WABASSO, Minn.—A community blood drive is being held today, July 9, at the Wabasso Community Center, 1429 Front Street. Donations will be accepted from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Both whole blood and Power Red donations are welcome. Whole blood is the most common donation type and typically takes about an hour. Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with signed parental permission. Donations can be made every 56 days, up to six times per year.  Power Red donations collect red blood cells while returning most plasma [...]

COTTONWOOD, Minn.—A Willmar man was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Cottonwood, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 12:01 AM on Tuesday, deputies performed a traffic stop near the intersection of North Barstad Road and West Front Street in Cottonwood. After investigating, a 20-year-old Willmar man was arrested for 5th degree possession of a controlled substance. 

MARSHALL—A detour on Country Club Drive begins Tuesday, July 8, as part of the ongoing Highway 19 reconstruction project in Marshall, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Country Club Drive will be closed from Southview Drive to Highway 19 to allow construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 19, Country Club Drive, and South 2nd Street. Traffic will be detoured via Southview Drive and Highway 59 through the end of September, weather permitting. The Highway 19/College Drive project is progressing in stages to minimize traffic impacts. Highway 19 is currently closed from Fairgrounds Road to the [...]

STANLEY TWP—Two people were injured on Sunday in a two-vehicle collision in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 10:31 Sunday morning, a 2012 Kia Forte was traveling southbound on County State Aid Highway 9 and a 2018 GMC Sierra was traveling northbound on County State Aid Highway 9. Near the intersection with 330th street, the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Kia, 18-year-old Landon Gabriel Teske of Cottonwood, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera Marshall Hospital.  The driver of the GMC, 23-year-old Jarret Michael Beebout of Marshall, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to [...]

MARSHALL—As many Americans prepare to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, food, and festivities, it’s important to recognize that Independence Day can be a difficult time for some military Veterans. For those who have served, the loud sounds, flashing lights, and large crowds often associated with holiday events can trigger anxiety, flashbacks, or discomfort. Symptoms may include light sensitivity, sound irritability, or feeling on edge, especially in noisy or crowded settings. Veterans are encouraged to plan ahead by identifying their triggers and communicating with family and friends. Practicing relaxation exercises or self-help strategies can also help ease stress. Family and [...]

MARSHALL—Minnesota lakes and rivers are expected to be especially busy this Fourth of July weekend, and law enforcement is preparing to respond. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is launching “Operation Dry Water” beginning Friday and running through Sunday. The initiative targets impaired boating and driving during the holiday period. Lt. Eric Sullivan with the DNR Marine Unit said officers will be stepping up patrols across the state. “From July 4th through July 6th, we're stepping up patrols on lakes, rivers, and roads, making sure people are being safe and making smart choices,” Sullivan said. The campaign focuses on preventing accidents [...]

BLAINE, Minn. — With just three weeks until the 3M Open tees off at TPC Twin Cities, final preparations are well underway. Tournament Director Mike Welch says things are going smoothly, especially when it comes to volunteer support. "We are blessed that we have our largest volunteer base that we've had right now — 1,550," Welch said. "We are looking for about 75 more. You can go to 3MOpen.com, click on the volunteer tab." Volunteers pay an $80 registration fee, which benefits charity. In return, each volunteer receives official tournament apparel and access to watch the PGA event when not on [...]

MARSHALL—Minnesota law enforcement agencies are conducting a coordinated speed enforcement campaign on July 3, covering the southern part of the state from the South Dakota border to the Wisconsin border. Captain Casey Meagher of the Minnesota State Patrol said the 24-hour initiative includes troopers, county sheriff’s offices, and local police departments. It comes during the lead-up to the Fourth of July, a high-traffic travel period that falls within the “100 Deadliest Days” on Minnesota roads. “Every trooper in our district is scheduled to be on the road to help ensure people reach their holiday destinations safely,” Meagher said. Officials are also [...]

MARSHALL -- A new Minnesota law that took effect July 1 now allows motorcycles to use lane splitting and lane filtering in certain traffic conditions — a change that Minnesota State Patrol Captain Casey Meagher says drivers should be aware of, especially when traveling outside of southwest Minnesota. While the practice may not be common in rural areas, Meagher said it’s important for drivers across the state to understand what the law allows and why. “It can be startling to somebody to have a motorcycle come up next to you and you're not expecting it,” Meagher said. Lane splitting allows motorcyclists [...]

MARSHALL — As Minnesotans gear up for Independence Day, the Minnesota State Patrol is calling for increased caution on the roads following a sobering mid-year statistic: 159 traffic-related fatalities have occurred statewide through June 29. “Unfortunately, that number represents more than statistics,” said Captain Casey Meagher. “It’s 159 families who won’t be celebrating with a loved one this weekend.” Meagher stressed that the leading causes of fatal crashes remain largely unchanged with speeding, distraction, not wearing seat belts, and impaired driving. He emphasized that crashes are rarely due to mechanical failure or uncontrollable circumstances. “Very seldom do we see something that’s [...]