News

ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) - Ag interests at the Minnesota Capitol warn the state agency that makes loans to farmers is running out of money and they're trying to fast-track a 50-million-dollar injection for the Rural Finance Authority. A House panel hears a bill this morning, after a similar measure passed unanimously in a Senate committee Monday afternoon. "Many times this is the difference of the new beginning farmer being able to get started, or the farm transitioning or the farm in distress needing a little bit of help," said Sen. Torrey Westerm (R-Elbow Lake). Last week, Republicans in the House tried [...]

UNDATED (LEARFIELD) - After six months of testimony, study and deliberation, today a state working group released a plan that if implemented they believe would help reduce deadly force encounters with law enforcement in Minnesota. State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington says over the past five years there have been well over 100 officer-involved shootings in the state. "One of the things that was surprising to many of us was 60 percent of those happened in greater Minnesota," said Harrington. "As much as we all hear about the ones that happen in the Twin Cities, it's greater Minnesota where we spent [...]

MARSHALL (KMHL) – It is precinct caucus night tonight in Minnesota. That’s the process where political parties set their platforms and choose local delegates to attend political conventions. Caucuses will be held in Lyon County for the Democrats and Republicans. Events are also being held by area independent candidates and the Libertarian party. In Marshall the DFL precinct caucus will be held at the Adult Community Center. While Republicans, in Marshall, will meet at Grace Life Church. There are other events being held around Lyon County for both of the major parties. Both caucus events begin at 7 p.m., registration is [...]

WILLMAR (LEARFIELD)  --  A Granite Falls man caught with a bomb in his vehicle is pleading guilty to possessing an explosive device and drugs. Prosecutors say Randy Frederiks, 31, fled his pickup when deputies began checking his license plate and they found an object covered in black tape with a detonating fuse and gun powder, in Willmar last summer. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad determined the device contained explosive components.  Methamphetamine and needles were also discovered in the truck. Frederiks was arrested two days later and claimed the device was a sparkler. He'll be sentenced March 31st.

CHANHASSEN (LEARFIELD) - Spring flooding is likely across Minnesota this year. The National Weather Service office in Chanhassen's hydrologist Craig Schmit says the amount of moisture in the soil means that there is a chance some areas of the state that haven't seen flooding in recent years, may deal with it. "Of course the main factors are going to be what kind of snow pack we end up with and then what our melt looks like," said Schmit. "What kind of temperature profile we end up with in March and whether we get more snow while the melt is going on, [...]

HANLEY FALLS (KMHL) – A rural Hanley Falls man was airlifted after a tractor accident that occurred west of Hanley Falls Friday evening. The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s office says Joshua Kruckman, 30, of Hanley Falls was struck by a tractor at his residence on 210th Avenue. Authorities say Kruckman was airlifted to have his injuries treated. Sheriff’s officials say the incident happened around 9:30 Friday night.

ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD)  --  State health officials are reporting a second child death from flu-related illness in Minnesota. The latest update shows ten people died of influenza complications in the week ending February 15th, bringing the season total to 58. There were 307 hospitalizations last week and 60 flu outbreaks in Minnesota schools.  Influenza activity is still considered widespread in the state.

ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) - Senate Republicans are pushing to give one billion dollars of the state's expected budget surplus back to Minnesotans by reducing the lowest income tax rate, expanding the K-12 education tax credit and eliminating state income tax on Social Security benefits -- plus tax relief for farmers and other measures. "The only folks up here that are not truly represented by special interests are all those people who pay the bills," said Chamberlain. "We are going to fully and adequately represent the workers and the taxpayers and the people who pay the bills in the state of Minnesota." [...]

CURRIE (KMHL) – The Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program is leaving for Cambodia today. Currie resident Krista Kopperud, is in the class and is heading on the trip. She says they’ve been preparing for the trip for months. "I have been looking forward to this trip since last June, even before," said Kopperud. "We found out last June when we were all in Duluth and ever since that we've been preparing individually and as a group to head over there." Kopperud says they’ll study each country’s domestic policies, cultures and customs. In all, around 28 people are going on the [...]

IVANHOE (KMHL) –  Authorities say there was a rash of vehicle break-ins in Lake Benton Sunday night. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says they have received several reports of vehicles that were broken into or rummaged through Sunday evening. Sheriff’s officials are asking residents that if they noticed their vehicles were tampered with or if they’re missing anything to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at (507) 694-1664.