Greater Minnesota

PUC orders Xcel Energy to refund customers for 2011 Sherco outage costs
A major mechanical failure at the Sherco coal-fired power plant caused a fire and extensive damage in 2011. An administrative law judge recently found that Xcel’s failure to prudently operate and maintain Unit 3 contributed to the accident.
In divided St. Cloud, challengers hope to flip House seats
While many legislative districts in Minnesota are either solidly Republican or DFL, in the St. Cloud, voters are evenly split. Races for the two House seats that represent the region are among the most competitive in the state. 
Control of state House could hinge on a sleepy district outside Duluth
Control of the Minnesota House of Representatives could come down to one race in a district outside Duluth, where first-term Republican Natalie Zeleznikar is being challenged by Democratic retired judge Mark Munger.
Longtime resort owner Bruce Kerfoot dies, ‘legend‘ of the Gunflint Trail
In a post on social media, Kerfoot’s family said he died in his sleep Wednesday night. “The family has some peace knowing he and Justine are paddling together to their shore lunch spot,” they wrote.
‘A resilient plant’: Three tribal nations reflect on wild rice season, how heavy spring rainfall affected harvest
The annual wild rice season typically occurs from late August to early October. However, three tribal communities in northern Minnesota saw a late start to the season as beds were not ready to be harvested.
‘We’re grateful’: Rapidan Dam Store reopens in new temporary location
The Rapidan Dam Store reopened in a new location in Mankato Monday. The original building was demolished before it fell into the Blue Earth River during severe flooding which swept around the dam in June.
What a difference a week makes: Where to catch the changing fall colors in Minnesota
The Minnesota DNR’s fall colors map suggests leaves are between 25-75 percent changed. The most colorful sights are in the state’s arrowhead region, central Minnesota and in the northeast. The Twin Cities metro area remains fairly green.
Soomaalida St. Cloud waxay rabaan in ay ka dhex muuqdaan siyaasadda, laakiin iyaga oo dhan isku aragti ma aha
In ka badan labaatameeyo sano ka hor ayey qaxootigan oo ka soo jeeda Bariga Afrika soo dageen St. Cloud, oo qaarkood ayaa raadinaya in ay door ku yeeshaan maamulka iyo siyaasadda.