MARSHALL — Marshall’s Dominic Riley has advanced to the quarterfinals of the national Youth Athlete of the Year competition, which highlights young athletes across the country for their skill, dedication, and leadership.  Riley, a hockey player, said the sport has shaped him on and off the ice. “Hockey is everything,” he said, describing the friendships, hard work, and competition that drive him. He credits his dad, coaches, and even a family connection to former NFL player Ward Cuff as major inspirations. Riley is also active in the community, volunteering to help those in need.  The Youth Athlete of the Year competition [...]

MARSHALL — The former D’s Thai restaurant property in Marshall may soon be repurposed as one of the city’s first cannabis dispensaries.  During a Marshall Economic Development Authority tour Wednesday, officials said the building on Susan Drive has been sold and registered with the city for a potential retail cannabis business. The prospective operator is Roy’zzz Premium Cannabis, a Sioux Falls-based company with multiple medical cannabis stores.  Before opening, the business must complete Minnesota’s licensing process through the new Office of Cannabis Management. That process includes a background check, site inspection, and state approval.  Marshall has capped its cannabis retail registrations [...]

ST. PAUL — State officials are alerting Minnesotans to a new scam involving fraudulent text messages posing as the Department of Revenue. The messages claim recipients are owed a tax refund and urge them to click a link to update banking information. Authorities stressed the texts are fake and not connected to the department. The Department of Revenue emphasized that taxpayer data remains secure and that it will never send unsolicited messages asking for personal or financial information. Anyone who receives the scam texts is advised not to click on the link, to mark the message as junk or spam, and [...]

ST. PAUL — After two days of working group meetings on gun violence prevention, questions remain over whether Republicans and Democrats can reach agreement in a special session. On banning assault rifles, the outlook appears uncertain. Republican Senator Eric Lucero of St. Michael said, "We're here to talk about solutions and what we can do. It's very clear that has been enumerated many times before passing new gun laws will be tied up in courts and not have an impact and likely found unconstitutional." DFL Senator Ron Latz of St. Louis Park countered, "It's not just the Democrats job to pass [...]

MARSHALL — The annual Pursuit of Excellence marching band festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 20, at Mattke Field on the SMSU campus. Bands from across the region will spend the day in clinic sessions with nationally recognized judges before competing in the evening.  Admission is $15 at the gate, with both cash and credit cards accepted. The event is open to the public.  New this year, the traditional food court at Marshall High School will be replaced with a Food Truck Fair. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven vendors will serve a variety of meals and treats, including pizza, BBQ, [...]