SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota lawmakers have passed a new two-year state budget after difficult negotiations, including a contentious vote to eliminate health insurance coverage for undocumented immigrants. The budget also includes a $700 million bonding bill for infrastructure projects, the first since 2023. Lawmakers also passed a new jobs and labor workforce bill that extends unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners and funds the upcoming World Hockey Juniors tournament in St. Paul. DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman spoke about her difficult decision to vote against her party on the health insurance provision. "What I worry about is the people [...]

HERON LAKE, Minn. — A Sioux Falls woman was airlifted and three other people, including two children, were injured in a head-on collision on Saturday in Jackson County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 3:52 Saturday afternoon, a 2018 Chevy Silverado was traveling westbound on Highway 60 and a 2020 Chevy Malibu was traveling eastbound on Highway 60. Near milepost 33 in Weimer Township, one vehicle crossed into the other lane resulting in a head-on collision.  The driver of the Malibu, 31-year-old Danielle Tilt of Sioux Falls, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Sanford Medical Center in [...]

LUCAN, Minn. — Lucan’s annual Pretzel Days celebration returns this Friday and Saturday. Festivities kick off Friday evening with the 46th Annual Lions BBQ Beef Dinner from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., followed by Wings Axe Throwing, youth softball games, and the start of the Medallion Hunt at 7:00 p.m. Clues will be posted on Facebook and at the park shelter.  Saturday’s schedule starts bright and early with the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by youth baseball and pickleball tournaments at 9:00 a.m. The day includes a petting zoo, fireman’s water event, rock climbing, Lucan Museum tours, and [...]

MARSHALL — The Marshall Area YMCA has announced the appointment of Cindy Rosa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1. Rosa, a Marshall native, brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience within the YMCA organization. Most recently, she served as CEO of the YMCA in Forest City, Iowa, where she led efforts in strategic growth and program development. Her career with the YMCA includes extensive work in youth programming, membership, and executive leadership. Rosa previously worked at the Marshall Y as Program Director from 2002 to 2005 and Associate Executive Director from 2008 to 2015. The YMCA Board highlighted [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Saturday, June 7, through sunset on Monday, June 9, to honor Amboy Fire Department firefighter Andrew Karels, who died on June 2. Karels served nearly a decade with the Amboy Fire Department and was the department’s Medical Officer, known for his steady presence, compassionate care, and calm under pressure. He was also a U.S. Army veteran, having served seven years in the Minnesota National Guard, including a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn. [...]

BALATON, Minn. — Two people were injured on Thursday in a collision involving a semi west of Balaton in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 5:28 Thursday afternoon, a 2023 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer and a 2018 Buick Encore were both traveling westbound on Highway 14. Near the intersection with Highway 91, the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Buick, 80-year-old Joyce Sinding of Lakeville, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera-Tyler Hospital.   The driver of the Freightliner, 45-year-old William StCyr of Winnebago, NE, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the Avera-Tyler [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a statewide air quality alert through noon Wednesday, June 4, as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires pushes across the state. In southwest Minnesota, air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category. Communities including Marshall and Worthington are expected to see fine particle pollution levels considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions. People in these groups are advised to limit outdoor activity and reduce exertion. The smoke, driven by a cold front, moved into the state Monday morning and [...]