Netting Wasps To Help Fight Emerald Ash Borer
Scientists in Minnesota believe they've found an insect that can do what they haven't been able to do very well -- get rid of the emerald ash borer.
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Scientists in Minnesota believe they've found an insect that can do what they haven't been able to do very well -- get rid of the emerald ash borer.
On a warm spring night, Anoka County homeowners are indoors, spending an evening learning about an insect that's invading their property.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed an emerald ash borer infestation in Anoka County. It says the destructive tree pest was found in an ash tree on private property in the city of Ham Lake.
Since she was a child, the giant ash tree that towered over Rebecca Robinson's small home offered a cool refuge during sultry Midwest summer days. It was the same down her tree-lined neighborhood's block and throughout much of Waterloo, a leafy Iowa city that's home to about 4,000 ashes.
Over the next eight years, the city of Minneapolis plans to remove about 40,000 ash trees from around the city in order to combat the Emerald Ash Borer, a tiny green bug that's responsible for taking down trees that have stood for decades.
Minnesota officials have confirmed trees in Olmsted County are infested with the destructive emerald ash borer. The state Department of Agriculture said Wednesday the county will join Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey and Winona counties in a state and federal quarantine to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Emily from St. Cloud wants to know what happens to all the sandbags after the flooding is over? If the sand isn't contaminated with floodwater, it can be used as fill for things like playgrounds and sidewalks. But in most cases, the sand is contaminated.
Over the next eight years, Minneapolis will remove 40,000 ash trees from parks and boulevards, part of a $9-million initiative that began in January to eliminate the emerald ash borer. The beetle has killed millions of trees in the U.S., and has invaded neighborhoods across the Twin Cities. Ralph Sievert, director of forestry for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, says the idea is to phase them out over a period of time.
Minnesota officials reported success Wednesday in the battle to slow the spread of emerald ash borers, saying stingless wasps released in Great River Bluffs State Park near Winona two years ago are reproducing, which is evidence they're attacking the destructive tree pests.
Before you head to the cabin this 4th of July, the Minneapolis Park Board has an important message. Do not bring any wood you may have chopped from downed trees. They say this is imperative in their fight to stop the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed this week Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in Minnesota. The designation is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the destructive nature of the tree pests, and to spread the word about the "three P's of EAB" -- Prepare, Protect, and Plant.
Minneapolis officials are warning homeowners against pruning their ash trees.
Three new emerald ash borer infestations have been confirmed – one in Minneapolis, and two in St. Paul, says the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Jason DeRusha replies to your cold weather questions.
An infestation of Emerald Ash Borer looks to dramatically alter the look of Fort Snelling Golf Club. Crews with the city's Park and Recreations Board were scheduled to begin removing about 200 ash trees from the golf course on Monday.
The emerald ash borer has found its way into La Crescent, Minn.
Minnesota is plotting its next steps in the fight to stop the spread of emerald ash borers.
At the University of Minnesota they're studying small wasps to see if they'll survive a Minnesota winter.
Experts will be gathering in La Crosse this week to share the latest information on invasive species.
The winner of Thursday's Celebrity Butter Carving Contest at the Minnesota State Fair? WCCO's very own, Rachel Slavik of course. She effortlessly churned out a replica TV and WCCO 4 logo for the title.
The tree-killing pest – the emerald ash borer – has done serious damage to trees at a local golf course. A new case, the first in 2012, was discovered at Fort Snelling Golf Club near the airport in Hennepin County.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture hopes trained sniffer dogs can become a new line of defense against the invasive pests, which threaten ash trees across the state and across the country.
Minnesota agriculture officials are encouraged by the initial results of a new way to find emerald ash borers.
In Minnesota, emerald ash borers usually strike the first of May, but not this year. They're actually striking now. Our warm spring has brought the tree killing beetle earlier than usual.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing to hang thousands of traps across Minnesota in the hunt for emerald ash borer.
Myles Price returned a punt 86 yards for a score, Kyler Murray threw a 41-yard TD pass to Jordan Addison and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
The Texas Rangers were eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the regular season with a 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins, who got a home run and three RBIs from Josh Bell to back Dean Kremer's seven innings of one-run pitching.
The Federal Aviation Administration says a replica Piper PA-18 crashed while departing from Buffalo Municipal Airport around 4:20 p.m.
Breanna Stewart produced yet another clutch performance in the WNBA playoffs with 34 points and 12 rebounds for the New York Liberty in a 91-75 victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx to open their best-of-three first-round series.
The Federal Aviation Administration says a replica Piper PA-18 crashed while departing from Buffalo Municipal Airport around 4:20 p.m.
The city's downtown council says the stretch is now pivoting to pedestrian-only nearly 100 times a year.
Demonstrators gathered in the rain Saturday afternoon outside Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to demand the owners of the Minnesota Twins "stand up for democracy."
Saturday marked National Public Lands Day. Parks of all sizes held volunteer opportunities in Minnesota and nationwide to help preserve these precious spaces.
Police have released a photo of a man suspected in a hit-and-run crash last month near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, that seriously injured an e-bike rider.
Police in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say two boys are in custody after another boy and a woman were assaulted by a group Tuesday afternoon near St. Cloud State University.
Law enforcement shot and killed a man Friday evening amid a standoff in northwestern Minnesota, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office.
At Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota, freshly harvested grapes are starting their journey from vine to wine.
A Scouting America committee believes the girl Cameron Scharfbillig brought to the surface of a pool may have died seconds later. The Minnesota Cub Scout, now 9, received the organization's Honor Medal in Sartell.
Police in Albert Lea, Minnesota, say that the damage caused by a vandalism incident earlier this week will cost upwards of $25,000 to fix.
