Becker County

Anita Charlene Gruel was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son Charles Lane Gruel was treated for injuries caused by the fire. The fire is still under investigation.

The cause of the Feb. 18, 2026, fire is under investigation, and the names of those impacted have not been released.

Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander and Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson recently announced they wouldn't seek reelection in 2026.

Some areas are facing emerging risks for nutrient levels and E. coli in the Mississippi River basin watershed encompassing parts of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena counties.

Plus: Secretary of State Steve Simon presented St. Louis County election workers with awards; and the Minnesota Department of Health presented two Northwest Minnesota practitioners with rural health awards.

The two teen boys, ages 13 and 14, were reportedly trying to ice fish Nov. 18, 2025, when their sled fell into the water on Straight Lake near Osage.

A 911 caller reported the incident the evening of Nov. 18, 2025, near Snellman. No injuries were reported, but law enforcement is asking for help identifying a suspect.

An amendment passed last year by the MN Legislature requires jails to administer medications to incarcerated people if prescribed before the people were booked into jail.

The herbicide will prepare 15 sites across Northern Minnesota for reforestation work.

The lawsuit against the MN DOC commissioner argues the law would take away discretion from local providers to determine what’s best for the inmates and the situation.