John Lauritsen

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

Minnesotans need to watch out for these tick-borne illnesses this year With the warm weather comes deer ticks. They carry not only Lyme disease but also Powassan virus. "Most of the day is spent in front of a microscope identifying mosquitoes and ticks and black flies," said Scott Larson. Such is the life of an entomologist at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. But despite the daily routine, they're always discovering something new.

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

How a Minnesota museum is marking the 113th anniversary of the Titanic sinking April 15 will be the 113th anniversary of the day the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, taking with it 1,500 lives. From news to movies, people still marvel over what happened. The infamous tragedy is remembered in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Most people come to Duluth to see the big ships on Lake Superior, but at Karpeles Museum, it's the little ships that grab your attention.

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

With planting season just around the corner, Minnesota soybean farmers are voicing concern over President Trump's trade war with China. China has said it will match the 34% tax on all U.S. imports. And just this morning, Mr. Trump responded by threatening new 50% tariffs on China, a country that imports a lot of Minnesota soybeans. That's not the only reason farmers are on edge. "The buzzword is 'uncertainty' and that carries across our industry right now," said Darin Johnson.

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | John Lauritsen

The city of Waseca says bird droppings are destroying a popular island. A few years ago, cormorants decided to make Loon Lake Island their home. However, the birds brought a unique problem with no easy solution. "They used to have a bar and hotel that was on the island back in the day," said Brian Tomford, Waseca County facilities director. During the summer, kayakers and canoers access Loon Lake on their way to Loon Lake Island. "We have a dock on the other side.

3 weeks ago | ktvz.com | John Lauritsen

By John LauritsenClick here for updates on this story    OTTER TAIL, Minnesota (WCCO) — Springtime in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, means the woodlands are waking up. You’ll find the usual plants and animals here, but on a property near Dent, you’ll also find the unusual. It’s a series of blue lines zigzagging through the forest, stretching as far as the eye can see. The lines belong to Stu Peterson and they’re carrying sap from his sugar maples into containers that he’ll haul to his sugarhouse.