FERGUS FALLS

Tree Trimmer Operator Knocks Out Power to Homes in Fergus Falls Area

Power lines began to arc and were on the ground

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — We now know the cause of a power outage that left several people without electricity in the Fergus Falls area Wednesday. Otter Tail Power Company officials say several power poles were knocked out when the operator of a tree trimmer vehicle left the boom extended while working. Power lines began to arc and were on the…

I-94 Westbound Lanes Reopen After Semi Crash

The driver was slightly hurt after the semi rolled on its side

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — I-94 westbound lanes near Fergus Falls are open again after a semi-rollover crash shut them down. The Minnesota State Patrol says one of the tires of a semi blew out near Exit 55 by Fergus Falls and caused the driver to veer off the road. The driver was slightly hurt after the semi rolled on its…

UPDATE: I-94 Westbound Left Lane Open, Right Lane Still Closed

The driver of the semi had minor injuries and the crash is under investigation

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Sgt. Jesse Grabow reports the left lane of I-94 westbound near Fergus Falls is now open for traffic flow. The right lane is still closed for cleanup.   PREVIOUS CONTENT: I-94 westbound lanes are shut down after an accident near Fergus Falls. Sgt. Jesse Grabow with the Minnesota State Patrol says traffic is being diverted to…

Fergus Falls Auto Dealership Manager Under Investigation for Overcharging for Police Vehicles

Nelson says state authorities are happy with the company for bringing this issue to their attention

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — A Fergus Falls auto dealership owner expects his company to be cleared of criminal charges after an employee allegedly overcharged and double-billed for police vehicles. Nelson Auto owner Brent Nelson says they’ve since fired the manager responsible for roughly $340,000 in discrepancies. Nelson says state authorities are happy with the company for bringing this issue to…

Grain Cars Derail Near Fergus Falls

Train cars filled with grain derail west of Fergus Falls

A number of train cars filled with grain derailed this morning west of Fergus Falls. Dispatch was alerted about the derailment by the Fergus Falls airport on Highway 210 around 5 a.m. Otter Tail Valley Railroad crews worked to clean up the spilled grain and get the cars back on the tracks. No one was hurt in the derailment which…

Two Men On ATV’s Rescued After Going Through Ice

Height of Land Lake in Becker County, Minnesota

Two men were sent to the hospital in Detroit Lakes after going through the ice on Height of Land Lake in Becker County. The sheriff says 77-year-old Norman Bradow of Fergus Falls and 82-year-old Jerome Genz of Detroit Lakes were treated and released. The men were returning to shore around 6 p.m. after fishing when their ATV’s broke through the…

Three Arrested in Otter Tail County Drug Bust

After a search, authorities found nearly $2 million worth of high grade marijuana in 18 duffle bags

From L to R: Anthony Williams, 21, Vontail Kendle, 22, Michael Dunnorm, 22  OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — Three St. Paul men have been charged in Otter Tail County after a major drug bust on I-94. Vontail Kendle, 22, Michael Dunnorm, 22 and Anthony Williams, 21, were arrested on March 1 after a traffic stop near Fergus Falls. The pickup…

Two Rescued in Fergus Falls Apartment Fire

Three people can't return to their homes after an overnight fire

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Two people were rescued after fire broke out in an apartment building in Fergus Falls. While most of the people are able to head back to their homes, a few apartment units are still blocked off after heavy smoke damage. Three people can’t return to their homes after an overnight fire. Crews were called to 1110…

Fergus Falls Jury Deliberates Over Sanity of War Veteran who Killed His Father

They did not convict him of first-degree murder since they didn't believe the crime was premeditated

  FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — The second phase of a trial for a man just convicted of killing his father is underway in Fergus Falls. A jury is considering whether 29-year-old Dustin Defiel was suffering from mental illness when he shot and killed his father, Rick, at his parent’s house last June. On Friday, they found Defiel guilty of second-degree…

Done Deal? The Star Lake Casino Project

The project would construct a third Shooting Star location on Star Lake in Otter Tail County

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — A proposed casino on an undeveloped portion of Star Lake is raising concerns and leaving questions unanswered. Members of White Earth Nation and people of Otter Tail County are asking two questions: what does progress look like and what price are they willing to pay for it? Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, and 25…