Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Investigating Drowning on Little Emily Lake

Crow Wing County, MN — On May 30, 2026, at approximately 12:11 p.m., the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office was notified that a male had gone underwater while swimming in Little Emily Lake and had not resurfaced. The incident occurred near the Little Emily Lake Park swimming area.

Witnesses reported that the male had swam out into the lake before disappearing beneath the water. A friend of the victim was able to locate him underwater, and the victim was subsequently removed from the water.

The victim has been identified as Cody Kent, 29, of Burnsville, Minnesota.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Kent's family and friends during this difficult time.

Assisting at the scene were the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Emily Fire and Rescue, Emily First Responders, and additional emergency personnel.

The incident remains under investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office.

05/30/2026

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office is saddened to report that a 29-year-old male lost his life today in a drowning incident at the Little Emily Lake Park swimming area.

The male was at the park with family and friends when the incident occurred. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and immediate rescue efforts were undertaken.

Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the male was pronounced deceased.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

05/27/2026

Wednesday 5/27 11:30am Flanders Fire Update:

Incident Activity: The MNDNR Division of Forestry found NO hot spots for the past 3 days while monitoring the fire area. The DNR has wrapped up activity and handed the jurisdiction back to local authorities.

Home Visits: Crow Wing County Public Health & Emergency Management Teams have individually contacted everyone affected inside the former Flanders fire evacuation zone to identify needs & help assess any impact the fire may have had on residents’ homes & property. If you have immediate needs or questions email [email protected]

Private Wells: If your property was affected by wildfire & you depend on a private well for drinking water, our Public Health Teams want you to be aware of the following risks:
• Contaminated drinking water may be especially harmful for children.
• Loss of power or water pressure increases the risk of bacteria & other contaminants entering your water system.
• If there is damage to your well or water system, test it before drinking.
• Discolored, odd-smelling, or bad-tasting water should be tested before consuming.
• Some fire retardants can contaminate soil & groundwater after application.
• Heat can cause piping & other well components to crack & expose your water system to contamination.
• Have damaged well or electrical components repaired by a licensed professional.

Reminder: Beware of Contractor Cleanup Scams after Wildfire: After the Flanders wildfire, scam artists & identity thieves often try to take advantage of those cleaning up. Scams can involve anything from tree cleanup to roof & siding repair to smoke damage. Do not give down payment or sign anything right away. Utilize local services or a reputable company

Appreciation: The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to the many departments, agencies, and community partners who responded swiftly and collaboratively to the Flanders Wildfires that broke out in northern Crow Wing County on 5/16. As the wildfire spread rapidly, emergency teams initiated evacuations, closed roads, and coordinated resources to protect residents and property. The Board recognizes the extraordinary efforts of all who played a role in the response.

Burning Restrictions: Despite recent rainfall, conditions remain dry in central Minnesota, and everyone needs to adhere to current burning restrictions found at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

05/26/2026

During the Flanders Fire evacuation, many residents and campers were forced to leave their property behind as they evacuated the area for their safety. Unfortunately, someone took advantage of the situation involving a red 1982 Honda 185S three-wheeler that had been left behind by campers during the evacuation.

The three-wheeler was reportedly stripped down around May 17th, and then the remaining complete three-wheeler was taken from the area around May 18th. The incident occurred south of County Road 11 and east of E. Horseshoe Lake Road.

We are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area, has information about the theft, or knows the whereabouts of the three-wheeler to contact the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

It is disappointing that during a time when our community came together to support one another during a major emergency, someone chose to take advantage of the situation for personal gain.

If you have any information, please contact the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office at 218-829-4749.

05/26/2026

Today at the Crow Wing County Board meeting, longtime Sheriff’s Office dispatcher Meg Sherman was recognized for an incredible 26 years of service to the citizens of Crow Wing County.

Meg, lovingly known by many as “Mama Meg,” has spent her entire career working the night shift — a true testament to her dedication, loyalty, and commitment to public safety. Through countless overnight hours, difficult calls, emergencies, and long nights, Meg has been a steady voice, a calming presence, and a source of support for deputies, fellow dispatchers, first responders, and staff alike.

Her loyalty to this office and the people she serves has never wavered. Meg’s work ethic, compassion, and dependability have made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Thank you, Meg, for 26 years of outstanding service, sacrifice, and dedication to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

05/25/2026

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.

