Sheriff: Ice-Out Approaches On Lake Minnetonka
One of Minnesota's most popular lakes is reaching ice-out. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office says the upper portion of Lake Minnetonka is open.
Watch CBS News
One of Minnesota's most popular lakes is reaching ice-out. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office says the upper portion of Lake Minnetonka is open.
There are only a few remaining signs of the icy grip of winter after another day of temperatures in the 60s. The snow may be gone, but there is still some ice on metro area lakes.
Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly this weekend and with that, we're seeing more vehicles breaking through the ice.
Officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said they'll be out on Lake Minnetonka on Tuesday to remind ice anglers that it's almost time to get fishing shelters off the ice.
A February morning on Lake Minnetonka is calm and clear. But it's not long before you spot a streak of orange in the sky, and hear the rush of skis on snow.
The horrific story made national headlines when a family of five was found dead in their Lake Minnetonka mansion.
Lake Minnetonka becomes a frozen golf course this weekend. Saturday is the Chilly Open on Wayzata Bay. There are three, nine-hole courses. Tennis balls and hockey pucks replace golf balls and clubs in this tournament.
Minnesota's annual frozen golf tournament is almost here, and you can still get tickets!
Organizers of a popular winter event on Lake Minnetonka made some big changes this year. The North American Pond Hockey Championship became a bean bag tournament instead of a pond hockey tournament due to thin ice.
Instead of throwing in the towel when weather caused a hockey tournament to be canceled, event organizers threw in a bag. A bean bag to be exact.
The North American Pond Hockey Championships were scheduled for Jan. 22-24 on Lake Minnetonka, but our mild start to winter made ice conditions unplayable. There are, however, alternative plans.
When Fred Smoot says "ask me anything," he means it, and assumes you're ready for the answers. First and foremost, Smoot kicked off his recent Reddit chat by saying that he was too through with chatter about the Vikings' "sex boat scandal."
When Mother Nature gives us the cold shoulder, some bundle up -- while others jump! "I wear my idiot hat every year just because. I mean, you're an idiot if you jump in every year [laughs]!" diver Megan Johnski said.
Every Saturday, Mike Augustyniak helps kick off the weekend by checking out some of the best cocktail recipes from bars in the Twin Cities. In the spirit of the holiday season, Mike went to 6Smith on Lake Minnetonka to learn about their take on two classic winter cocktails.
Two ice boaters needed rescue after their boat fell through the ice on Lake Minnetonka Thursday.
December 13th and 14th -- save the date!
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office has released more information on what may have led to a 7-year-old girl's death after boating on Lake Minnetonka.
A Minnesota community used light last night to honor a little girl who died unexpectedly. Thousands of luminaries lined the streets in Edina in memory of Sophia Baechler.
West suburban Excelsior almost had it all: quaint downtown, Lake Minnetonka views, but not a lot of great restaurants. But in part thanks to Paulson and his daughter, diners in Excelsior have many more voices, including their spot, Victor's on Water.
Funeral arrangements have been set of an Edina 2nd grader who died of carbon monoxide poisoning Sunday.
A 7-year-old girl died Sunday afternoon after a medical emergency on Lake Minnetonka, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
For a state that has a reputation for uncomfortable weather, Minnesota was the place to be on Sunday. Near record highs in the low 80s were the cause for celebration.
Authorities say 45-year-old Brian Short shot his wife and three children on Sept. 10 before turning the gun on himself. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner says Short died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound and killed the other members of his family inside their Greenwood home on Lake Minnetonka.
The funeral for the Short family will be held Sunday, and a fund has been set up to help the family with costs.
An effort to clean up a popular Twin Cities lake is underway Saturday. Dozens of volunteers will comb the beaches and shoreline of Lake Minnetonka to pick up all the trash left behind from a busy summer of boating. They will also hand out garbage bags at boat launches to encourage boaters to recycle.
A south suburban family has filed a lawsuit against Parkview Christian Church, alleging a volunteer placed a secret recording device in a restroom at the church's New Lenox location during a children's summer camp event in June.
The case against Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen, who was arrested earlier this year for suspicion of driving while impaired, will continue later this summer.
Led by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a group of Senate Democrats suggested the Justice Department violated its internal policies with the creation of the "anti-weaponization" fund.
A 24-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of being under the influence and fatally hitting a bicyclist in an April crash along Hiawatha Avenue.
According to Minneapolis police, officers arrived at the 2500 block of Clinton Avenue South around 12:45 a.m. to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds.
A 24-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of being under the influence and fatally hitting a bicyclist in an April crash along Hiawatha Avenue.
According to Minneapolis police, officers arrived at the 2500 block of Clinton Avenue South around 12:45 a.m. to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
Conservationists at the Minnesota Zoo say recovery efforts for one of North America's most endangered butterfly species are giving them renewed optimism about the species' future.
Dangerous living conditions are leading to demands that a public housing leader in Minneapolis be fired.
A 29-year-old worker at a poultry plant in Cold Spring, Minnesota, died early Thursday morning after authorities say he was pinned under equipment.
A 74-year-old pilot died in a plane crash in Winona, Minnesota, Thursday evening.
A new report says nearly half of Minnesota hospitality and tourism businesses surveyed are seeing fewer customers and less income as the state heads into its most profitable season.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Led by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a group of Senate Democrats suggested the Justice Department violated its internal policies with the creation of the "anti-weaponization" fund.
Bolton agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, pleading guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer made the remarks at a Faith and Freedom Coalition town hall on Capitol Hill, drawing a sharp response from Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
A south suburban family has filed a lawsuit against Parkview Christian Church, alleging a volunteer placed a secret recording device in a restroom at the church's New Lenox location during a children's summer camp event in June.
The case against Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen, who was arrested earlier this year for suspicion of driving while impaired, will continue later this summer.
According to Minneapolis police, officers arrived at the 2500 block of Clinton Avenue South around 12:45 a.m. to find a man suffering from gunshot wounds.
Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty to assassinating former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, is set to be sentenced on federal charges later this summer.
Federal prosecutors say they've charged a Twin Cities man and his son in connection to an alleged income tax scheme.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
No foul was initially called after Alyssa Thomas' fist made contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a game between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
A Minnesota Timberwolves fan favorite is reportedly heading out the door.
Mookie Betts backed Shohei Ohtani with his 300th career home run, three hits and slick defense, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 for a three-game sweep.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery after a recent setback in his injury recovery.
Natasha Howard had 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Olivia Miles scored 10 of her 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Lynx rallied from a 12-point deficit to beat the Washington Mystics 78-76.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A few storms are possible Saturday night into Sunday morning, but most of the weekend likely stays dry, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
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.
The Twin Cities will be holding onto some clouds on and off on Friday, as temperatures hover slightly below average.
The Twin Cities will be holding on to some cloud cover throughout the day, with temps hovering below average.
Conditions in the Twin Cities will be mostly cloudy for throughout the late morning and afternoon, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Temperatures will be around 77 degrees by 5 p.m.
Engen is charged with one count each of DWI, fourth-degree DWI and speeding.
Chef Marques Miller shares some menu items from City House.
Sara Berhow, with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, shares some tips for those looking to get out into nature.
"All collector, muscle, antique, street rod, exotic vehicles, and vintage motorcycles are welcome," event organizers tout.
A few storms are possible Saturday night into Sunday morning, but most of the weekend likely stays dry, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.