Family, friends mourn loss of Richfield student Donald Gayton Jr., 17, killed in hit-and-run
"My son will never get to go to prom. My son will never get to give me my grandbabies," said Donald Jr.'s mother, Marsha.
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.
"My son will never get to go to prom. My son will never get to give me my grandbabies," said Donald Jr.'s mother, Marsha.
To improve accessibility on the narrow streets of Minneapolis, the city implemented new winter parking restrictions that took effect on Jan. 26. Within a few days it was apparent that not all drivers were complying with the changes.
After more than 14 hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that would codify abortion rights in the state; it now heads to the governor's desk for signature.
A new pilot program in the heart of the Twin Cities is offering a lifeline to victims of human trafficking and abuse.
In one neighborhood, parents said their kids' bus has gotten stuck nearly 10 times in the past few weeks.
Organizers say they've used the time off to plan a bigger and better return with preliminary plans aiming to include a car show, pride stage, makers market and more.
Every year, officials warn that ice is never 100% safe. That rang true Saturday morning when six vehicles fell through the ice on Lake Pepin.
Neighbors in a Coon Rapids mobile home park are battling with a bird. They say the lone turkey appeared in their park around Thanksgiving of 2021 and hasn't left since, becoming more aggressive as the months go on.
"It's not just you go into the burn unit and you're done. This is a journey, a long life journey for most people," Jake LaFerriere said.
Heavy snow and rain have worsened ice conditions, forcing some event organizers to make adjustments.
Neighbors in Minneapolis' Marcy-Holmes neighborhood are flipping the switch in the fight against crime.
It only took Allan Papp a couple of hours, his two hands, and a little food coloring to sculpt a 25-foot-long green "Snowasaurus" in his front yard.
A new partnership is allowing Twin Cities high school students to get a jump start on their careers.
The stagnant air and moisture from melting snow is trapping pollutants near the ground, creating unhealthy air for large portions of the Twin Cities and further south.
The snow is making for great conditions for cross country skiers on land, but on the snow-covered lakes, it's been all but smooth sailing.