While many of us enjoy time on the lake, at the cabin, or around the grill, we also pause to remember and honor the brave men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

Please celebrate responsibly, watch out for one another, and take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

From all of us at the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office — thank you to all who have served, and especially to those who gave everything for our freedom.

05/19/2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released the following update regarding the investigation into the Flanders Fire:

The DNR has located the origin of the fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake. The fire began on Saturday, May 16, and has burned approximately 1,600 acres in Crow Wing County.
Investigators have also identified people of interest in the case.

The DNR is asking residents and others in and around the Flanders Lake area — particularly on the western side on state land, along County Road 11, and Horseshoe Lake Road — who may have trail camera footage, Ring doorbell footage, or any other information from between Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17, to contact DNR Conservation Officer Jordan Anderson at (218) 639-0782.

We appreciate the continued support and cooperation from our community as this investigation continues.

05/19/2026

Wildfire Evacuations LIFTED: With significant progress made on the fire, all the evacuation orders and notices will be lifted at 12noon today and residents are welcome to return to their homes and properties. Crow Wing County Emergency Management and Public Health Teams will be out in the coming days to assess and talk to residents who were evacuated to assist and help with specific needs. If you have immediate needs contact Public Health at 218-824-1170.

05/19/2026

Here is the latest update.

🔥Flanders Fire Update🔥
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Jeb Backe
Fire Information Line: 218-225-1711 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-flanders-fire

Flanders Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1,666 acres Origin: 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota along Highway 6 County: Crow Wing
Start Date: May 16, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 60% Total Personnel: 143

Key Messages: Very good progress continues to be made on the fire due to the hard work of firefighters. County Road 11 has been reopened, but the public is being asked to please keep avoiding the area unless you have a need to pass through. If it is necessary to enter the area, slow down and be extra mindful while driving as there are still firefighters in the area doing work. We are also asking that all media who want to visit the fire check-in at Incident Command at the Crosslake Fire Department or by calling the info line so we can es**rt you, for both your safety and firefighter safety.

Operation Update:
Excellent progress was made by firefighting crews yesterday and the fire is now at 60% containment. Crews continue to establish control lines with tracked vehicles and mop up hot spots. The Sheriff’s drone team was also able to launch several drones to better map the fire and help detect hot spots from the air. Crews also continued their assessment and mitigation of hazard trees with dozers and chainsaws.

Planned Activity: Crews will continue mop up work, improving containment lines, and continue their assessments of hazard trees in the area. With containment continuing to grow, firefighters and equipment are starting to be demobilized as the Incident Management Team prepares to transfer command of the fire back to local authorities.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established over the fire area. The TFR restricts aircraft from entering a designated area around the fire to ensure safety during firefighting operations. Do not fly unauthorized drones near the Flanders Fire. Remember - If you fly, we can't!

Closures: The road closure from County Road 11 in Crosslake east to State Highway 6 is reopen for public use.
Reminder that the fire is still actively being worked on by fire crews, and to prioritize their and firefighter safety to try to avoid spending time in the area or if passing through be mindful of firefighting crews in the area.

Evacuations: With significant progress made on the fire, all the evacuation orders and notices will be lifted at 12noon today and residents are welcome to return to their homes and properties.

Current evacuation information can be referenced on the Crow Wing County website at: https://www.crowwing.gov/1814/Wildfire-Update

Burning Restrictions: For current restrictions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Weather: Today, temperatures will be cooler with a high of around 50 degrees, with the possibility of frost tomorrow. The minimum humidity will be around 55 percent. Yesterday the area received 0.3 inch of rain.

05/19/2026

• 60% Containment
• 1,667 Acres Burned
• 143 Fire Personnel Assigned
• Mission Focus: Mopping up hot spots
• Transitioning to more ground crews and fewer structural protection crews

Today was another huge step forward thanks to the incredible teamwork and dedication of all responding personnel. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, emergency management, public works, dispatchers, volunteers, and supporting agencies have worked tirelessly around the clock to protect lives and property.

We also want to thank this amazing community for the overwhelming support, patience, and encouragement shown throughout this incident. It truly makes a difference.

Please continue to avoid the area unless you have a legitimate reason to be there so crews can safely continue their work.