LATEST NEWS

MILACA (WJON News) -- A former central Minnesota prosecutor who was accused of groping a teenage girl has been found not guilty. After a two-week trial in Mille Lacs County, former Benton County Attorney Philip Miller was acquitted on two counts of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges were filed...

(KNSI) — The former Benton County attorney charged with criminal sexual conduct following allegations he sexually assaulted a minor has been acquitted. After a two week jury trial and just a few hours of deliberation, Phil Miller was found not guilty of all charges. According to the criminal complaint,...

ST. CLOUD, Minn — A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle early Sunday, Dec. 10 in Benton County. At 4:17 a.m., an unidentified male from Bowlus, Minn, was on Highway 23 near Lincoln Ave. SE when he was struck by a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

RICE (WJON News) -- A Rice man faces a felony assault charge after allegedly brandishing a gun during an argument with his girlfriend. The Benton County Sheriff's Office was called to a home in the 11000 block of Highway 10 Northwest in Watab Township just after 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. A witness called 911 to report an assault at that location.

SAUK RAPIDS (WJON News) -- You can check out the Benton County Historical Society Museum on Saturday during the Jingle & Mingle event in downtown Sauk Rapids. Yes, we're opening our doors to anyone who wants to come in and check out the new facility. We're serving apple cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. We welcome participating in the Sauk Rapids Jingle & Mingle now that we are part of the downtown community.

A man accused of assaulting a woman at gunpoint in Benton County was apprehended Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Little Falls. Benjamin Brian Nelson, 42 of Rice, was booked into the Benton County Jail on a felony charge of second degree assault. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault. Shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, Benton County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Highway 10 in...

SAUK RAPIDS (WJON News) -- Over the years there have been a few notable boat makers in Benton County. Historical Society Executive Director Mary Ostby says one of them was William Poganski. He worked at the Sartell Paper Mill for many years while making boats on the side as a hobby. He launched Poganski Boat Works in 1938 and made his hand-crafted wooden boats out of the garage at his home near downtown Sauk Rapids for about 12 years.