Dakota County

Calls for changes to a dangerous intersection on Highway 50 near Farmington have intensified after a deadly hit-and-run killed a teen. The intersection has seen at least eight accidents since 2021, including two fatal crashes, prompting local advocacy for safety improvements. Authorities are seeking a silver 2008–2011 Ford Focus as the suspected hit-and-run vehicle.

A semi-truck carrying approximately 800 turkeys overturned on Highway 47 in Dakota County Monday morning. The incident occurred during a morning commute on the highway.

A semi carrying approximately 800 turkeys overturned on Highway 47 in Dakota County, causing the highway to remain closed on Monday morning for several hours. The incident occurred at 265th Street near Northfield Boulevard, but investigators have not confirmed if any turkeys were injured or killed.

Minnesota's Weather Authority has issued heat and smoke alerts for Thursday and Friday, with high temperatures in the low to mid-90s and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. Health risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsened pre-existing conditions, prompting advisories to limit outdoor activity and use cooling centers.

Molly reports that heavy smoke from northern Minnesota wildfires is moving toward the metro area, combining with extreme heat that has issued a 5-day alert through Friday. The heat, with 'feels like' temperatures near 100°F, poses health risks including heat exhaustion and stroke, especially for vulnerable groups. Poor air quality is expected to persist, with cooling centers available in several counties.

A Minnesota Weather Authority Alert is in effect from Sunday through Tuesday as extreme heat, with heat index values in the high 90s to triple digits, impacts the state. Health risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Cooling centers are available in multiple counties.

Isanti County is considering increasing the wheelage tax from $10 to $20 annually to fund a new highway department building, aiming to avoid raising property taxes. The tax, dedicated to road and bridge maintenance, is already applied in other Minnesota counties with varying rates. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Wednesday.

Thunderstorms with severe risks (damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes) will develop south of the Minnesota River around 6 p.m., affecting areas like Scott, Dakota, and Pierce County. Muggy conditions with highs in the mid-80s persist in the Twin Cities, while thunderstorms subside north of the river. Additional severe storms are expected Thursday evening and Friday morning, followed by a return of heat and humidity next week.

West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes across Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties, with one location each in Hennepin and Dakota and two in Ramsey testing positive. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District notes this is consistent with historical patterns, though last year saw over 120 human cases in Minnesota, including 50 in the Twin Cities. Residents are advised to use insect repellent, cover skin, and remove standing water.

Dakota County's online dashboard reveals PFAS levels in groundwater exceeding state and federal drinking water guidelines. The data highlights concerns about PFAS contamination in the area.

Dakota County has launched a PFAS Dashboard to provide information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the area. The dashboard was featured in a post on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.

President Trump falsely claimed he won Minnesota in the last three presidential elections, but evidence shows he lost each race. He won most counties but failed to secure the four largest metro-area counties, with margins of defeat ranging from 1.5 to seven percentage points. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon defended the state's election integrity, stating no evidence of widespread fraud exists.

Farmers Union Agency received a 2026 Make More Happen™ Award from Liberty Mutual for its partnership with The Open Door, a hunger relief organization in Dakota County. Community support through online voting doubled the initial $5,000 donation to $10,000, helping expand food access programs and emergency response capabilities.