SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol is mourning the death of Trooper Mollie McClure, who died in an off-duty accident on Waubay Lake in South Dakota. McClure joined the State Patrol in October 2021 and served in the St. Cloud district. She was known as a respected trooper, mentor, and friend, and was involved in training academy cadets, serving as a peer counselor, and working to increase the number of female troopers.  In 2023, McClure gained national attention when a video of her rescuing a baby deer went viral on YouTube. She was also a familiar face at recruiting [...]

MARSHALL — Three Marshall firefighters have officially completed their two-year probationary period and were honored with their black helmet crests last month.  Firefighters Jonathan Bell, Aaron Mathiowetz, and Bradin Wyffels were recognized for their dedication and service to the department and community. The black helmet crest marks a key milestone in a firefighter’s career, signifying full membership in the department.  The department celebrated the occasion as a testament to the firefighters’ hard work and commitment.

FLORA TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 22-year-old Olivia man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Sunday night in Renville County. According to the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at about 9:35 p.m. on June 29 along County Road 6, just west of the intersection with County Road 4, roughly nine miles south of Renville. Preliminary investigation found that Jacob Haney was riding a 2003 Kawasaki Cruiser westbound when he lost control after navigating a turn. The motorcycle briefly left the roadway, and Haney was thrown from the vehicle. He was airlifted to St. Cloud by Life Link III with [...]

GARY, SD — A powerful EF3 tornado with estimated peak winds of 150 mph touched down on Saturday evening, June 28, southwest of Gary, leaving a 6.9-mile path of destruction and injuring two people.  The tornado touched down around 8:05 p.m. in a field near the south end of State Highway 22. As it moved east, it broke large trees and caused damage near a gravel pit. Along 483rd Avenue, it collapsed a shed roof and brought down more trees. It then crossed Highway 22, downing a power pole before reaching a farmstead on 484th Avenue, where it tore part of [...]

LYON COUNTY — As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen is urging residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday safely by following key rules and guidelines related to fireworks, boating, severe weather, road travel, and recreational vehicles.  Fireworks Restrictions  Wallen reminded the public that not all fireworks are legal in Minnesota. “The general rule of thumb is if they go in the air or are explosive, they cannot be possessed or utilized in Minnesota,” he said. “I know that a lot of the cities have exemptions for that for their fireworks shows, which is nice, but [...]

WASHINGTON D.C.—The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution honoring former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and condemning acts of political violence. The resolution was introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). In the House, it was sponsored by Minnesota Representatives Kelly Morrison, Betty McCollum, Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Angie Craig, Ilhan Omar, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad. Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed on June 14 in Brooklyn [...]

LAKE BENTON, Minn.—A South Dakota man was injured on Wednesday in Lincoln County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 11:46 Wednesday morning, a 2011 GMC Sierra was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 14 when it left the road and crashed in the south ditch near County Road 21.  The driver of the GMC, 83-year-old Edward Drietz of Volga, South Dakota, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Tyler Hospital. The report notes Drietz wasn’t wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.  Assistance was provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Benton Fire Department & [...]

MARSHALL  — A new Minnesota law requiring certain boaters to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit takes effect Monday, July 1. The law is designed to improve safety by ensuring operators of motorized boats and personal watercraft are properly trained. The permit requirement applies to operators born after June 30, 2004, with the rule expanding to older age groups in stages through 2028. People who already have a valid permit are not affected. Key changes: Adults born after June 30, 2004 must have a permit to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft starting July 1. Young operators under 12 are prohibited [...]

  MARSHALL—On Tuesday, one person was injured in a two-vehicle collision in Marshall, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 12:49 Tuesday afternoon, a 2007 Nissan Frontier and 2021 Dodge Ram 3500 were both traveling southbound on Highway 23. Near the intersection with East College Drive, the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Nissan, 19-year-old Maddison Swanson of Tracy, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera Marshall Hospital. Three passengers in the Nissan were not injured.  The driver of the Dodge, 70-year-old James Seiler of Tyler, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the Marshall Police Department and [...]

GRANITE FALLS, Minn.—Two people were injured on Monday after their motorcycle collided with a deer on Highway 67 in Yellow Medicine County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 8:39 Monday evening, a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on State Highway 67. Near the intersection with 254th Avenue, the motorcycle collided with a deer. The driver of the motorcycle, 71-year-old Raymond Cox of Redwood Falls, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Granite Falls Hospital. His passenger, 46-year-old Stephanie Cox of Redwood Falls, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but was flown to the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud. The [...]