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 [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. – A pavement marking project is set to begin June 9 on Highways 23 and 7, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Drivers should plan for brief delays and allow extra travel time. Crews will install centerline rumble strips and in-ground wet reflective striping, with shoulder rumble strips added to the four-lane section of Highway 23 south of Marshall. These updates are part of regular maintenance to meet current safety standards. The work will take place in the following order: Highway 23: North of Marshall to south of Cottonwood Highway 23: Russell to Marshall Highway 7: Montevideo to [...]

PAYNESVILLE, Minn. — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that followed a domestic abuse call in Paynesville on Monday night. According to police, officers responded around 9 p.m. to a report of a domestic disturbance involving an armed man and a woman at a residence on the 600 block of Stearns Avenue. The woman was able to exit the home safely and told officers she had been assaulted, sustaining minor injuries to her head and neck. Authorities said the man was locked in the basement when officers from the Paynesville and Cold Spring police [...]

FOUNTAIN, MN — An Ivanhoe man was injured after his semi collided with multiple cows early Saturday in Fillmore County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 4:26 Saturday morning, a 1998 Volvo semi was traveling westbound on Highway 16 when it collided with multiple cows on the road.  The driver of the Volvo, 57-year-old James Gregoire of Ivanhoe, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital.  Assistance was provided by the Preston Fire Department and Lanesboro EMS. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a statewide air quality alert in effect through 6 p.m. CDT Monday due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach the Orange category, indicating conditions that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.  Smoke from large wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is being pulled southward into Minnesota by a cold front, contributing to poor air quality across the state.  Health officials advise people with lung or heart conditions, as well as children and older adults, to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Residents are also urged to reduce [...]

RUSSELL, Minn. — The city of Russell will hold its annual Bandwagon Days festival from June 6 to 8, 2025. On Friday, activities begin at 5:00 p.m. with inflatables at the school park and a free Ranch Rodeo at 6:30 p.m. Concession stands will be open.  Saturday features a full schedule starting at 9:00 a.m., including a kickball tournament, vendor fair, kid’s tractor pull, and hog roast. Other events during the day include bingo, face painting, and a raffle. The Bierema Rodeo Bull Riding and Mini Bull Riding event is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The American Red Cross is urging Minnesotans to donate blood as supplies typically decline during the busy summer months.  "We are really depending on Minnesotans to come out and give," said Minnesota Red Cross spokeswoman Sue Thesenga.  Thesenga emphasized the importance of consistent donations. "The Red Cross needs to collect more than 13,000 blood donations every day," she said, noting the organization is the nation’s largest provider of blood products and services to 2,600 hospitals nationwide.  "You can safely donate blood every 56 days. So, a lot of times donors donate once or twice a year, and that [...]

ST PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders have signed an agreement to eliminate health care coverage for undocumented adults, but how that move will be enacted remains unsettled. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy insists the policy change should be addressed in a standalone bill. "It is my continued contingent and belief which I have expressed clearly that if it's going to pass, it will have to pass separately. I think the agreement that we reached means we have to pass it but the only way to pass it is in a separate bill."  Republican House Speaker Lisa [...]

MARSHALL — The Lyon County Soil & Water Conservation District has secured two grants from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) as part of a $3.1 million statewide initiative to improve water quality and build landscape resilience against increasingly severe weather events.  The funding comes from the Water Quality and Storage Program, which supports projects that enhance water storage capacity and reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas. Lyon County is one of six local governments receiving funding in this round of grants.  “Adding more water storage to Minnesota’s landscapes helps communities better prepare for flooding and the associated [...]

SAINT PAUL – Minnesota youth with a passion for agriculture are invited to test their crop science knowledge at the 2025 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting Contest, taking place Monday, July 28, on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus.  Open to both 4-H and FFA members, the hands-on competition features field-based stations where teams identify pests, diagnose plant diseases, analyze soils, and more, mimicking real-world tasks of crop scouts and agronomists. The event offers a practical introduction to careers in agriculture and natural resources.  Registration is open through June 15, and teams may be formed from 4-H, FFA, or both. A virtual [...]