Retired Minnesota business owner pays tribute to military with Taps
Gary Marquardt spent Memorial Day on Monday traveling from cemetery to cemetery across the western Twin Cities metro, playing "Taps" for veterans and their families.
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Gary Marquardt spent Memorial Day on Monday traveling from cemetery to cemetery across the western Twin Cities metro, playing "Taps" for veterans and their families.
On Thursday, friends and fellow veterans said goodbye to Les Schrenk.
A Minnesota family is finally welcoming home U.S Army Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a war hero they waited more than 80 years to find.
After 80 years, a war hero is finally back home. U.S. Army Captain Willibald “Bill” Bianchi, a Bataan Death March survivor and Medal of Honor recipient, returned to Minnesota on Friday. Ubah Ali was there for this long-awaited homecoming and dignified return.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk, passed away earlier this week. He was 102. WCCO Reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles got to know Les over the years doing several stories with him. They even caught up with him in Normandy, France to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Today, John and Tom do their best to share how much Les meant to his close friends and fellow veterans.
Southern Minnesota's Lois Widmark, 104, played a key role in helping the Allies gain victory in World War II.
Don Halverson's fellow members of the Minnesota National Guard's Red Bull 34th Infantry Division threw him an early celebration in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Don Halverson's fellow members of the Minnesota National Guard's Red Bull 34th Infantry Division threw him an early celebration in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Nadia Pishko was born in Ukraine and fled her home country as child during World War II, eventually building a life in Minneapolis. Despite the current war in Ukraine, she asked to return to her home country — and that dream came true last week.
A U.S. Army soldier who earned the prestigious Medal of Honor during World War II has been accounted for more than eight decades after he disappeared.
Out of the 1,500 men on his ship, Del Thielke was the only one selected to be aboard the USS Missouri when the peace treaty was signed.
It was 80 years ago that Japan surrendered, essentially marking the end of World War II. A man from Dawson, Minnesota, was there when the peace treaty was signed aboard the USS Missouri. John Lauritsen shares what Del Thielke remembers about that historic day.
Both men were staff sergeants during World War II, both were gunners on B-17s and both their planes were shot down on Feb. 22, 1944.
For many veterans, experiencing a war together creates a special bond, but eight decades after World War II, two veterans are just starting to form their own. WCCO's John Lauritsen shares the story of a friendship 81 years in the making.
At 108, he was the oldest living Merchant Marine in the world.
World War II Veteran Reynolds Tomter, 100 of Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Sunday night. He was one of the oldest World War II veterans in the U.S. John Lauritsen talked with one of Reynolds' close friends about the legacy he leaves behind.
Families in Normandy, France, are getting ready to celebrate the life of "Papa Jake" Larson — a Minnesota native and war hero.
Families in Normandy, France are getting ready to celebrate the life of Papa Jake Larson, a Minnesota native and war hero. He helped plan the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach and later became a TikTok sensation. He passed away last week at the age of 102. WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with Papa Jake's son about his father's incredible legacy.
World War II veteran and social media star Jake Larson, also known as Papa Jake, has died.
Minnesota World War II veteran Les Schrenk recently got a chance to visit the former POW camp in Poland where he was held captive for 15 months. WCCO spoke with Schrenk about the emotions of returning to the place that nearly took his life.
World War II veteran Les Schrenk recently had the chance to visit the former POW camp in Poland where he was held captive for more than a year. WCCO's John Lauritsen spoke with Schrenk about the emotions of returning to the place that nearly took his life.
It's proof you can make friends at any age: A couple of World War II veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin struck up a friendship well after they turned 100.
Drafted during World War II, Don Tietz found himself a long way from his hometown farm.
Many of the soldiers on the front lines in World War II are no longer with us. But one of those veterans, born and raised in south Minneapolis, turned 102 on Feb. 24.
WCCO Investigates has learned a state watchdog is taking a closer look at the community's concerns surrounding pollution problems at a battery recycling plant and the state agency that oversees it.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
An Isanti, Minnesota, tattoo artist was reunited with her cat weeks after she was lost in the Colorado wilderness.
