Recent content from Kim Hyatt
Minnesota emergency rooms see uptick in patients due to wildfire smoke
Allergies, asthma and COVID-like symptoms could be a sign of wildfire smoke exposure.
Two graduations, two empty chairs and the long shadow of a missing Indigenous teen
Nevaeh Kingbird, who disappeared from Bemidji in 2021, received an honorary diploma from Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School. Her mom just graduated from a law enforcement program to help find her.
Read and weep: Four newspapers in northwest Minnesota shutter
The closures come after more than 100 years of publication.
On the 'tunnel walk,' Timberwolves let their personality and fashion shine
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is considered the most fashionable of the Timberwolves.
The lore and legacy of the Timberwolves superfan 'Jiggly Boy'
"I'm just a dork who danced with his shirt off," the superfan said. He has ridden his belly's fame all the way to China.
Celebrity Wolves fans spotted at Game 3
A who's who of famous Wolves fans made an appearance tonight.
Owner of Bemidji ski area charged with financial exploitation of vulnerable adult
Suzanne Thomas is accused of unlawfully transferring $1.5 million from her aunt's trust.
Love and basketball: This Wolves fan's wedding ring is made of Target Center hardwood
The newlyweds from Lindstrom, Minn., got hitched right ahead of the Western Conference Finals.
Sheriff IDs victim in Brainerd grass fire, says two others died in recent fires
Fire was the cause of death in two of the incidents while one victim first suffered a medical issue.
Lawsuit over St. Louis Park basketball hoop is dismissed as family finds joy in Timberwolves run
Neighbors sought to prevent the family's children from playing basketball using their own driveway hoop.
White Earth Band of Chippewa gets green light to open marijuana dispensaries off reservation
Gov. Tim Walz signed a tribal compact agreement with White Earth on Tuesday night allowing it to open eight off-reservation pot stores.
Chuck Haga, newspaper giant and gifted storyteller, dies at 75
Haga wrote 20 years for Star Tribune, between long stretches as columnist for Grand Forks Herald.
Trump taps FBI to combat crime in Indian Country — prompting hope, skepticism
Advocates welcome additional resources while some remain skeptical until they see results.
Community center in northern Minnesota, $2 million in debt, files for bankruptcy
Walker Area Community Center, long a money pit, has a detailed plan for a more sustainable future.
Brainerd woman dies in grass fire
The body of the 65-year-old, who had mobility issues, was found near a lawn tractor in the yard.
On the Leech Lake Reservation, a revitalized gymnastics program is blooming hope and talent
Northern Dreams Gymnastics is earning top honors and looking for space to grow the program.
8,200 acres across 9 counties now public land project safeguarding Mississippi headwaters region
The acres will remain undeveloped and open to new opportunities for hunters and anglers, with permanent protection of waters feeding the Mississippi River.
Detroit Lakes man sentenced to 35 years for Bemidji murder
The term is an upward departure from state sentencing guidelines.
Former Hennepin County judge reprimanded for pattern of sexual harassment, relationship with clerk
The Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards publicly reprimanded former Judge Jay Quam, who retired in March.
International Falls
City Council meetings this year have been heated and highly attended over a multimillion-dollar renovation for a new police headquarters. The project has led to hot mic vulgarities and recall petitions against councilmembers.
White Earth Nation wants to build a casino, resort and convention center near Moorhead
It would be the second off-reservation business venture in the area for White Earth.
13-year-old girl killed in police pursuit crash was fleeing foster home
"I don't think any social worker gave her the help she truly needed," said her older sister.
After months of rancor and hot mics, International Falls council gets applause
City Council votes to explore alternatives for a divisive police headquarters project that sparked recall petitions.
Hot-mic insults by International Falls City Council fuel frustrations and recall campaigns
Hundreds of residents signed recall petitions after months of mounting frustration over city spending; the city claims the petitions aren't valid.
Inmate death at Red Lake jail under investigation
The 52-year-old was found dead last week and his family is calling for accountability.
Here's special elections results for nearly $200 million in school bonds
Mixed results in votes in Nevis, Osakis, Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus and St. Cloud.
