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Friday, July 24, 2026
The Minnesota man who pleaded guilty to killing a top Democratic lawmaker and her husband was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison on Thursday, a little over a year after the political attacks. Vance Boelter, 59, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in prison after pleading guilty in June to the six counts related to the killings of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Fellow lawmakers and survivors of the shooting spoke earlier in the hearing, describing the lasting fear and physical harm that Boelter caused. Boelter pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty; instead, he agreed to the maximum sentence he could be issued short of the death penalty. Mark Hortman’s father and siblings voiced their anger that he would not face the death penalty. Wearing orange prison garb and shackled at the ankles, Boelter sat extremely still, never looking at the survivors and family members as they read their victim impact statements. In court Thursday, Sen. Hoffman said he and his family are constantly reminded of the extraordinary violence of that night, even in the mundane details of day-to-day life. He said they don’t receive mail at home anymore, they installed solid steel doors, and that they have changed how they do everyday tasks because of their injuries. Boelter admitted in court in June that he spent months identifying and stalking his targets, before driving to their homes in the middle of the night, disguised as a police officer, with the intention of killing them. The killings sparked the largest police search in state history. Boelter also faces state charges, including two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer and animal cruelty. The Hortman family’s golden retriever was gravely injured in the shootings and had to be euthanized. Hoffman and his family filed a personal injury lawsuit against Boelter in April.
A mental health call near Sartell High School ended without incident, but not before interrupting activities nearby. The Sartell Police Department was dispatched to a call for service in a neighborhood west of the high school on Thursday morning. The police chief says out of an abundance of caution, they asked the school district to pause outdoor activities while officers assessed the situation. Police say the situation was resolved peacefully and there is no ongoing threat to the school or surrounding community. Once officers secured the scene, school district officials were cleared to resume activities.
A crash between a boom truck and an SUV sent a Paynesville woman to the hospital on Thursday afternoon. The incident happened east of Grove City in Meeker County just before 1:00pm. The Minnesota State Patrol says a boom truck driven by 26-year-old Jared Scholz of Litchfield and a Chevy Equinox driven by 29-year-old Willow Sturtz of Paynesville were both traveling west on Highway 12 when they collided near 560th Avenue. Sturtz was taken to Meeker Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Scholz and his passenger, 34-year-old Nathan Glmsdal of Lithfield, were not hurt.
A former state lawmaker who was convicted of burglary is asking her community to elect her to a local office. Nicole Mitchell served as a DFL State Senator from 2023 until the summer of 2025, when she resigned. She officially launched her campaign for Woodbury City Council, saying she is committed to "building a strong community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish." Her last year and a half in state office was tumultuous as she faced charges of burglarizing her stepmother's Detroit Lakes home in April of 2024. Mitchell claimed she went to her stepmother's home to check on her. But the defence showed police body camera video, which showed her wearing all black and telling officers she was at the home to retrieve sentimental items that belonged to her late father. Mitchell resigned after she was convicted. On her city council campaign website, Mitchell describes her priorities if elected, which include preventing further PFAS contamination and transitioning the city from "at large" council members to wards. She does not mention the burglary conviction on her website.
Six people including two infants were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 371 in Pine River Township Thursday just after 2:30pm in Cass County. A 35-year-old from Plymouth and three passengers ages 33, and two under the age of 1 year were taken to Brainerd Hospital for treatment of injuries. The 73 year old driver and 74 year old passenger from Backus in the other vehicle were also taken to the Brainerd Hospital for treatment of injuries. The State Patrol said all were wearing seatbelts and the infants were properly restrained and alcohol was not involved.
There will be an upcoming Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative. Whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, parent, friend, or a child with special needs; at home or in a care facility, whether down the block or miles away, yours is an important role. This course is for family and friend caregivers like you! This NO COST six-week class series gives you the confidence and support to better care for your loved one and yourself. The classes will be every Tuesday September 1st through October 6th. at the Morrison County Government Center. Registration is required by contacting 218-631-7629 by August 29th for a head count for the free classes at the government center.
Many weekend events Platte River Day Saturday parade 11am, auction 12:30pm and more in Royalton. Our Lady of Lourdes Church Bazaar Sunday, St. Rita's Church in Hillman Church Bazaar this Sunday. Mid Summer Music Fest in Menagha Friday and Saturday many rock bands Warrant, Collective Soul and more and meet JZ and Paladin of 94ROCKS Friday and Saturday at event with their 94ROCKS gear on.
Death Notices: Josephine A. Leidenfrost, age 90 of Pierz. Mary Kipley, age 77 of Little Falls.
Weather: Rain at times before 10am, some with heavy downpours at times, then sunny and humid in the afternoon high 84, showers and storms possible again after 1am tomorrow morning until daybreak, low around 68 and humid. Saturday sunny and hot, high 96, heat index values near 103, increasing clouds Saturday night low near 70 and humid, Sunday sunny and hot with isolated thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening hours, some could be severe, high 97 heat index values to 106, low around 68. Monday sunny and hot, high 95, low 65. Tuesday sunny and hot, high 93, low around 65. Wednesday showers and T-storms, hot, high 92, low around 62. Thursday chance of showers, hot high 94, low around 63.
Sports: Twins go extra innings and beat Cleveland 3-1 in 12 innings yesterday to split the four game series with the Guardians. Twins (51-53) open a series with the Athletics tonight at 7:10 at Target Field, Saturday at 6:10pm and Sunday at 1:10pm. WNBA All Star Game Saturday in Chicago, the Lynx are well represented. Little Falls Community Schools is proud to announce that Cross Country Head Coach Meg Cameron has been named Section 8AA Girls Coach of the Year, while Assistant Coach Caitlin Skluzacek has been honored as Section 8AA Assistant Coach of the Year. The two coaches received their awards this past week at the section awards banquet, capping off a season that reflects the dedication, teamwork, and passion they bring to the program every day. Victory League has 3 games tonight regular season Ft. Ripley at Avon, Buckman at Nisswa for 4B regular season finales. In 9C play in action for the tournament Royalton at Freeport all games at 7:30pm Friday night. Saturday includes Upsala at Aitkin, Flensburg at Opole and St. Mathias at Pierz Bulldogs in play in series games 2 on Saturday with possible 1 on Sunday. KLTF Game of the Week St. Mathias at Pierz Bulldogs Saturday at 1:30pm with game 2 to follow both games Saturday on KLTF and fallsradio.com.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
A young girl is in critical condition being pulled from the water at a St. Paul aquatic center earlier this week. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to Como Pool...
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Federal and Minnesota authorities updated the public Tuesday on 16 wildfires in the northern parts of the state. Nine of the fires are now 100% contained. Compared to Monday's update,...
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Officials say three new wildfires were detected Sunday as the amount of acreage burned exceeds 70,000. According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 63,000 acres have burned in northern...
Monday, July 20, 2026
A 33-year-old Pillager man was arrested Friday, July 10, after he allegedly stalked and assaulted a woman in Brainerd. Tyler Joe McDonald was charged Monday in Crow Wing County District...
