Detroit Lakes

Former Minnesota lawmaker now serving six-month jail sentence

Nicole Mitchell (Sept. 23, 2025 media pool photo Forum Comm. via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR-KFGO) – Former state senator Nichole Mitchell of Woodbury has begun to serve her jail sentence. An attorney for the ex-lawmaker says the Democrat has reported to Ramsey County Corrections in St. Paul. Mitchell was ordered to spend six months in jail with work release privileges…

Former Sen. Nicole Mitchell sentenced to work release

Nicole MitchellDETROIT LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) – Former Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell was sentenced to six months of work release on Tuesday for her burglary conviction after she broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. A jury found Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools after a week-long trial in July. A Becker County judge handed…

Nicole Mitchell’s attorney requests felony conviction to be changed to misdemenors

Nicole MitchellDETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Former Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell’s attorney is requesting that her felony conviction be changed to a misdemeanor at her upcoming sentencing hearing. Mitchell was convicted of felony burglary and possession of burglary tools by a Becker County jury in July. She broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes in April 2024. Her attorney, Dane Dekrey,…

Primary election held for candidates vying to fill Nicole Mitchell’s state senate seat in District 47

Nicole MitchellWOODBURY, Minn. (KVRR/FOX9) — A special primary is underway as candidates battle for the Minnesota Senate seat once held by Nicole Mitchell in Woodbury. The primary is for the DFL since there are two candidates: State Reps. Ethan Cha and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger. There is only one Republican running for the Senate District 47 seat, St. Paul teacher Dwight Dorau…

Car Catches Fire During Demolition Derby with Driver Inside

The driver was able to make it out of the car and is now receiving medical care.

BECKER COUNTY, MN (KVRR) – A man is recovering after a scary incident put an end to a demolition derby at the Becker County Fair. The incident took place at around 8 P.M. on Friday, July 26. The car of driver Ayden Bernard suddenly burst into flames. Bernard was able to escape the vehicle, which was tended to by nearby…

Sen. Nicole Mitchell to be sentenced in September on her burglary conviction

Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell looks to her attorney Dane DeKrey during her trial on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Becker County District Court in Detroit Lakes, Minn.DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) — Sen. Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, Minnesota will be sentenced on September 10 after being found guilty in Detroit Lakes. A jury convicted Mitchell on two counts of burglary and…

Sen. Nicole Mitchell takes the stand and admits she lied about reason to enter stepmother’s home

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) — Sen. Nicole Mitchell takes the stand to testify during her burglary trial in Detroit Lakes. The defense called Nicole Mitchell to the witness stand. Mitchell testified that the statements she had told officers were not accurate and that she was attempting to do a wellness check. “There was no option that seemed good to both…

Wild river arrest after Detroit Lakes man runs from traffic stop and jumps into Ottertail River

Cole Franzen (Feb. 2025 mugshot)FRAZEE, Minn. (KVRR) — A Detroit Lakes man who ran from a traffic stop and field sobriety test in Frazee on Monday runs and jumps into the Ottertail River. Frazee Police say 28-year-old Cole Franzen spent hours in the river trying to evade law enforcement. He even buried himself in mud and camouflaged himself with cattail…