LAKE Archives - KVRR Local News

“Merganser Measles” Tormenting Residents Near Pelican Lake

Scientists say this particular parasite is 45 times more virulent than the usual ones that cause Swimmer's Itch.

July 17, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

PELICAN LAKE, Minn. (KVRR) – Swimmer’s Itch is a common ailment for people in Lakes country this time of the year, but those near Pelican Lake say their issue is far worse. They’ve dubbed their strain “Merganser Measles,” as scientists have identified that the parasite responsible for the itch comes from Merganser ducks. They say it’s significantly more prolific and…

Walsh County Bans Camping at the Matejcek Dam

Authorities say they didn't want to take this step, but felt they had no other choice given locals' safety concerns.

July 3, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

WALSH COUNTY, N.D. (KVRR) – Walsh County Commissioner Kristi Brintnell lives just miles from the Matejcek Dam. She says that for ages, people used the informal campsite overlooking the water as a place to enjoy the beauty of nature for a few nights. Now, though, people are staying for months at a time. That’s raised concerns about safety and cleanliness…

Two Recounts Set For Minnesota House Districts 3A and 3B, Other Races Certified

November 30, 2022

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota election officials will be conducting two recounts starting Monday. Contests in House Districts 3A and 3B fell within the limits for a publicly funded recount and candidates have filed for recounts. Election officials will conduct them in those races in Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties. The State Canvassing Board met Tuesday to…

Tips to stay safe on the water

"We really want to try to grasp the importance of putting boating safety at the top of the priority list."

June 30, 2021

Aaron Walling,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — With warmer temperatures many people may be looking to cool down in a pool or lake. North Dakota Game and Fish department is reminding people of the safety precautions to keep in mind if venturing “out to the lakes. Many people are expected to seek out boating activities this Independence Day. They say it’s important to…

Gov. Walz discourages North Dakotans to travel to Minnesota lake cabins

April 9, 2020

Site Staff,

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz disagrees with Governor Doug Burgum’s office saying it’s ok for North Dakotans to go to their lake cabins in Minnesota. Walz says it’s not wise for anyone to be traveling right now. He adds he wouldn’t ask Minnesotans to travel to North Dakota or elsewhere. Walz says since there’s no federal stay at…

Aerial video shows flooding in Roseau County

October 29, 2019

Max Mueller,

ROSEAU COUNTY, Minn. – Unusually high water for this time of the year continues in many rivers and lakes across the area. The lake is dry most of the year and typically only sees water during the spring melt. According to the Roseau River Watershed, this is the highest the lake has ever been in the fall in the 87…

Body Recovered from Lake in Polk County

An autopsy is pending, but no criminal activity is suspected.

October 24, 2019

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POLK COUNTY, Minn.–The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man face down in the lake at 34433 140th Avenue SE at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Mentor Fire and Rescue and County EMS helped the officers pull 69-year-old Steven Wayne Sveningson from the lake. First responders attempted to resuscitate Sveningson, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced…

Loon Counters Needed In 8 Minnesota Counties

The DNR says its annual count is a critical process to protect the loon population

May 30, 2019

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota DNR is looking for a few good loon counters. Volunteers would be required to dedicate a morning between June 28 and July 8 to count loons on at least one of 150 lakes. Counties include: Aitkin, Becker, Crow Wing, Cook, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lake and Otter Tail. The DNR says its annual count is a critical…

Suspects Plead Guilty in Carla Yellowbird Murder

2016 Robbery Turned Murder on Spirit Lake Reservation

November 9, 2018

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SPIRIT LAKE RESERVATION — Suspects in the murder of 27-year-old Carla Yellowbird plead guilty to murder and robbery charges. 21-year-old Daylin St. Pierre pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Felony Murder. 24-year-old Dakota Charboneau pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. In 2016, Yellowbird went to Spirit Lake to sell drugs. After being driven to a remote location on…

Otter Tail County is Celebrating 150 Years…On Ice!

It's about embracing your culture, celebrating your culture, celebrating your history

February 4, 2018

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OTTER TAIL LAKE, Minn. — Otter Tail County is celebrating 150 years by honoring Minnesota culture…and their celebrating on ice! This weekend’s party on Otter Tail Lake is the beginning of a yearlong celebration. Most people can’t say they’ve been to a party on ice. “For anybody that’s never been on ice yeah they just wouldn’t believe it,” said Jim…