MARSHALL – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is reminding residents that pushing snow onto public roads is illegal and poses significant safety risks. Improper snow placement can lead to hazards such as drainage issues, drifting, sight obstructions, and unsafe access to roads. MnDOT emphasizes the importance of keeping crosswalks, intersections, and entrances clear to ensure safe passage for all. Minnesota law prohibits plowing, shoveling, or blowing snow onto roads, ditches, or rights of way. Violations are considered misdemeanors, and civil penalties may apply if improperly placed snow causes accidents. Both property owners and those responsible for placing the snow can [...]

MARSHALL -- The SMSU Planetarium will present its Christmas show series starting tonight, December 20, at 7 p.m. The program includes an exploration of the mystery of Christmas, information about NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission studying the Sun, and a holiday-themed laser light show. Additional showtimes are scheduled for Saturday, December 21, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 22, at 2 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. The planetarium is located in the Science & Math building at SMSU. Tickets are $5 at the door, with free admission for current SMSU students who show a valid ID.

FLORENCE -- Three people were injured on Thursday in a rollover accident on Highway 23 in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 1:34 Thursday afternoon, a 2017 Toyota 4 Runner was traveling southbound near Florence on Highway 23. The vehicle lost control and rolled.   The driver of the Toyota, 38-year-old Eh Say of Marshall and her passengers, 63-year-old Hsa Kaw Hae of Marshall and 38-year-old Chi Po of Marshall, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Say and Po were taken to the Tyler hospital while Hae was treated at the scene.   Assistance was provided by the Tyler Police [...]

MARSHALL – Thursday’s winter storm kept the Minnesota State Patrol busy, with troopers responding to 470 crashes between midnight and 8:30 PM. 38 of those crashes resulted in injuries. Additionally, 261 vehicles slid off the road, and 30 semis jackknifed.  South central and southeastern Minnesota bore the brunt of the storm, with snowfall totals reaching up to seven inches in New Prague, Winthrop, and Kellogg. Zumbrota and St. Peter saw six-and-a-half inches, while areas like White Bear Lake, Chanhassen, and Red Wing reported six inches. The Rochester area received five-and-a-half inches, with about five inches falling in the Twin Cities, Mankato, [...]

MARSHALL – Several highways in the region remain affected by snow and ice, creating hazardous driving conditions. According to 511, US Highways 14 and 59, and State Highway 19 are partially covered with compacted snow. Icy spots have been reported on Highway 23 between Marshall and Florence.  Further north, Highway 67 is icy from US Highway 75 east to Granite Falls. Conditions worsen on US Highway 212 near Montevideo and Dawson, which is completely covered in ice. In Redwood County, roads range from partially covered to clear.  Travelers are advised to exercise caution. For the latest updates on road conditions, visit [...]

MARSHALL – This evening, Independence Park will host Run for a Claus, a seasonal run or walk open to participants of all ages. Taking place from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM CST, the event offers a festive route through the park's Light Up the Night displays. Registration costs $15 and remains open until 6:30 PM CST.  The event includes holiday-themed activities, such as candy canes for participants and the option to gather around a fire after the race. Those who registered by November 30 received a holiday mug as a keepsake.  Proceeds from Run for a Claus will support Prairie Home [...]

MARSHALL – The American Red Cross invites the community to give the gift of life this holiday season. A blood drive is being held today, Friday, Dec. 20, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Marshall Area YMCA.  Appointments to donate can be scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Donors are encouraged to take part in this life-saving effort and help support those in need during the holiday season. 

MARSHALL -- Starting January 1, 2025, Minnesota's minimum-wage rates will rise to $11.13 per hour for all employers, including large and small businesses, as well as youth and J-1 visa workers in hospitality. The state’s 90-day training wage for workers under 20 years old will increase from $8.85 to $9.08 per hour.  This adjustment, indexed for inflation, does not apply to Minneapolis and St. Paul, where local minimum wages are higher.  For workers at Minnesota’s minimum wage, full-time annual earnings will increase to $23,150 in 2025.  Employers statewide must notify employees of pay rate changes in writing before they take effect. [...]

MARSHALL -- A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Pipestone Counties until midnight CST tonight, with snow and strong winds expected to impact travel and visibility throughout the day.  What to Expect:  Snowfall: Total accumulations of 1 to 4 inches, with higher amounts near and east of the Buffalo Ridge.  Winds: Gusts up to 45 mph creating blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially in the afternoon.  Impacts: Slippery roads and hazardous conditions during the morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches.  Precautions: Drivers are urged to slow down and exercise [...]

MARSHALL – As Distribution Day approaches this Saturday, Heart to Heart of Lyon County is in urgent need of toys, monetary donations, and volunteer support to help bring holiday joy to local families in need.  Donations of unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Southwest Minnesota State University’s Lower Level Conference Center, located at 1501 State Street in Marshall, MN. Monetary contributions and volunteer sign-ups are also being accepted through Heart to Heart's website at heart2heartlc.org.  With just two days remaining, every contribution counts in making this year’s event a success. Community members are encouraged to act quickly to help [...]