an old-school offense and creative coach transformed Elk River

The Elks, headed to the Prep Bowl, were a mess when Steve Hamilton took over the program. He blended old ideas with new ones, installed the Power-T and turned the program into a Class 5A power.
Minneapolis
November 30, 2022
Balloons marked the spot where a woman was fatally shot in March in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis.

St. Cloud woman charged in south Minneapolis killing is caught in Texas

Extradition efforts are underway in order to bring Erica Roberts back to Hennepin County to face charges of second-degree murder.
Local
November 28, 2022

200 anglers rescued from ice sheet on Upper Red Lake

The lake is one of the first in the state to open for ice fishing each year, making it a popular site in late fall.
St. Cloud
November 28, 2022

Driver dies in crash Sunday east of St. Cloud

The Sherburne County man was declared dead at the scene.
St. Cloud
November 27, 2022

Three in critical condition after assault in Kanabec County

Business
November 27, 2022
A family makes their way on a sidewalk in the downtown area in Worthington, Minn., earlier this month.

In meatpacking towns, some say child labor is 'not a secret'

Labor Department attorneys say PSSI, a Wisconsin-based cleaning service, illegally employed six underage staff at JBS Pork in Worthington and Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall.
St. Cloud
November 27, 2022
St. Cloud voters on Nov. 8 approved a tax increase to fund $20 million in park and trail improvements over the next three years.

St. Cloud officials to begin planning for $20 million in park upgrades

Voters said no to a sales tax for Municipal Athletic Complex upgrades, but the city will still pursue the project with private funding.
Colleges
November 26, 2022
St. John’s defensive lineman Michael Wozniak, right, went against Wartburg’s Ethan Stockwell on Saturday in Collegeville, Minn.

Reusse: Playoff loss denies Wozniak a final 'excellent' Johnnies moment

Award-winning St. John's defensive tackle and Johnnies legacy Michael Wozniak was unable to lead his team on a long D-III postseason run.
St. Cloud
November 26, 2022
Rosella Decker, the mother of Tommy Decker, who was shot to death while working as a Cold Spring police officer in November 2012, put a hand on his gr

Minnesota briefs: Memorial to honor slain officer Tom Decker, others on 10th anniversary

Plus: U.S. Supreme Court allows Red Wing garbage plans to proceed; northern cities get grants for water projects.
St. Cloud
November 26, 2022

2 killed, 5 injured after crash in west-central Minnesota

Three children were among those hurt.
Colleges
November 26, 2022
St. John’s receiver Jimmy Buck mads one of his two TD receptions in the Johnnies’ 49-0 victory over Northwestern (St. Paul) last Saturday in Colle

Live: Watch four Minnesota teams in Division II, III football playoffs

St. John's has a noon D-III home game. Bemidji State and Minnesota State travel for 1 p.m. kickoffs in D-II and Bethel goes to Oregon for a 2 p.m. start in D-III. Tap here for links to watch .
St. Cloud
November 22, 2022
A shrine to St. Cloud, the patron saint of the Diocese of St. Cloud, is inside St. Mary’s Cathedral downtown.

St. Cloud priest who pleaded guilty to sex abuse is dismissed from priesthood

While serving a prison sentence for criminal sexual conduct, Anthony Oelrich had remained a priest.
St. Cloud
November 22, 2022
The sale of THC products became legal in Minnesota in July, catching many officials by surprise.

St. Cloud passes buffer-free zoning ordinance for THC/CBD retailers

The city's planning commission had recommended buffer zones around schools and parks, but the City Council decided against the restrictions.
High Schools
November 21, 2022
Duluth East coach Mike Randolph, behind the bench during the Class 2A, Section 7 championship Grand Rapids vs. Duluth East 3/2/17

Five story lines to dwell on as high school boys hockey begins

There have been high-profile coaching moves involving former Edina High School stars and former Duluth East coach Mike Randolph, as well as an exodus of players from prep to junior teams.
Local
November 21, 2022
Dr. Will Nicholson, left, president of the Minnesota Medical Association, asked Minnesotans to “join our team” and prevent the respiratory illness

Clogged hospitals prompt warnings from Minnesota doctors

Early RSV and influenza seasons combine with staffing shortages and COVID-19 to stress hospitals, especially pediatric facilities.
Obituaries
November 20, 2022

Farm advocate 'Russ' Bjorhus dies at 93

Longtime Litchfield resident led federal agency during farm crisis of the 1980s.
Colleges
November 20, 2022

Division II football: Mankato, Bemidji State advance; St. John's, Bethel win in D-III

Four Minnesota schools advanced to the second round of the NCAA small-school college football playoffs by winning on Saturday.
High Schools
November 19, 2022
Adapted soccer finalists from '21 make it back, but only one repeats

Adapted soccer finalists from '21 make it back, but only one repeats

Dakota United won the PI title this time, and Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville took CI again.
Politics
November 19, 2022
New House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, is the first woman and person of color to lead the GOP caucus.

Lisa Demuth is first woman, person of color to lead Minnesota House GOP caucus

She describes her style as collaborative, leaves "wide open" the possibility of working with Democrats.
Local
November 19, 2022

Minnesota briefs: Winona homeowner told he can't live in his garage

And Brainerd businesses tell city not to end downtown snow removal.
Sports
November 18, 2022
Elk River quarterback Cade Osterman (2) stiff arms Mahtomedi defensive back Nicholas Rollinger (28) in the third quarter of a Class 5A semi-final game

Friday's state high school football semis at U.S. Bank Stadium

The state high school football semifinals run throughout the day with five games, finishing with the 6A battle between Eden Prairie and Rosemount at 7:30 p.m. Tap here for score updates, game reports and more.

St. Cloud area coverage

Complete news coverage of St. Cloud and surrounding areas of central Minnesota.