Recent content from Matt McKinney
Metro briefs: Eroding Shakopee riverbank gets federal funding
A project to stabilize the eroding banks of the Minnesota River in Shakopee has received $3.5 million in federal funding. Representatives from the city, Scott…
Metro briefs: Nature center welcomes new bison herd
A herd of bison will return May 21 to the Belwin Conservancy for their summer stay, with a festival planned for the day of their…
Chippewa Falls court releases criminal complaint in Lily Peters death
Document spells out state's case against the 14-year-old accused of murdering Peters.
14-year-old returns to court for hearing in death of Wisconsin girl
The alleged killer is being held on $1 million bail.
Metro briefs: Minnetonka considers affordable housing project
A proposed affordable housing project that would bring a dozen townhouses and two single-family houses to the Minnetonka Mills neighborhood is getting mixed reviews from…
Officers cleared in fatal shooting of armed Forest Lake man
Man pointed rifle at deputy after officers were called about domestic incident, county attorney said.
Coroner: Death of 10-year-old Wisconsin girl was homicide
A preliminary autopsy found that Iliana "Lily" Peters died of strangulation and blunt force trauma, the Chippewa County Coroner said.
Eighth-grader accused of rape, murder of girl in Chippewa Falls
In arguing for high bail, the district attorney said the boy told authorities that his intention was to attack her "from the get-go" when he left a house with her to walk a trail.
Woodbury names two public safety leaders to replace outgoing chief
Internal candidates named to public safety director, police chief vacancies
Sheriff's plan to lead metrowide team gets a mixed reception
The Senate bill would have Ramsey County reporting to the commissioner of public safety, but the commissioner knew nothing about it.
Metro briefs: Brooklyn Park officer named Negotiator of the Year
Brooklyn Park police officer and crisis negotiator Andrew Tolbert has been named the Special Operations Training Association's Negotiator of the Year.Tolbert won the award for…
Guard charged in scheme to smuggle drugs into Minnesota prison
Stillwater correctional officer faces charges after meth bust at prison.
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput dies at 66
Orput recently told staff he had cancer. He opted not to seek re-election after earlier Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Metro briefs: Farmington leaders appoint new city administrator
The Farmington City Council has appointed Lynn Gorski, former assistant city administrator, to fill the city administrator role.Gorski will replace City Administrator David McKnight, who…
Connie Goldman, NPR host and author on aging, dies at 91
In radio she found a talent for drawing out people's stories, whether they were celebrities or those she called "extraordinary ordinary" folks, her son said.
Mankato steps up plan to remake floating path
City council wants state funds for Rasmussen Woods paths
Solar vs. scenery: Scandia solar panels show a tense debate
Local governments are weighing property rights vs. idyllic vistas as gardens of panels proliferate.
Metro briefs: Scott County libraries stop charging late fines
Scott County libraries have stopped charging late fines for overdue materials. The county previously charged daily late fines for overdue books and other materials as…
General Mills suspends Russia business
Minnesota-based food giant suspends advertising, capital investment in cereals partnership in Russia.
Metro briefs: South St. Paul won't seek grant to move Armour gates
South St. Paul officials have decided not to pursue $50,000 in state money to pay for moving two historic Armour gatehouses to a new location.The…
Metro briefs: Ramsey County implements new fines for parks offenders
Ramsey CountyNew fines for parks offendersBreaking Ramsey County parks rules will cost offenders between $50 and $300, but in most instances it won't leave them…
Brooklyn Park man sentenced in Washington County to 16 years for sex trafficking
Brooklyn Park man had previous trafficking conviction
Wright's family and friends disappointed, upset at Potter sentence
His mother said it was as if her son had been killed a second time, and friends said the two-year sentence was proof that racism still guides the judicial process.
Ramsey County employees suspended over COVID policy
Failure to vaccinate or get tested leads to five-day suspension.
Exonerated man sues Ramsey County, says he was framed by deputy
Benjamin Hill served 39 months in prison, was later exonerated
Ramsey sheriff's deputies union says privacy concerns at root of vaccine reluctance
Vaccinate-or-test policies meeting some resistance
Ramsey County says staff flouting vaccine rule may face suspensions
About a third of Ramsey County Sheriff's Office employees are in violation of the county's COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy.
Artists craft cool sculptures in World Snow Sculpting Championship
Snow carvers descended on Stillwater for the competition.
Assistant Washington County attorney to run for top job
Lake Elmo native Kevin Magnuson has worked for Washington County since 2019.
Mail, garbage delays in store as omicron wave builds in Minn.
The omicron wave has left local postal offices understaffed, with managers filling in on some routes, and might also lead to delays at one of the region's largest private garbage haulers.
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput to retire at end of the year
Former Marine and teacher prosecuted criminals for decades.
Metro briefs: Plymouth's Fire & Ice festival to return in 2022
Following a year of at-home activities, Plymouth's Fire & Ice festival will return with live programming and events Feb. 5.The 33rd annual celebration at Parker's…
Stillwater piano craftsman uses woodworking skills to create one-of-a-kind toys
Ken Hannah creates a one-of-a-kind wooden toy each Christmas for family and close friends.
Some thought Kimberly Potter's emotional testimony was genuine; others say she was acting
Those with a law enforcement background had a different take from community activists on the Potter trial
Seniors fight eviction in Newport apartment complex
Tenants file lawsuit against landlord alleging fraud, other violations, and ask judge to block any eviction attempt.
Minnesota State Fair reinstates its police force
Ramsey County sheriff's commander to lead the department.
