21-Aug-2026

Deadly Motorcycle/Semi Crash

A Vadnais Heights man was killed Thursday afternoon after a semi struck his motorcycle on southbound Highway 371 in Cass County, Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The crash occurred at 3:57 p.m. Thursday at milepost 86 on southbound Highway 371. According to the State Patrol, a semi was traveling southbound when it made a sudden maneuver onto the right shoulder toward the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck a cable barrier, and the rear of the semi ran over the driver. The motorcycle came to rest north of 66th Street. Road conditions were dry. The State Patrol identified the motorcycle’s driver as 30 year old Roy Berger, of Vadnais Heights. Berger was wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead. Alcohol was not suspected as a factor. The State Patrol identified the semi’s driver as 33 year old Timothy Hall,  of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. Hall was not injured. He was wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol was not suspected as a factor. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

20-Aug-2026

Drug Bust

A Stearns County man faces felony charges after a large drug bust on Monday. The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force has arrested 28-year-old Rodolfo Ramirez Jr. of Meire Grove on suspicion of 1st-degree drug possession. The task force was investigating the distribution of methamphetamine in central Minnesota when they made a traffic stop in Richmond. Authorities used a search warrant to search Ramirez' vehicle and allegedly found three-and-a-half pounds of methamphetamine inside. Ramirez was booked into the Stearns County Jail where he is being held for court. Stearns County prosecutors have charged Ramirez with one felony count of 1st-degree possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the criminal complaint, Ramirez has a previous drug possession conviction in Stearns County from 2022.

20-Aug-2026

Gas Leak

A gas leak in downtown Fergus Falls prompted evacuations along a city block Wednesday after a construction crew struck a gas line, officials said. Fergus Falls police and fire departments said crews hit a 2-inch gas line in the 100 block of North Mill Street. Elevated gas levels were found inside nearby buildings, leading authorities to evacuate structures on the north side of Lincoln Avenue between Mill and Court streets. Great Plains responded and shut off the gas line near the leak. Fire crews are ventilating affected buildings and conducting continuous air monitoring, officials said. Great Plains expects gas service to be restored to downtown properties sometime Wednesday morning.

20-Aug-2026

Mailbox Damage

Police in Menahga are asking for the public’s help identifying a driver after numerous mailboxes were damaged along a city street. The Menahga Police Department said multiple mailboxes on 1st Street Northwest were struck late Monday. Officers collected vehicle parts left behind at the scene and believe the suspect vehicle has passenger-side damage. Police said they have identified the make and model of the vehicle based on part numbers, but are still working to locate the driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Menahga Police Department through its Facebook page or by calling dispatch. Tipsters can remain anonymous