Indigenous activists clash with Minnesota GOP legislators over wild rice rights
Religion, protecting the unborn and rights for a plant are debated in environmental committee hearing.
THC sales boost city-owned liquor stores across Minnesota. How's your muni performing?
Explore a searchable chart with data from 2014 to 2023 that shows muni sales in the metro averaged $3.8M compared to $1.7M in greater Minnesota.
Native American statue in Bemidji removed, relocating to Route 66 museum
Many in town were miffed by his abrupt departure.
Minnesota resort town's log post office razed after nearly 90 years of operation
The building's mailboxes and signage are headed to the National Postal Museum in D.C.
'Every day is a struggle': Emotion high as two sentenced in Bemidji teen's stabbing death
Two accomplices get 15 years in prison, double the recommended sentence, for their roles.
'It's something you never get over': Red Lake grieves on 20th anniversary of school shooting
A ceremony on Friday honored the memories of the 10 killed in the state's deadliest school shooting.
Former Sen. Eichorn removed as Iron Range board chair
The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board will fill the role in an upcoming special meeting.
Grand Rapids community expresses disappointment and disgust in Sen. Justin Eichorn
Residents and a relative say he should resign after he's charged with soliciting an underage female for sex.
'Priceless property': 3M's historic northern Minnesota resort to become public land
Public trusts paid $5.3 million for the 450 acres near Park Rapids and will turn over the property to the DNR.
Minnesota restaurant and Detroit Lakes area sculptures make Time's 'World's Greatest Places' list
It's the latest accolade for Vinai, chef Yia Vang's ode to his family's Hmong cooking, and a boon to artist Thomas Dambo's sprawling exhibit.
Minnesota has more townships than any other state, despite declines
It's not often that townships apply to incorporate as a city, but there's a trend of this happening to avoid annexation.
Nurse accused of depriving Beltrami County jail inmate of care faces manslaughter, neglect charges
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the charges Friday against Michelle Skroch, nursing director at the since-shuttered MEnD Correctional Care in the death of 27-year-old Hardel Sherrell.
Three men plead guilty to 2023 murder in Bemidji
Andrew Fisher, 18, was stabbed to death during a robbery.
Cragun's Resort, family-owned for 85 years, sold to hospitality company
Owner Dutch Cragun will sell the beloved resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd to investors with Leisure Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in nearby Baxter.
Move over, fourth-graders. Today is Third Graders Day, thanks to a Minnesota girl.
The girl from White Earth Nation asked nicely, and Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed Monday a nod to students known for "their natural optimism, curiosity, enthusiasm."
'Welcome to Redneckville 500!': Ice racing in northern Minnesota a beloved, loud tradition.
On Garfield Lake in Laporte, population 134, hundreds of cars fill the ice on any given Sunday.
Tribal leaders from northern Minnesota testify in D.C. against Trump's funding cuts
They urged lawmakers to ensure federal funding for ongoing projects and obligations through treaty promises are upheld amid large-scale federal cuts.
What's the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor?
In tiny locales, populations are dynamic. One resident leaving can alter rankings.
'Strong warrior' Leonard Peltier fights back tears at Turtle Mountain homecoming
A line lasted for hours as people waited to shake Peltier's hand, give him gifts or get his signature on his book, a DVD or T-shirt.
An ailing Leonard Peltier returns home to N.D. with fanfare
The 80-year-old was released from prison after 50 years.
Snowmobile rider dies after crashing into fish house in northern Minnesota
It was the second snowmobile fatality over the weekend in the lakes area.
Bemidji man charged with threats to kill children
In 2007, he threatened to kill students and staff at Bemidji State University the day after a mass shooting at Virginia Tech.
State's first off-reservation cannabis dispensary to open in Moorhead
White Earth Band of Chippewa plans to open storefronts off tribal lands once a compact agreement is signed with the state.
Red Lake Nation cautions tribal members to prepare for, report interactions with ICE
Tribal nations across the U.S. are responding to Trump's immigration raids.