Metro briefs: Farmington outsources trash collection
Farmington has approved a contract with Dick's Sanitation for once-a-week garbage and recycling pickup, ending more than half a century of city-led residential trash collection.City…
Metro briefs: Anoka County crime lab wins prestigious award
The city of Richfield has passed 5,000 COVID-19 cases, as Minnesota's infection rate continues to hover at a national high."Richfield is not faring any better,"…
Beloved German restaurant up for sale in Stillwater
Owner's retirement to end 55 years of family business.
Teen charged in Woodbury armed carjacking
Rochester 17-year-old captured after crime spree that targeted several people.
Disabled seniors fight eviction in Newport as moratorium ends
Building was touted as a top-notch assisted living facility when it opened last August, but landlord says needed repairs forced his decision.
Metro briefs: Anoka County crime lab wins prestigious award
Food trucks in Blaine will now be allowed to operate at business events where they are the lone attraction, after the City Council on Nov.…
A 39-year-old Taylors Falls man killed in car crash
Authorities say speed appears to be factor in crash
![School buses sat idol at Bille Bus Transportation in Northeast Minneapolis Thursday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com Scenes from](https://chorus.stimg.co/23014053/ows_321ee768_cf5d_4181_9208_017ae6b28cc4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis school bus drivers threaten strike
School officials say they are committed to reaching an agreement
Missing Stillwater girl, 41 years a Texas Jane Doe, ID'd via DNA
She was a Jane Doe in Texas for years until new technology cracked case.
Hastings "Heroes Monument" set for Veterans Day unveiling
Monument to recognize more than 4,000 service members
Schools and taxes take center stage in east metro elections
School board candidates from Mounds View to Hastings vied for office while Stillwater school district voters considered millions in tax levies.
Ramsey County documents: Sheriff used taxpayer funds to plan new school
Contracts mention Sheriff's Office employees working with students
Ramsey County Board gives sheriff $869K for civil unrest
Tensions simmer over budgets, charter school plan
Edina attorney Edward Schwartzbauer, who remained student of history after opposing Vietnam War, dies at 90
Edward James Schwartzbauer, an accomplished attorney and anti-Vietnam War activist who was one of 11 delegates from Minnesota to cast votes for Eugene McCarthy at…
From books to free food, Stillwater family builds on Little Free Library legacy
For more than two years now, Tony Bol and his wife Eden Penn have made wooden boxes for people who want to install them in their front yards to share something: books, food, seeds. Even poetry.
History center opens in Stillwater after years of planning
After years of planning and renovation, the museum opens this weekend
Minneapolis riverfront plan for housing, amphitheater approved
The plan would convert a blighted industrial stretch of Mississippi River waterfront north of downtown Minneapolis into a 20-acre park ringed by affordable housing, a health center and an outdoor amphitheater.
New Hudson-area mountain bike trail promises to be among largest in region
What will be one of the largest mountain bike trail systems around gets rolling.
National Eagle Center in Wabasha will close for multimillion-dollar expansion
The Prairie Island Indian Community donated $1 million to the renovation.
Charges: Suspect in St. Paul quadruple murder said he 'snapped'
The bodies were found in an SUV hidden in a Wisconsin cornfield.
Second suspect in deaths of 4 found in Wisconsin cornfield arrested in Arizona
Antoine D. Suggs, who was seeing one of the shooting victims, surrendered to police on Friday.
St. Paul man arrested, another man sought in quadruple murder
Bodies were found Sunday in a western Wisconsin cornfield.
Vigil held for four found dead in Wis.
The Dunn County, Wis., Sheriff's Office didn't release any new information about the investigation. The father of one victim said he was bewildered as to why his daughter ended up in Wisconsin.
SUV abandoned with four bodies inside leaves rural Wisconsin community shaken
The discovery was made Sunday afternoon about 65 miles from St. Paul.
State's 'busiest intersection' at I-35W and I-94 is fully open once again
After four years and $239M, the I-35W overhaul is declared completed. But some touch-ups do remain.
Two teens killed in Maplewood crash identified
They died when a stolen car carrying six people crashed after a chase by Ramsey County deputies.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher loses appeal to add $2.54 million to his budget
In a dispute with the County Board, a judge denied Fletcher's argument that his department was entitled to more funding.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sues Marshall mobile home park owner
Suit addresses excessive late fees for properties in chronic need of repair.
Defense attorneys ask state to clarify charges in Daunte Wright shooting death
Attorneys want to know if additional or different charges will be filed.
Daunte Wright's parents forced to grieve in the spotlight
Daunte Wright's parents feel the public's support — but also the blame.
Ramsey County commissioners tangle with sheriff over civil unrest costs
County commissioners expressed frustration over Sheriff Bob Fletcher's latest funding request.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office to provide State Fair security
Deal requires State Fair organization to get $10 million in private insurance
A Minnesota sailor lost at Pearl Harbor finally comes home
The Defense Department used DNA technology to identify 22-year-old Neal Todd of Akeley, Minn.
Richard Jefferson, Minneapolis legislator who wrote bill honoring Juneteenth, dies at 90
He led an effort to recognize Juneteenth in Minnesota.
Freeman: 2013 police shooting warrants new review
Citing new evidence, he asks BCA to look into police shooting of Terrance Franklin.
![People line up at the main ticket booth on the first day of the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. [Leila Navidi/Star Tribune] • leila.navidi@startribune.c](https://chorus.stimg.co/22675745/ows_567061bb_c2c0_47d5_9334_9bbda3d9d86e.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
State Fair security not yet settled, Ramsey County considers helping out
But the state should also step in, county commissioners argue.
Ramsey County officials tell sheriff he needs their signature for State Fair duties
It's 71 days to the Minnesota State Fair, but who will provide security?
