Birthday celebration for WWII vet came with big surprise
Technical Sergeant Don Halverson celebrated 102 years of life with his fellow soldiers on Monday.
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Technical Sergeant Don Halverson celebrated 102 years of life with his fellow soldiers on Monday.
Feb. 10 marked a huge and happy milestone for one veteran in Excelsior.
A special birthday was held in Excelsior for World War II veteran and Twin Cities native Ralph Peebles.
It is believed the area where the playground was initially built was used as a Home Guard training ground and the bombs were buried at the end of the war.
Survivors of the Nazi's notorious Auschwitz death camp are taking center stage at the memorial service to mark 80 years since its liberation by Soviet troops.
Reynolds Tomter recalled spending the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.
On this Veterans Day, we're sharing the story of the oldest World War II veteran to spend the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. Reynolds Tomter lives in western Wisconsin and as John Lauritsen found, the 107-year-old couldn't wait to get back to France.
A few months ago, Les Schrenk, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, made his first trip to Normandy, France in June. Earlier this month, he shared his thoughts on what he's calling a "once in a lifetime" experience.
A 101-year-old soldier helped win World War II, but more recently he's taken his talents to the internet.
The ceremony caps off several days of remembrance and reflection at Normandy. Minnesotans have been a big part of it — that includes 100-year-old Jim Rasmussen of East Bethel.
People from around the world gathered today in Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. That invasion put America on the path to victory in the second World War and changed the course of history. WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles joined Minnesota veterans, and active service members, for the ceremony to mark this milestone.
After training at Fort Des Moines, Florence Cecere became a nurse's aide at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, taking care of the men severely injured on the front lines.
All week on WCCO, we'll be sharing stories from that day as reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles make their way through France, experiencing history along the way.
One-hundred-year-old Les Schrenk doesn't have time for his usual morning water aerobics or afternoon bike rides this week. That's because the World War II veteran is more than 4,000 miles from his Bloomington home, making his first-ever visit to Normandy.
All week, WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles are in Normandy, France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. They’ve been talking with World War II veterans from Minnesota who made the trip overseas. Among them is 100-year-old Les Schrenk from Bloomington. We caught up with him at Omaha Beach where the former POW honored the sacrifice of so many American soldiers who never made it home.
Virgil survived the Allied invasion, but just eight days after arriving in France, he was killed by Germans while trying to rescue a fellow soldier from a burning truck.
Virgil Tangborn is a soldier from northern Minnesota who never made it home. But as John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles share, he left a lasting impression on the people he helped liberate.
This week marks 80 years since the D-Day invasion. It's a day many Minnesota World War II veterans will never forget. To share their stories, WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles traveled to France to meet up with some local veterans making the trip to Normandy 80 years later.
American paratroopers played a key role in the D-Day assault 80 years ago. Now, some U.S. congressmen are preparing to honor their sacrifice in a high-flying way.
This week marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a turning point in World War II that helped bring victory to the allies in Europe. All week, reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles will share stories from that day as they make their way through France, experiencing history along the way.
Three C-47 transport planes, a workhorse of World War II, dropped three long strings of jumpers, their round chutes mushrooming open in the blue skies with puffy white clouds.
All this week, John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles will be in France, bringing us stories of Minnesota veterans who took part in World War II. Some of those veterans will be taking part in the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6. John Lauritsen gives us a preview of the type of stories we can expect.
A group of World War II veterans flew out of Wisconsin this week on their way Normandy, France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a ceremony was held honoring Robert Hanley at his hospice facility, sharing cake and stories with friends and family.
June 6 will be the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Some Americans who took part in the liberation of Europe will be going back to Normandy for the last time.
A 19-year-old man is injured after a shooting in north Minneapolis on Friday, according to police.
On Friday afternoon, it was a warm welcome on St. Peter, Minnesota streets, a gesture many thought was their duty to do. Residents in the community showed up to support an officer, who was hurt in a shootout with a suspect, being escorted home by police from the hospital to recover.
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, officials are pausing data center development for one year, with vocal neighbors arguing that the risk posed by a controversial project outweigh the threat of litigation.
Police in Shakopee, Minnesota say they are investigating the details that led to a now viral video that has more than 2 million views on TikTok. The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for a further probe.
Prosecutors have charged a man in a string of burglaries across the Twin Cities. A Minneapolis business who had a safe stolen from their establishment last month says it's a perfect reason to celebrate.
A 19-year-old man is injured after a shooting in north Minneapolis on Friday, according to police.
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, officials are pausing data center development for one year, with vocal neighbors arguing that the risk posed by a controversial project outweigh the threat of litigation.
Police in Shakopee, Minnesota say they are investigating the details that led to a now viral video that has more than 2 million views on TikTok. The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for a further probe.
Prosecutors have charged a man in a string of burglaries across the Twin Cities. A Minneapolis business who had a safe stolen from their establishment last month says it's a perfect reason to celebrate.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents have approved a budget that includes a tuition hike of up to 4.5% and the sale of part of the Les Bolstad Golf Course, officials said Friday.
On Friday afternoon, it was a warm welcome on St. Peter, Minnesota streets, a gesture many thought was their duty to do. Residents in the community showed up to support an officer, who was hurt in a shootout with a suspect, being escorted home by police from the hospital to recover.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents have approved a budget that includes a tuition hike of up to 4.5% and the sale of part of the Les Bolstad Golf Course, officials said Friday.
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.
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.
Brian Nicholson, the running mate for GOP-endorsed candidate for Minnesota governor Kendall Qualls, says he won't apologize for attending the January 6th riot in Washington, D.C.
Michigan State Police said law enforcement and Child Protective Services confirmed a report against Pete Buttigieg was unsubstantiated and false.
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.
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.
Prosecutors have charged a man in a string of burglaries across the Twin Cities. A Minneapolis business who had a safe stolen from their establishment last month says it's a perfect reason to celebrate.
Abdikerm Eidleh, accused of playing a key role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, was arrested in Somalia after more than four years, federal officials said.
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.
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.
Heat indices in the Twin Cities will reach 93 degrees on Sunday and 111 degrees on Monday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says.
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.
Dangerous heat is headed to Minnesota. As temperatures soar into the 90s, air conditioners will be working overtime. Photojournalist Ray Campos and Adam Duxter talk with experts who say a little maintenance now can go a long way during next week's hot weather.
Temperatures will be in the 80s on Saturday and Sunday in the Twin Cities, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
This will be the last relatively comfortable night for the foreseeable future, a bit muggy, but otherwise pleasant, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Brian Nicholson, the running mate for GOP-endorsed candidate for Minnesota governor Kendall Qualls, says he won't apologize for attending the January 6th riot in Washington, D.C.
A 19-year-old man is injured after a shooting on North Humboldt Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday.
The 53rd annual Twin Cities Pride Festival is expected to bring more than 400,000 people to downtown Minneapolis on June 27 and June 28. But the road to this year's celebration was rougher than years past. Ubah Ali reports on the hardships organizers faced.
Heat indices in the Twin Cities will reach 93 degrees on Sunday and 111 degrees on Monday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says.
Dangerous heat is headed to Minnesota. As temperatures soar into the 90s, air conditioners will be working overtime. Photojournalist Ray Campos and Adam Duxter talk with experts who say a little maintenance now can go a long way during next week's hot weather.