John Lauritsen

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

Federal grant to help repair damages done by 2024 floods in southern Minnesota Nearly a year ago, the Rapidan Dam and surrounding area were hit by major flooding. It cost one family their home and damaged infrastructure in the area. But now, help for repairs is on the way in the form of a $5 million federal grant that will assist with recovery. "It was an unprecedented event for Blue Earth County," said Ryan Thilges, Blue Earth County public works director.

3 weeks ago | kesq.com | John Lauritsen

By John LauritsenClick here for updates on this story WINONA, Minnesota ( WCCO) - A National Eagle Center riverboat cruise will get you up close and personal with the country's national bird. "This is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to tour boats on the river," said Jon Borreson. As a boat captain, Borreson has taken his guests every which way on every waterway imaginable. But when he gets behind the wheel of the Cal Fremling in Winona, Minnesota, he knows what's waiting up ahead.

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

After recovering from a life-threatening disease, a Minnesota veteran aims to cycle in 50-mile ride A Minnesota veteran, recovering from a life-threatening disease, is ready to show his fellow soldiers just how much he's come back. With his dog Surrey by his side, Drew Carpenter is getting a workout in. It involves a lot of stretching and cycling. "I've been missing out on just the personal goals, kind of achieving of just moving the needle," said Carpenter.

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

A National Eagle Center riverboat cruise get you up close and personal with the country's national bird. "This is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to tour boats on the river," said Jon Borreson. As a boat captain, Borreson has taken his guests every which way on every waterway imaginable. But when he gets behind the wheel of the Cal Fremling in Winona, he knows what's waiting up ahead. "We see an average of 12 to 20 eagles on every trip," said Borreson.

4 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

Efforts are underway in Lake Elmo to remove dangerous PFAS chemicals from the environment. Friday morning, technology was unveiled that's focused on destroying PFAS. "Here in Lake Elmo, we are the epicenter of PFAS. We don't want to be," said John Holtz, a Lake Elmo councilmember. Lake Elmo is a community that's been dealing with PFAS for years. They are dangerous and potentially cancer-causing chemicals once created by 3M, that have found their way into drinking water.