WILLMAR (LEARFIELD) - The Jennie-O Turkey Store is confirming that two employees at its flagship plant in Willmar have been diagnosed with COVID-19. President Steve Lykken (LICK'-in)  says several people who had contact with infected workers were sent home to self-quarantine. "I think it's really important for people to know that at our company the health and well-being of our team members is priority number one," said Lykken. "We get that it's top of mind for people in the community, our team members our customers etc." Lykken says there has been no disruption to the workforce or supply chain and affected [...]

MARSHALL (KMHL) – Avera-Marshall Regional Medical Center is preparing for a surge in coronavirus cases in the Marshall area. Avera Medical Group clinics will be moved to the Bruce Street location from Carlson Street as it prepares for an increase in patients dealing with upper respiratory symptoms. "Consolidating clinics to one location for now will help us further prepare for a possible surge of patients needing hospital care in the future," said Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center Regional President and CEO Mary Maertens. "It will also help us preserve the health of our workforce and conserve resources for critical needs." One [...]

UNDATED (LEARFIELD) - Minnesota farmers have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Corn Growers Association executive director Adam Birr says they have created a web page of resources for producers. "With all of the information coming out, and it seems like it's changing by the hour, we wanted to create a landing page that kind of covers the full gamut," said Birr. "All things related to COVID from beginning to prepare for spring planting and some mental health resource links." He says they are also offering resources for ag in the classroom and for those who are trying to [...]

ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) -- The Minnesota Senate is considering a proposal on how to handle the COVID-19 crisis. Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) is pushing for businesses to reopen and says his plan could accomplish that in a safe manner. The plan calls for a state agency to be in charge of reviewing individual business plans for reopening. Gov. Tim Walz has issued a stay at home order for Minnesotans through May 4. The order allows for essential businesses to remain open, however, many are closed as a result of the order. Matthews' plan would focus on strategies for social distancing and [...]

WORTHINGTON (LEARFIELD/KMHL) - JBS USA announced today the indefinite closure of its Worthington pork production facility. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove says he's sad to see the news but believes the closure is the right step. "We want to help as much as we can," said Grove. "Our job with the Department of Employment and Economic Development is working with the action team in Worthington to ensure that all workers and staff have access to unemployment benefits and job seeker services if helpful during this difficult time." Just over 25 of the workers at the JBS [...]

ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) - Governor Tim Walz says he doesn't know yet, whether he'll extend a stay-at-home order past May 4th, but that Minnesota is "hitting a really critical time" in the fight against COVID-19. "We have done so well that it might be a double-edged sword for us," said Walz. "I'm just afraid people are ready to bust out and then this thing spikes up." Cases in Minnesota have continued to increase rapidly over the weekend. On Sunday, health officials announced that there were now 2,356 confirmed cases in the state and 134 fatalities. Walz indicates when the time is [...]

WORTHINGTON (KMHL) – The number of positive Coronavirus cases in Nobles County is continuing to explode. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the number of confirmed positive cases in Nobles County is 60. As of late Saturday, health officials said 20 of those cases were confirmed positive cases from inside the JBS USA plant in Worthington. The plant is continuing operations despite the outbreak – Gov. Walz said Friday the department of health has been deployed to the facility.

COTTONWOOD (KMHL) – A 23-year-old man was injured in a stabbing Thursday evening at a residence in Cottonwood. The Lyon County Sheriff’s office says it responded to a call of an assault Thursday evening shortly before 9:30. Authorities say the man who was stabbed was transported from the scene and flown to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Sheriff’s officials say a 35-year-old man at the residence was identified as the suspect and was arrested. The incident remains under investigation.