It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
WCCO Investigates has learned a state watchdog is taking a closer look at the community's concerns surrounding pollution problems at a battery recycling plant and the state agency that oversees it.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
The Minneapolis City Council approved a major redesign of Lyndale Avenue South on Thursday.
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
Events and other scheduled outdoor activities are being canceled across Minnesota Thursday as hazardous wildfire smoke continues to pour down from the north amid an extreme heat warning.
With air quality in the Twin Cities hitting historically hazardous levels, the Animal Humane Society is reminding residents to keep an eye on their pets.
For 66 years, the Lumberjack World Championships have brought the world's best to Hayward, Wisconsin.
Three people who died after a pontoon overturned on Lake Pepin over the weekend have been identified.
Two of the decedents were members of the Wabasha Fire Department, the chief confirmed.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
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.
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
The Minneapolis City Council approved a major redesign of Lyndale Avenue South on Thursday.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a contract that would allow the police department to use drones to respond to emergencies.
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of GOP candidate for governor Mike Lindell is turning some heads within the Republican Party
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department in a permanent capacity, where he faced tough questions from Democrats and some Republicans about his tenure so far.
The lawsuit accuses Loon of using "kid-friendly characters" to promote its vapes in flavors such as Cotton Candy, Strawberry Popsicle, Banana Taffy and Blue Razz Slushy.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
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.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a contract that would allow the police department to use drones to respond to emergencies.
Court documents show Kendra Johnson was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison and Erling Holdahl was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in a scheme prosecutors said bilked a now-defunct Minnesota housing program out of millions of dollars.
A federal agent in Minnesota who pleaded guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
The Target USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, is suspended Thursday in the Twin Cities due to hazardous air quality from northern wildfires.
A state law passed last year directed the state Department of Health to create materials on "recognizing the signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report suspected physical abuse of infants" and make them available online.
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
The air quality in Minneapolis was ranked the worst among major cities globally Thursday afternoon as smoke from northern wildfires cloaks the region.
There's so much to do this weekend in Minnesota, from festivals to art fairs.
Three Minnesota ice cream shops are in the running for a national title this summer.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
A St. Paul, Minnesota, neighborhood that has struggled to keep businesses might be turning a corner.
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.
The Target USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, is suspended Thursday in the Twin Cities due to hazardous air quality from northern wildfires.
Kayla McBride scored 24 for her fifth straight 20-point performance, Courtney Williams added 19 points, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Los Angeles Sparks 96-87 for their fourth straight victory.
Defending World Cup champion Argentina rallied to edge England 2-1 to advance to Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Suni Lee is making a run at a third Olympics.
There's less than a month to go before the Aug. 11 primary, and one of the most watched and competitive races is the DFL race for the nomination for U.S. Senate between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig.
New campaign finance numbers are expected out later this week in federal races, including Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, where a flood of ads is evidence of a highly competitive race.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
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.
When you get home from work in the evening, your first thought may be dinner. You might fire up the stove or oven, you could also start a load of laundry. Not long after that, you're running the dishwasher. You may think you're being efficient, but your house during this heat wave disagrees.
It's one of Minnesota's rules of the road in which two is better than one. But Jodi from Lakeville emailed WCCO saying a lot of drivers don't seem to care about the law.
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
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.
The air quality improves by Friday morning, but temperatures will remain hot with a feels-like temperature pushing 100 degrees. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares how hot the next few days will be and when we could see a slight dip in temps.
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 advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
Air quality is expected to clear up slightly on Friday, while extreme heat persists into the evening, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Air quality is expected to clear up slightly on Friday, while extreme heat persists into the evening, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The air quality improves by Friday morning, but temperatures will remain hot with a feels-like temperature pushing 100 degrees. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares how hot the next few days will be and when we could see a slight dip in temps.
Independent review of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's pollution notification in Eagan.
Some Minnesotans are still working outside despite the terrible air quality.
Minnesota is in an air quality alert due to smoke. The hazardous air has forced many events to cancel.
An Isanti, Minnesota, tattoo artist was reunited with her cat weeks after she was lost in the Colorado wilderness.