On Lake Minnetonka, Business Is As Slow As The Boats
High water continues to keep boat traffic to a crawl on Lake Minnetonka. For the past couple of weeks, a lake-wide no wake order has stayed in effect.
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High water continues to keep boat traffic to a crawl on Lake Minnetonka. For the past couple of weeks, a lake-wide no wake order has stayed in effect.
As kids step from the boats and onto the docks at Big Island, a day of fun and pleasure awaits each one of them. As parents of special needs children will tell you, the health challenges of one child affect the entire family. Nobody knows that better than Stacy McAllister.
Thursday was a long day for some people living near Minnehaha Creek. In St. Louis Park, some homes were surrounded by more than a thousand sandbags.
Communities along the Minnehaha Creek faced flooded yards and streets Thursday. The 22 mile-long creek, which connects Lake Minnetonka and Minnehaha Falls, reached the highest water levels ever recorded Thursday morning. People in the St. Louis Park Creekside neighborhood are helping each other stack sandbags.
The rising waters are causing trouble on Lake Minnetonka. The no wake restriction has been in effect for almost two weeks. The water is so high boats aren't allowed to open up on the lake.
Almost a dozen sailboats capsized on Lake Minnetonka Saturday morning during a regatta. There were between 30-40 sailboats taking part in a weekend sailboat race near Smith Bay and Browns Bay when wind gusts reaching 50-60 mph began to wreak havoc on boaters.
The Green Line opening is just the newest chapter in the rich, storied history of University Avenue. Minneapolis and St. Paul were connected in 1890 with the creation of the street car system, according to Chad Roberts with the Ramsey County Historic Society.
Boaters and other lake goers are still being asked to go slow on Lake Minnetonka. On June 5, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District implemented an "Emergency High Water" declaration, during which it is against the law for any watercraft to go at a speed that would result in more than a minimum wake.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has lifted the swimming advisory on Lake Minnetonka and Dutch Lake. Residents of the city of Mound were warned to stay out of both lakes at the beginning of the month when heavy rains caused sewage water to be rerouted into drains.
Go slow or get an expensive citation -- that's the message from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol. This is the first time Lake Minnetonka has ever had a minimum wake restriction on the entire lake. Deputies are on the water to educate and enforce the restriction.
Chad Greenway did his best Superman impression this week. For his next feat, Greenway could further endear himself to new Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer by figuring out how to clone himself.
Due to high waters, officials are enforcing a minimum wake restriction for all of Lake Minnetonka. That means boats, jetskis and other watercrafts cannot go above 5 mph while the restriction is in place.
The Twin Cities metro area was hit by so much rain over the weekend, the City of Mound is worried that sewage could back up into about 1,000 homes. So to try to keep that from happening, the city is pumping untreated sewage onto land.
You may have to change your Memorial Day weekend plans if they include canoeing or kayaking down Minnehaha Creek. The recent rain caused high levels on Lake Minnetonka. As a result, water is being released into the creek to lower it. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District warns the release is causing unsafe conditions.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is urging boaters to create a safety plan before hitting the waters this Memorial Day weekend. With a High Water Declaration in effect for Lake Minnetonka, Sheriff Rich Stanek says boaters need to manage their wakes properly, as well as have the necessary safety gear in place.
We're heading towards Memorial Day weekend and coming with it is sun and warmer temperatures. It's got boaters and anglers looking forward to getting out on the boat. It also makes for the perfect time for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to remind people about boat safety and to "Think Zero."
Nearly a half million people are out on Minnesota's lakes this weekend for the state fishing opener. Governor Dayton was in the Brainerd Lakes area, trying his luck on Gull Lake. The governor was among thousands of Minnesotans who got out on the water at the stroke of midnight.
An annual report card gives mixed grades to some of the most popular Twin Cities lakes. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District sprawls over 181 square miles from the far western suburbs to the Mississippi River.
Not only is Minnesota the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we're also home to the second-highest number of registered boats in the nation. Only Florida has more motorboats registered than the 540,000 cruising our waterways. But there's a new trend that's getting even more families on the waters.
With the long, cold winter we all endured, we weren't sure this day would ever come. The Freshwater Society and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol officially made the call Thursday morning that the ice is now officially out on Lake Minnetonka.
Soon the lakes will be completely ice free, and we will see lots of people out on canoes. But there is one canoe in the west metro that will definitely not be going back into the water. That's because archaeologists have just determined it is nearly 1,000 years old.
A 37-year-old man had to be rescued from Lake Minnetonka on Saturday after his snowmobile went through the ice, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office. Authorities received several 911 calls just before 9 p.m. that a snowmobile and its rider had fallen through the ice at the southern end of Smithtown Bay on Lake Minnetonka.
A million dollar home on Lake Minnetonka burned to the ground Thursday morning. The fire started around 9:30 a.m. at a home on Old Beach Road in Orono, Minn.
Team WCCO braved the elements Saturday for a pair of charity pond hockey games on Lake Minnetonka. The team ranged in age from 14 to 62, and happily accepted the help of former Wild player Mark Parrish as a ringer. "This is awesome," Parrish said. "It takes you right back. This is where it all began for all of us." The wind chill on Lake Minnetonka was minus 15, but it was all for a good cause.
The view of Lake Minnetonka from the house that Jimmy Jam built is breathtaking. This 22,000-square-foot property sits on 3.5 acres, complete with 300 feet of Lake Minnetonka shoreline. WCCO was the first to show viewers inside the home before it went up for sale last summer. Scott Stabeck of the Stabeck Group at Lakes Sotheby's Realty in Wayzata is the listing agent.
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
On GOP caucus night, a straw poll for governor among 13 candidates saw House Speaker Lisa Demuth emerge as the winner. House Speaker Demuth will be front and center for the next three months during the upcoming legislative session. She spoke to Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
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Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
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In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the Milano Cortina Games, is in stable condition after her crash.
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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 suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs return to the mid 30s this afternoon with the help of a SE wind and a little sunshine to end the day.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says warmth will return to wrap up the weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
In an effort to push back on Operation Metro Surge dozens of businesses in the Twin Cities are fundraising. They're using everything from beer, to ice cream, to art. Ashley Grams shows us how the community is coming together.
We've seen a lot of creativity amidst the unrest of the last few weeks, and as Photojournalist Nick Lunemann shows us, we are hearing it too.
Dry January might be over, but for many people, the choice to not drink goes well beyond just one month. One local distillery has opened a new space to make sure all feel welcome, whether you're drinking or not.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.