BALATON —On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Brown Lyon Redwood Renville Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a narcotics investigation following a traffic stop in Balaton. The investigation led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Balaton woman.  Authorities seized over 70 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 2 grams of cocaine, over 2 pounds of marijuana, multiple prescription pills, and more than $14,000 in cash. The substances were packaged for suspected sale.  The case has been submitted to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for consideration of multiple charges, including first-degree sales and possession of controlled substances. 

MONTEVIDEO —In the early hours of September 1, 2024, the Montevideo Police Department responded to a report of a fight at Inn Like Flinns bar. Upon arrival at 2:30 a.m., officers found an unconscious male with a laceration lying on the street outside the bar. The injured man was transported by CCM Ambulance to a medical facility and later airlifted to another hospital. Two additional individuals involved in the altercation arrived at CCM Health with laceration wounds. One of these individuals was also airlifted, while the other received treatment locally. The Montevideo Police Department, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of [...]

MARSHALL – Action Trackchair, created by Action Manufacturing, a family-owned company based in Marshall, Minnesota, is among the top 64 products competing in the inaugural "Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota" contest, organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO. The contest, which highlights manufacturing innovation across the state, invites the public to vote in a head-to-head bracket-style tournament until October 4.  Founded 15 years ago by Tim Swenson and now owned by his son Jim, Action Manufacturing is dedicated to enhancing mobility and enabling outdoor recreation for individuals with mobility challenges. The company's flagship product, the Action Trackchair, is an [...]

REDWOOD FALLS -- A Morton man is dead after his vehicle left the road, entered the ditch, and crashed into a utility pole, according to the Redwood County Sheriff's Office. On August 31st, the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident on County State-Aid Highway 1, north of 270th Street. Authorities found that the vehicle had veered off the road, entering a ditch where it struck a field approach and a utility pole. The driver, identified as Richard Gewerth of rural Morton, MN, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol and Centra Care Ambulance assisted in [...]

The Minnesota Department of Health is raising concerns over a significant increase in measles cases across the state. Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the Infectious Disease division, noted that the current count of 36 cases is unusually high for Minnesota. "And really typically in Minnesota, we see really between zero and four cases of measles a year. So it's a very rare illness typically in the state. It's almost always... we call it travel-imported," Hancock-Allen stated. The surge in measles cases comes as vaccination rates in Minnesota decline. Hancock-Allen emphasized the importance of the M-M-R vaccine, which provides 93 to 97 percent [...]

As the summer boating season nears its end, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding residents to remain vigilant on the water. DNR spokeswoman Lisa Dugan emphasized the importance of safety, noting, “When we are looking at the statistics for this summer so far, as far as fatalities go, we are on the lower side of the stats for summer this far. And of course, anything over one fatality is too many.” According to the latest data, there have been nine boating-related fatalities in Minnesota this season. Dugan cautioned against complacency, stating, “I think towards the end of the [...]

MARSHALL -- Kesteloot Enterprises Inc. (KEI) has donated $500 to support local 4H groups, with funds provided by the Kubota Tractor Corporation during the Kubota Orange Days celebration.  The donation was presented to Renae Jenniges, Adeline Louwagie, Sam Jens, and Mallorie Hicks, representing the local youth. The check was handed over by Tom, Daren, and Travis Kesteloot of KEI.  KEI acknowledged the efforts of the Lyon County 4H Foundation in promoting youth involvement in agriculture. 

TRACY -- The town of Tracy, Minnesota, is set to host its 97th annual Box Car Days from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024, organized by the Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce. Friday, August 30th kicks off the festivities with the Tracy Area Chamber Burger Night at 5 p.m. followed by a Beer Pong Tournament and entertainment by Kayla Daniels under the beer tent. Saturday, August 31st begins with "Kegs & Eggs" and includes events such as a Softball Tournament, Texas Hold’em, a Farmers Market, and a Kiddie Parade. Evening highlights include the Bean Bag Tournament, the Tween Pizza, Puzzle & [...]

MARSHALL -- Marshall Food4Kids has been awarded a $7,746 Community Impact Grant by the United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN). The grant will support the organization’s weekend backpack program, providing nutritious snacks to preschool through eighth-grade students in the Marshall area. The initiative aims to combat food insecurity among local children, aligning with UWSWMN's mission to address hunger. The grant is part of UWSWMN’s broader effort to improve health, education, financial stability, and safety within its service area. This year, UWSWMN allocated a total of $181,000 to various community programs.

MARSHALL – Marshall Public Schools have entered the T-Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights Sweepstakes, a multi-tiered competition aimed at supporting student activities and high school football. The school received a $1,000 sponsorship for its initial entry in early August, putting it in the running for additional prizes, including a $5,000 weekly grant and the chance to become a finalist for a $100,000 high school grant.  The grand prize, valued at $2 million, includes a cash grant, a new scoreboard, 5G network upgrades, and an enhanced weight room. The competition is designed to engage the community, encouraging participation by sharing school spirit [...]