Lake Minnetonka Today 1/8/26
Here’s a regional news roundup relevant to the Lake Minnetonka area and nearby western Twin Cities suburbs for Thursday, January 8, 2026
🔥 Local Incidents & Safety
• Criminal fire at Minnetonka Beach mansion under investigation — Police say a significant fire at a Lake Minnetonka-area mansion led to a criminal investigation after crews responded Monday night. Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries; no one was found inside, and a dog reported missing hasn’t been located yet. Bring Me The News
• Ice safety warnings on Lake Minnetonka — Local water patrol crews are sounding the alarm about dangerous ice conditions on the lake, especially around ice ridges where fractured, brittle ice can be hard to spot. Officials urge caution for snowmobiles, ATVs, and skaters. CBS News
• Traffic & community alerts — In the broader Twin Cities region, major news includes ongoing debates over a fatal federal shooting investigation in Minneapolis (state investigators pulled from the case) — this is affecting safety perceptions even outside the city core. Star Tribune
🍽️ Lifestyle & Local Culture
• Twin Cities restaurant scene update — Keep an eye out for notable openings and closings in the metro restaurant world, including around Lake Minnetonka communities like Wayzata and Excelsior. Star Tribune
• “Best of Lake Minnetonka” voting kicks off soon — The annual Lake Minnetonka Magazine readers’ choice poll has been announced for February, with new categories and an easier voting platform for local businesses and services. Lake Minnetonka Magazine
🏒 Sports & Community Activities
• Skippers hockey win — The Minnetonka Skippers girls hockey team picked up a 5–0 shutout against Maple Grove this week — local sports fans are buzzing as the Skippers gear up for more games. The Rink Live
🗓️ Upcoming Events & Things to Watch
• Lake Minnetonka Chilly Open (Feb 7) — Save the date for the annual winter golf festival on frozen Wayzata Bay — a long-running community favorite with activities for all ages. Lake.com