Minnesota News

Numerous animals killed in Douglas County barn fire

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Minn. (KVRR) — Numerous animals are killed in a barn fire in Douglas County. The sheriff’s office says there was a barn on fire at 4136 Utopia Drive Northwest in Garfield shortly before noon. When crews arrived, there was visible smoke and flames. The Garfield Fire Department put out the fire. The barn is a complete loss. The…

Jolly Old St. Nick Comes to the Jasper

FARGO — He’s sort of a world authority on Christmas cookies. And this weekend, you can decorate cookies with Santa in downtown Fargo, and learn some Christmas lore from the jolly old elf himself. It’s all part of holiday programming at the Jasper Hotel in downtown. You can check out their hot chocolate bar, tell Santa your wish list, and…

Federal assistance sought to help retrieve airplane seized by Red Lake Nation

Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy & Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.FARGO (KVRR) – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is asking Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to help a pilot recover his airplane after it was seized following an emergency landing on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The AOPA says pilot Darrin Smedsmo was forced to make an emergency…

Clay County gives preliminary pay raises to the sheriff, county attorney and others in 2026

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Clay County Commissioners have given preliminary approval to a pay raise for Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting. Clay County Attorney Brian Melton and chief assistant county attorneys would also get raises. Empting told the commission that the responsibilities in his position have grown substantially over the past few years, but the compensation hasn’t changed. Empting says…

Exclusive: Clay County attorney says school fentanyl case is atypical, ‘extremely unfortunate’

Brian Melton spoke with KVRR Local News on the ongoing investigation into how a middle school student obtained 1,500 fentanyl pills

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – A 13-year-old boy at Horizon Middle School was arrested Thursday for first-degree possession of a controlled substance after police say they discovered 1,500 fentanyl pills. Clay County Attorney Brian Melton spoke about the highly unusual case in an exclusive interview with KVRR Local News. “It’s a pretty atypical case to kind of see that kind of…

Gov. Walz signs new executive orders to address gun violence, calls BS on those who say it won’t save lives

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed two executive orders in efforts to reduce gun violence and improve public safety across Minnesota. Under the orders, a statewide Safety Council will be created to develop a blueprint to prevent mass violence. The orders will also expand extreme risk protection orders and safe storage education for those with guns at…

Update: Sheriff identifies man who died after workplace accident in Moorhead

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – The man who died after a workplace accident in Moorhead has been identified as a 51-year-old Fargo man. Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting says a preliminary investigation indicates Stacy Martin was working with a lift axle on a truck when a temporary weld failed, causing the axle to fall onto his chest and abdominal area. Empting…

Moorhead firefighter announces campaign for MN House District 4A

Kevin SalisburyMOORHEAD — Moorhead firefighter Kevin Salisbury has announced his campaign for the Minnesota House District 4A. According to a release sent out by the campaign, Salisbury is a firefighter, union organizer that has served the community for the past 18 years. “I’ve spent my career protecting the citizens of Moorhead, and now I’m ready to serve them in the…

U.S. Labor Dept. to review Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program

WASHINGTON (KVRR) – A U.S. Department of Labor strike team will travel to Minnesota to conduct a “targeted review” of Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Program following recent discoveries of widespread fraud in the state’s benefits programs. A letter to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development cites concerns that recent reports of fraud, waste, and abuse might compromise the integrity…