The Wisconsin State Patrol says a trooper is in the hospital with severe injuries after falling off a bridge while attempting to end a pursuit.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Scouting America committee believes the girl Cameron Scharfbillig brought to the surface of a pool may have died seconds later. The Minnesota Cub Scout, now 9, received the organization's Honor Medal in Sartell.
Automotive collision and refinishing students at Dunwoody College in Minneapolis rebuilt a Hyundai Elantra and gave it to Robert Hanson, a U.S. Navy veteran, through the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program.
For years, Keiona Cook has been weaving communities together, teaching kids from North Minneapolis and Edina to sew together. Now she's taking her work to New York for the city's iconic fashion week.
Natalie Flaherty started I Stand With Anne when she was 10. She's now one of this year's Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes winners, an award for people ages 8 to 18 who are making a positive difference.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
Minnesota Democrats have held the office of state attorney general for decades. Recent polls show there could be an upset in November. The most recent poll shows incumbent DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison trailing Republican Ron Schutz. The KSTP-Survey USA from earlier this month has Schutz with 45% support to Ellison's 43%. For 39 years, Schutz has been an attorney and partner at Robins Kaplan one of the state's best-known law firms. He was twice named by Forbes magazine as one of the nation's top 200 attorneys. He joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m. NOTE: A spokesperson for Attorney General Ellison disputed Shutz's claim that there were no convictions under Ellison's watch for Medicaid fraud. The spokesperson said there were more than 340 convictions.
Demonstrators gathered in the rain Saturday afternoon outside Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to demand the owners of the Minnesota Twins "stand up for democracy."
Demonstrators gathered in the rain Saturday afternoon outside Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to demand the owners of the Minnesota Twins sign the "Business for Democracy Pledge" to protect voting rights.
Victims of last year’s deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers say a convicted killer’s lies are traumatizing them all over again, plus more of the day’s top stories.
Tim Wertish and his son drove out to the lot every morning before school. This weekend, nearly 400 classic trucks, pickups and cars go to the highest bidder in Redwood Falls.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
Police have released a photo of a man suspected in a hit-and-run crash last month near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, that seriously injured an e-bike rider.
Metro Transit police are looking for a motorist who ran a red light Saturday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis, striking a light rail train and then fleeing the area.
Police in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say two boys are in custody after another boy and a woman were assaulted by a group Tuesday afternoon near St. Cloud State University.
Law enforcement shot and killed a man Friday evening amid a standoff in northwestern Minnesota, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office.
A Minnesota mother and her son are accused of fraud involving Medicaid-funded services that were never provided, resulting in more than $130,000 in improper payments, according to court documents filed on Friday.
A potential merger between Allina and Sutter health has concerned community members pushing for patient and worker protections.
Doctors Council SEIU and Allina Health have been working toward an agreement for three years.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
The virus has struck poultry producers in at least five counties in a single month. Nationally, nearly 23 million turkeys have been put down since 2022 — even as U.S. farmers raise 45 million fewer birds than they did a decade ago.
Officials say that anyone who touched the bat should call 911 and ask to be connected to Animal Care and Control and contact their healthcare provider.
Madonna is up for 13 awards at the 2026 VMAs — the most of any nominee on MTV's biggest night.
Challenging documentaries and award-winning features are among the offerings of New York City's leading cinema event, starring such luminaries as Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Godzilla.
Taylor Swift announced her new single "Patient Zero" earlier this week, saying she has been "impatiently waiting" to announce that it will be out on Friday.
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
An autopsy by the Greenville County Coroner's Office determined Hayden Panettiere's death was due to an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl.
Myles Price returned a punt 86 yards for a score, Kyler Murray threw a 41-yard TD pass to Jordan Addison and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16.
The Texas Rangers were eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the regular season with a 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins, who got a home run and three RBIs from Josh Bell to back Dean Kremer's seven innings of one-run pitching.
Breanna Stewart produced yet another clutch performance in the WNBA playoffs with 34 points and 12 rebounds for the New York Liberty in a 91-75 victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx to open their best-of-three first-round series.
Drake Lindsey tossed three touchdowns in the first half to three different receivers and Minnesota defeated Washington 27-24.
Seattle got goals from Jordan Morris, Hassani Dotson and Paul Arriola to help the Sounders beat Minnesota United 3-1, upping their unbeaten streak to seven and earning coach Brian Schmetzer his 150th MLS victory.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
One of the big races in the Twin Cities in November is the contest for Hennepin County Attorney.
Former acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk and DFL state Rep. Cedric Frazier are competing to succeed Mary Moriarty, whose tenure has drawn controversy over sentencing and a Hennepin County investigation into federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
The constitutional amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil for each school. That would take the fund's current contribution of $68 per pupil to $101 per pupil.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
The town of Lindstrom, Minnesota, is known for its unique water tower, but an unlikely discovery is bringing back memories of another landmark.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
The leaves have been changing, the temperature has been dropping, and the pumpkin flavored coffee drinks are flowing.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy and top out in the low 70s.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Outside of a few lingering showers early in the morning, Sunday is looking drier in Minnesota.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says Sunday is looking drier after a few lingering morning showers.
Another weak system is bringing more clouds and rain this weekend to the Twin Cities, says meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy and top out in the low 70s.
Cats and cat lovers turned up at the Saint Paul RiverCentre this weekend.
Nearly 5,000 people laced up their shoes to step out in support of a good cause.
Hundreds of firefighters and officials gathered at the state capitol today to honor Minnesota's fallen heroes.
The Minnesota Lynx stumbled at home against the New York Liberty today. It was their first game in the WNBA playoffs. Frankie McLister heard from fans who remain optimistic.