Tips to stay "BearWise" as sightings increase in Minnesota
Since the 1980s, Minnesota's bear population has been expanding farther south and west.
Kirsten Mitchell joined the WCCO team as a reporter in November of 2021. A Saint Paul native, Kirsten is proud to tell stories in her home state. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Go Gophs!) and interned at WCCO during her time there.
Previously, Kirsten was a Weekend Anchor and Reporter at KSEE/KGPE in Fresno, California. She reported on the frontlines of wildfires and covered the state's extreme drought.
She began her on-air career as a Multimedia Journalist in Panama City, Florida. While there, she covered Hurricane Michael, providing the community with lifesaving information during and after the category 5 storm. Her coverage earned her several awards including the 2018 Florida Associated Press Broadcasters Association award for best overall Multimedia Journalist and best General Assignment story.
While Kirsten's blood may have thinned the past few years, she is thrilled to be home, just in time for a true Minnesota winter!
In her free time, she can be found spending time with her family, going on a run or hike, and exploring new restaurants around town.
Since the 1980s, Minnesota's bear population has been expanding farther south and west.
A community is coming together in a big way after a tragic apartment fire forced several families from their homes.
"It's like how many times can you continue to do this before something has to change?" said owner Annie Rose.
Police in Northfield say an adult black bear was spotted multiple times on Friday night.
There's nothing like belting out your favorite song in the car. James Corden even made it a popular segment called "Carpool Karaoke" on "The Late Late Show," which he's departing after eight years.
A brush fire torched at least 15 acres Tuesday in Lino Lakes, forcing some to temporarily evacuate as fire crews worked to extinguish the fire.
Masjid Al Rahma was damaged by fire Monday, and police are searching for the man suspected of setting a fire inside Mall 24's mosque Sunday evening. It is not clear if the fires are connected.
There was an outpouring of support Saturday as a fallen Minnesota officer was laid to rest.
The visitation for Deputy Josh Owen, who was killed in a shootout last week, was packed on Friday evening with even more people expected for his funeral on Saturday.
Many people are coming to river cities like Stillwater to see the rising water, but officials urge everyone to be cautious, too.
Flooding has already arrived in communities across Minnesota, and some are still bracing for the worst of it.
Several Minnesota rivers are expected to crest this week in major flood stage, including the South Fork Crow River at Delano.
The St. Croix River at Stillwater reached flood stage Saturday and is expected to rise another four feet or more, cresting in major flood stage by midweek.
Paddle down the Mississippi River as fast as humanely possible. That's the goal for a team of canoers set to embark on a world record attempt next month.
A moving memorial was held Tuesday night in Brooklyn Center, as the community marked the second anniversary of Daunte Wrights death.