Brainerd High School student in custody after threat posted on Snapchat
The 14-year-old suspect was in custody before students got to school Thursday.
What's behind Bemidji's high crime rate?
The first city on the Mississippi River has struggled with a perception problem for decades.
Warroad welcomes its first new mayor in 30 years
Bob Marvin, of the Marvin Windows and Doors family, lost by 8 votes in November to a longtime Marvin employee.
Biden signs bill renaming Roseau post office in honor of longtime postmaster
Floyd B. Olson served his city as postmaster for more than three decades.
'We're saving the language': Red Lake elementary students excel in college-level Ojibwe
Fourth- and fifth-graders are learning curriculum taught at Red Lake Nation College.
In latest blow to Hubbard County, auditor-treasurer abruptly resigns
The northern Minnesota county official leaves on the heels of an election judge felony case and the death of its county attorney.
Arctic Cat put Thief River Falls on the map. Can the town save the company from shuttering?
Textron Inc. is suspending Arctic Cat production of snowmobiles and other powersports in a struggling industry.
Brainerd co-op gets $11M from USDA to connect 600 rural homes with high-speed internet
The move means fast internet will extend to less populated areas in Crow Wing and Morrison counties.
There's little evidence mail service has improved in Minnesota as holidays approach
The Postal Service has been plagued by financial and staffing issues. Service reports show mail is being delivered on time less often than a year ago.
8-year-old boy hospitalized after falling off Nisswa ski lift
First responders treated the child on scene before airlifting him for additional care.
Animal Humane Society prepared to rescue 300 animals. When agents returned, only 64 were alive.
A couple from Hines, Minn., is accused of burning many of the animals at what they claimed to be a rescue facility.
This playground for the wealthy is being overtaken by giant storage buildings. Some call it 'Tin City.'
The hottest housing market in the state demands secondary dwellings for expensive toys.
Probation for judge accused of bias by ex-deputy and newly elected state Rep. Bidal Duran
District Judge Eric Schieferdecker is on a form of probation for two years, but terms of the agreement are confidential.
Couple who claimed to run dog and cat rescue charged with felony neglect and torture
"Shovels-full of ashes and bones were found," charges say.
ACLU sues Otter Tail County, sheriff and jail staff for depriving inmate of food, water for days
The lawsuit claims officials covered up mistreatment and falsified documents.
Red Lake police officer Jesse Branch remembered as public servant, cowboy, lover of pranks
Branch, who dedicated 17 years to public safety in Red Lake Nation, died Nov. 27 after colliding with another vehicle while responding to a call for service.
Twin Cities businessman sues city of East Gull Lake over his controversial helicopter
"The opposition is all about spite," the helicopter owner said.
Funerals set for Red Lake police officer, tribal member killed in double-fatal car crash
Jesse Branch grew up in Bemidji and served 17 years in law enforcement on Red Lake Nation.
On-duty Red Lake tribal police officer one of two killed in two-vehicle crash
The same police department lost another officer in July 2021, when Ryan Bialke was shot to death.
Stolen handgun reported to Moorhead police. It was found in student's bag at school.
Capt. Deric Swenson said that the incident began as a report of a stolen firearm.
Facing 'unprecedented' felony charges, Minnesota election judge is out of that job
The Hubbard County judge allegedly let 11 unregistered voters cast ballots Nov. 5.
Felony charges: Hubbard County election judge allowed 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots
Timothy Scouton of Nevis is charged with two counts: One accuses the election judge of accepting votes of unregistered voters, the other neglect of duty.
Hubbard County to fill vacancy following county attorney's death
Jonathan Frieden oversaw the prosecutors office in Park Rapids for seven years.
For Alexandria's Thompson, basketball runs in his DNA
Chase Thompson officially signed his scholarship acceptance and financial package documents to play basketball at Clemson on Wednesday at Alexandria Area High School along with 17 other student-athletes committing to college teams on the first day of the NCAA's early signing period.
Hubbard County Attorney Jonathan Frieden, 43, dies of cancer
The young, accomplished attorney and proud "girl dad" from Park Rapids will be remembered at a service Thursday.
