>>Crosby Wildfire Update
(Tofte, MN) — Firefighters have the Crosby Fire 35% contained, with an estimated 210 acres burned—improved access allowed crews to map where flames had burned through the forest floor. Handlines have been built along the north edge using tools and leaf blowers to clear debris. Aircraft dropped water yesterday to cool hot spots, but overnight rain wasn’t enough to put out the fire. Crews will continue to strengthen fire lines today, assisted by tracked vehicles and water-scooping planes as needed. A section of the Superior Hiking Trail inside George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is now closed due to strong northwest winds that could push the fire toward the trail. The park itself remains open.
>>Avian Influenza Confirmed in Kandiyohi, Becker, and Todd Counties
(Willmar, MN) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is confirming highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kandiyohi County for the first time this fall. The virus was detected in a commercial turkey operation with around 33 thousand birds. A day later, bird flu was confirmed in two commercial turkey flocks in Becker County, with 31,000 and 72,000 birds. A non-poultry farm with 82 birds in Todd County was also affected. State officials believe wild migrating birds are spreading avian influenza. There were no cases between April and mid-September.
>>Search Conducted in Northwestern Minnesota for Woman Missing Since 1996
(Warren, MN) — A renewed search was held Thursday in northwestern Minnesota for 40-year-old Veronica Safranski, who disappeared nearly 29 years ago after leaving a Halloween party at Mick’s Bar in Warren. She was last seen wearing an American Indian costume. Authorities say Safranski was seen leaving the bar with Kevin Skjerven of Newfolden. In July, Skjerven was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition, but has not been charged in connection with her disappearance. Thursday’s search involved the Marshall and Pennington County Sheriff’s Offices, the Minnesota BCA, Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, and Valley Water Rescue. Safranski’s daughters also joined the effort, hoping for new leads. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
>>Pine County Searches for Missing, Endangered Man
(Pine County, MN) — Pine County deputies are searching for an endangered missing man. 39-year-old Joseph Puckett was last known to be in Fargo, North Dakota, on August 19th. He is described as white, five feet seven inches tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Puckett has a tattoo of dots around his left-hand ring finger.
>>Pine County Deputies Seize Guns from Two Convicted Felons
(Pine City, MN) — Authorities in Pine County say deputies took guns out of the hands of two convicted felons during traffic stops Thursday night. Sheriff’s officials say a Duluth man was pulled over for a minor traffic violation and was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and drug possession. During a second traffic stop, a man from Fridley was taken into custody for illegally possessing a firearm and receiving stolen property. The report says Pine County deputies are committed to keeping communities safe and removing illegal weapons from our streets.
>>Savannah Bananas Playing 3 Games at Target Field in August 2026
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Savannah Bananas are bringing the “Greatest Show in Sports” to Target Field next summer. The Minnesota Twins announced that the Bananas will play the Loco Beach Coconuts August 7 through 9th, 2026, in downtown Minneapolis. Their games feature a two-hour time limit, fans catching foul balls for outs, batters stealing first base, choreographed dance routines, and celebrations. Tickets for the Savannah Bananas are available through a lottery system on the team’s website (bananaball.com/tickets).
