MARSHALL, Minn. An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Sunday evening for much of southwest Minnesota, as well as parts of northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota.  Forecasters warn of dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values potentially reaching up to 107 degrees. The National Weather Service says the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly during prolonged heat and humidity.  Residents are urged to stay hydrated, remain indoors with air conditioning, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Officials also remind the public never to leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, as interior temperatures can become [...]

RUSSELL, Minn. -- A rural Springfield teenager sustained minor injuries after a rollover accident on Tuesday in Lyon County, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 11:04 Tuesday morning, a large earth moving vehicle was traveling on County Road 13. Near the 2200 block of County Road 13, an oncoming car approached, which forced the operator to pull onto the shoulder to allow more space to travel. However, the vehicle went too far off the shoulder and rolled into the ditch and landed on its roof.  The operator, a 17-year-old male from rural Springfield, sustained minor injuries and was [...]

MARSHALL — Marshall will mark Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, with a full day of events celebrating freedom and community. Festivities begin with the Juneteenth Food Truck Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 3rd Street and Lyon Street. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options and live music from Push Play Entertainment. The evening celebration continues at Justice Park starting at 4:00 p.m., featuring a welcome from Mayor Bob Byrnes, the Black National Anthem, and remarks from guest speaker Cassie Williams.  At 4:15 p.m., the fun picks up with Singo music bingo, a free-to-play game that puts a musical [...]

David Jones will serve as Interim President at SMSU, effective July 1st. Photo from Minnesota State press release. SAINT PAUL, Minn.  – The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees has named David Jones as the interim president of Southwest Minnesota State University, effective July 1.  “David is an experienced leader with an extensive background in enrollment management and student affairs,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson. “He knows our system, our students, faculty, and staff, and our processes and will be a steady and effective leader for SMSU during this year of transition. I am so pleased [...]

Western Fest in Granite Falls continues through Saturday. Photo from Western Fest PRCA Stampede Rodeo Facebook. GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — Western Fest rolls on today, Thursday, June 19, with Kids Night at the PRCA Rodeo and a packed schedule of activities leading into a weekend of community celebration.  Tonight’s rodeo at Lee Mar Ranch starts at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30. Kids get in for just $1 with a paid adult admission. Free pony rides run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Mutton Bustin' kicks off at 6:15 p.m. (pre-registration required). Royalty and queen candidates will be [...]

The president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation is raising concerns about key components of the farm bill being removed from the broader package.  Dan Glessing says it’s unprecedented for lawmakers to move the commodity and nutrition titles out of the bill through reconciliation.  “And concerns for if there was another trifecta on the other side, there’s no doubt that there would be some attempts to come and gut Title One, and that’s not a place where we want to be. So the fact that it’s separated is concerning.”  He emphasized that the farm bill was the only viable option this [...]

NEW ULM, Minn. – A New Ulm motorcyclist was critically injured following a two-vehicle collision on Monday in New Ulm, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 1:32 Monday afternoon, a 2006 Honda CBR600 motorcycle was traveling westbound on Highway 14 and a 2008 Honda CR-V was traveling northeast on 17th Street North. The vehicles collided in the intersection.  The operator of the motorcycle, 34-year-old Richard Oliver of New Ulm, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to HCMC.  The driver of the Honda CR-V, 46-year-old Abraham Macias of Lake Crystal, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the New Ulm [...]

WASHINGTON D.C. — Minnesota’s U.S. Senators delivered emotional tributes Tuesday to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark during a remembrance on the Senate floor. Senator Tina Smith reflected on Hortman’s public service and the profound loss: "In short, millions, millions of Minnesotans are better off because of the work she did. Her record of accomplishment is so extensive, it's hard to capture it all in just a short few minutes. And so it's so bitter to realize that she was only 55." Senator Amy Klobuchar also shared her sorrow: "Melissa and Mark Hortman were the best of us. I [...]