Minneapolis native Vincent Kartheiser is keeping himself busy in Los Angeles starring as smarmy advertising executive Pete Campbell in the hit AMC-TV drama "Mad Men," but at some point, he wants to move home. He tells WCCO radio that he wants a Minnesota hideaway "far enough away from my family, and close enough to my family."

St. Joseph, Minnesota, resident Bobby Vee has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is retiring from performing. The Fargo-born Vee got his start in rock-n-roll in 1959, filling in for Buddy Holly at a Moorhead gig after Holly was killed in a plane crash.

One expert says a Minnesota tradition is fading as more people look to retire or live year-round in larger homes.

Koenen won the special election with 54 percent of the vote Tuesday. He beat out GOP candidate Gregg Kulberg and Independent candidate Leon Greenslit. DFL Senator Gary Kubly died last month after a long battle with ALS.

Gov. Dayton has proclaimed Wednesday, March 7, 2012 "Gary Kubly Day" and ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff in recognition of the late lawmaker from Granite Falls. Kubly died Friday at age 68.

An unnamed firm appears to be interested in building a 200,000-square-foot building at the long-delayed biotechnology business park north of Rochester. The Star Tribune reports the company would bring roughly 200 biotech jobs to Pine Island after the first phase of construction. Project officials hope to break ground early next year. City administrator for Pine Island told the Minneapolis-based newspaper that he is cautiously optimistic.

The Metropolitan Council is getting closer to finding a new Metro Transit police chief. A.J. Olson has been serving as acting chief since former police chief David Indrehus retired several months ago. The Metropolitan Council said screenings and oral exams have been completed.

Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann says she’s in the campaign for the long term. The day after the latest GOP candidate debate Bachmann insists the race consists of more than front-runners Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. Bachmann is skipping the Florida straw poll, saying the balloting there is too narrow.