Latest News
Fall Colors
Minnesota's fall colors are close, and the state says a summer of heat and drought will show up in them, albeit subtly. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources kicked off its fall color season last week with a 2026 forecast, its Fall Color Finder map and a weekly newsletter. Color in Minnesota typically peaks from late September through mid-October, starting in the far northwest and north-central parts of the state and working toward the southeast. Peak usually lasts about a week in any one area, though that varies with location and weather. Day length and falling temperatures are the strongest drivers. The drought across much of the state is a smaller factor, but not a neutral one. "Severe drought can lessen the brilliance of some colors," said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program consultant. "It can also cause some trees to drop their leaves or change colors early — or later, depending on the species." Warmer September temperatures can slightly delay peak color, Schwingle said, as happened during the 2023 drought year. The DNR also said some trees have already been dropping leaves for at least a month. More than half the state was in at least severe drought as of early September, with the severe and extreme categories expanding southeast of the metro and across west-central Minnesota. Nearly two weeks ago, the state climatologist said the current drought was competing with 2021's for severity, and stressed trees were already visible around the Twin Cities. The Fall Color Finder tracks color change with color-coded maps and leaf reports from individual state parks and recreation areas — more than 70 of them. A date slider shows what colors have typically looked like statewide on a given date, based on past years. Readers can subscribe to the weekly Fall Color Update newsletter or submit their own state park photos through the same page. Fall is also a growing draw for the state's tourism industry. Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, called it possibly Minnesota's "most underrated travel season," pointing to cooler weather, color and a full festival calendar between late September and mid-October, a stretch many tourism businesses now count on to extend the summer.
Gas Prices
The national average price of diesel has increased 31.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.18 per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 17.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.25 per gallon. Average gasoline prices in Minnesota have risen 27.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.23 per gallon. GasBuddy says new weekend attacks knocked two additional Russian refineries offline. Further straining global refined product supplies and likely offsetting any seasonal relief. Diesel prices could climb even faster in the wake of the new refinery attacks.
Male Found Dead In Rural Cass Lake
Cass County Minnesota authorities are investigating after a male was found dead Sunday morning in rural Cass Lake, Minnesota. Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk says his office received a request for an ambulance at 7:57 a.m. Sunday from Leech Lake Tribal Police. The call came from the area of John Moose Drive NW in Pike Bay Township for a man who was believed to be deceased. Medical crews and officers arrived and found a male dead in the yard of a residence. Investigators immediately began working the case. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says it is being assisted by the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Minnesota State Patrol. An autopsy is scheduled with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that no further information is available at this time. Additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
Shooting
Police in Blaine are investigating after a man was shot in the parking lot of a gun shop on Saturday. According to Blaine PD, the shooting was reported around 6:15 p.m. outside Bill’s Gun Shop & Range, which is located at 3621 88th Avenue Northeast in Circle Pines. Responding officers found a man who had been shot. He was conscious and was taken to a local hospital. Police haven’t disclosed the severity of the victim’s injuries, nor is the man’s current condition known. No arrests have been announced.
Upcoming Local Events & KEYL/KXDL Events
Informational presentation sponsored by Iten Funeral Home
Iten Funeral Home will be presenting an informational get-together at the Browerville Community Center on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 2:00pm. Presenters: Pemberton Law Firm, Attorney Nicho...
Jackson and the Burn sponsored by Iten Funeral Home
Iten Funeral Home will be presenting Jackson and the Burn at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30pm. Come enjoy a fun, free night of music and light refreshments.
Todd County Museum Tour at the Camp Ripley Museum
The Todd County Museum is hosting a bus tour to Camp Ripley Museum on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Register by stopping at the Todd County Museum or mail your payment, name and phone numb...
Parkinson's Support Group
Parkinson's Support Group Meeting for anyone with Parkinson's, their families and caregivers will meet next on October 6, 2026 at 2:00pm at CentraCare Long Prairie (20 9th Street SE) West Campus bo...
Peace United Church Hotdish Lunch
Peace United Church in Long Prairie (524 Central Avenue) is holding their Hotdish Lunch on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 10:30am - 1:00pm. Variety of Hotdish, Bread with butter & Desserts.&...
St. John's Catholic Church 41st Annual Craft Fair
St. John's Catholic Church in Swanville will be holding their 41st Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00am - 3:00pm. 50+ exhibitors!! Other attractions include cakewalks,...
Eagle Bend Lions Gun Bingo
Eagle Bend Lions will be holding GUN BINGO on Sunday, October 25th at the Eagle Bend Vets Club. Doors will open at 11:00am, Bingo starts at 2:00pm with 10 games. MUST BE 18 TO PLAY. &nb...
Hilltop 8th Annual Waffle Feed
Hilltop Regional Kitchen (131 Park Ave, Eagle Bend) will be holding their 8th Annual Waffle Feed on Sunday, September 20th!! Serving: Waffles, Sausage, Applesauce, Strawberries, Whipped Cream...
KEYL/KXDL
If your non-profit group or organization has an event coming up that you would like publicized, send the information to KEYL/KXDL PO Box 187 Long Prairie, MN 56347 or you can drop it off Monday thr...
Exciting News!!! You can now, not only hear Hometown Radio KEYL on AM 1400, but you can also listen to us on FM 103.1.
