Latest news with #MeekerCounty
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
Train carrying hazardous materials derails southwest of St. Cloud area, sheriff says
A train carrying hazardous materials derailed on Thursday night about 25 miles southwest of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says it was alerted of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City train derailment at about 7:21 p.m., which occurred about a mile west of Watkins near Highway 55 and Meeker/Stearns Street. While some of the train's cargo contains hazardous materials, the sheriff's office said an "initial assessment determined there is no hazardous material leaks and there is no threat to public safety at this time." Authorities say no injuries were reported and the cause of the derailment is still under investigation. A part of Meeker/Stearns Street will be closed to traffic on Friday and possibly into the weekend. "Alternate routes will need to be taken for those who normally use this road," the sheriff's office said. This story will be updated.
CBS News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Republican Minnesota Sen. Bruce Anderson dies unexpectedly at age 75
Longtime Republican Minnesota Sen. Bruce Anderson died unexpectedly on Monday, his GOP colleagues said in a statement. He was 75. Anderson is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and he spent more than 30 years in the Legislature. He was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1994 before moving to the Senate following his election in 2012. He represented Wright County and three communities across neighboring Hennepin and Meeker counties. "I'm saddened to learn Senator Bruce Anderson passed unexpectedly today. Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo," said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, in a statement. "We offer our condolences and prayers for comfort for the entire Anderson family." His family has asked for privacy and will share a statement at a later time. He and his wife Ruth lived in Buffalo and together have eight children and 12 grandchildren, according to his biography on the Senate GOP website. Anderson focused on issues impacting agriculture, veterans, broadband and public safety during his time at the State Capitol. Senate Democrats in a statement said they are saddened by the loss, calling him "a great champion" for farmers and veterans. "I served with Bruce in both the House and Senate, and will fondly remember him for the way he approached this work and treated his colleagues," said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, in a statement. "He was a decent, kind colleague, and a dedicated family man, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him." He joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school and years later also joined the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves. He grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. Former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, a Republican whom Anderson succeeded in the Senate, said in a post on social media that he was a mentor and a friend who "changed hearts and minds through hard work and lots of conversation" in what once was a DFL-leaning district. Gov. Tim Walz will eventually call a special election for the vacancy left by his death. It comes as there will be another special election in September for former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman's seat after she was shot in a politically motivated attack last month. There will be yet another vacancy and subsequent special election in the Senate when Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigns from office following her felony burglary conviction. Her attorney said that will happen no later than Aug. 4.
CBS News
21-07-2025
- CBS News
Motorcyclist with "WILL RUN" fake plates leads Minnesota deputies on chase, sheriff says
A southern Minnesota man is in jail after authorities say he led deputies on a high-speed chase atop an unregistered motorcycle, with fake license plates reading "WILL RUN." The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says it was alerted early Sunday evening of a motorcyclist "driving at speeds over 100 mph, back and forth" on Highway 55 through the town of Watkins, located about 25 miles southwest of St. Cloud. A deputy attempted to pull the motorcyclist over, but he fled and led them on a two-mile pursuit that ended with the suspect pulling up to a residence and fleeing on foot, the sheriff's office said. The motorcyclist, a 37-year-old Watkins man, was soon arrested and is being held in Meeker County Jail in Litchfield. Authorities say he faces several criminal charges, including fleeing an officer, driving after revocation and reckless driving.
CBS News
07-07-2025
- CBS News
Unlicensed motorcyclist leads deputies on 30-mile chase in central Minnesota
Officials stress flash flooding safety tips among Texas disaster, and more headlines Officials stress flash flooding safety tips among Texas disaster, and more headlines Officials stress flash flooding safety tips among Texas disaster, and more headlines A motorcyclist with a canceled license led authorities on a 30-mile chase through central Minnesota on July Fourth, authorities said. A Meeker County deputy tried to pull the motorcyclist over for a traffic offense around 3:30 p.m. near Highway 24 and County Road 2, the sheriff's office said. The motorcyclist sped away and the chase began. At times, the suspect went faster than 100 mph, the sheriff's office said. At county roads 1 and 23, the motorcyclist went into the ditch and tried to run from deputies. They caught and arrested him. The 38-year-old from Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, is awaiting charges at the Meeker County Jail. The sheriff's office said his driving privileges were revoked for being "inimical to public safety."
