The Minnesota Incident Command Center reports that a wildfire in Carlton County is almost entirely contained. Over the weekend, crews were mopping up the 82-acre fire near Barnum—infrared flights located more hot spots in the western portion of this wildfire.
Officials say the type of vegetation in the area is slowing down progress, particularly the composition of peat soil that provides a long-term fuel source for a wildfire. Thirty-seven crew members with 19 pieces of equipment have worked on this fire since Sept. 4.
All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted. The MNICS says aircraft may be brought in to assist with the wildfire suppression efforts, and if drones are detected in the area, air operations supporting the fire will stop. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
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Whether in search of supplies, groceries or even a hot meal, Bemidjians flocked to the location as the first day of operations began for the new center. -
Itasca County celebrated Pride Month with a festival at the Old Central School grounds in Grand Rapids on Sunday, June 22, 2025. -
Minnesota DNR foresters have begun taking stock of the conditions of the forests and the nearby waters after the Brimson Complex fires burned thousands of acres. -
The law allocates $848,000 to support accredited residential environmental learning centers in offering multi-day, overnight experiences focused on outdoor-based learning. -
Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. -
Plus: Minnesotans will honor the Hortmans at the Capitol; and forests begin recovery after the Brimson Complex wildfires. -
One person died in a house fire in Fosston on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. -
The Judy Garland Museum and Mobility Mania in Grand Rapids attempted to set the world record for most people in wheelchairs dancing in one place at one time. -
Plus: Bois Forte seeks input on date change for state of the band address; Park Rapids brings home victory in final MSHSL spring tourney; and Fourth of July celebrations are upon us.
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The Bois Forte Tribal Council said band members would prefer to meet in March instead of January.
Two fatal accidents were reported in northeastern Minnesota Saturday.
A 22-year-old was killed in a train crash early Saturday morning near Highway 210 in Carlton County. The Sheriff's office reports Brock Hascall of Wright was southbound on Lammi Road when his vehicle was struck by the westbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported and the incident remains under investigation.
A separate fatal crash in St. Louis County killed three 23-year-olds.
The victims were Darren Tenney of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Joseph Trowbridge of Woodbury and Madison Warren of Oakdale. The crash was around 3 a.m. on Highway 8 near Floodwood.
As drought conditions continue to expand in Minnesota, some areas of the state are now experiencing exceptional drought conditions for the first time since 2021. At this time, the US Drought Monitor classifies more than half of the state in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, with the rest of the state in moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages all to monitor their water use, with some watersheds in southern Minnesota entering drought-restrictive phases, which requires public water suppliers to implement significant water conservation measures to reduce consumption.
Over the past seven weeks, the DNR has also suspended 107 surface water appropriation permits for non-domestic use across the state in response to the expanding drought conditions.
