CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Minn. — A Chippewa County judge has sentenced Jacory Dante McCalpin to 1,276 months, or more than 106 years, in prison following his conviction on 27 counts of criminal sexual conduct and stalking. A jury found McCalpin guilty on all 27 charges in April, including multiple counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Jurors also found aggravating factors on 21 of the counts. According to prosecutors, McCalpin sexually and physically assaulted the victim over a two-and-a-half-year period between July 2022 and December 2023. Authorities said he repeatedly recorded the assaults and used the videos to blackmail the victim into performing [...]

MILROY, Minn. — A Lucan woman was injured after a one-vehicle crash on Tuesday in Redwood County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 6:17 Tuesday evening, a 2009 Chevy Impala was traveling eastbound on Highway 68 in Westline Township when it left the roadway, struck a sign, re-entered the roadway and entered the other ditch.  The driver of the Chevy, 73-year-old Sandra Witzke of Lucan, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera Marshall Hospital.   Assistance was provided by the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office, Milroy First Responders, and Wabasso Ambulance. 

MARSHALL, Minn. — As Independence Day celebrations begin across southwest Minnesota, Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen is reminding residents to celebrate safely, whether they're watching fireworks, traveling or spending time on the water. Wallen said many communities offer professional fireworks displays that provide a safe way to celebrate, but residents should remember that not all fireworks are legal for private use in Minnesota. "The good rule of thumb is if it goes in the air or explodes or blows up, that would be illegal for private use in Minnesota," Wallen said. "People here can have sparklers or things that stay on [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has announced new import restrictions for dogs and cats entering the state from areas with active New World Screwworm infestations. The new domestic requirements follow reports of New World Screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico earlier this month. The board said animals from USDA-designated active infestation sites will not be allowed into Minnesota. Dogs and cats entering from affected states must meet several requirements, including a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 72 hours of transport, proof of rabies vaccination, approved treatment for New World Screwworm, and a minimum five-day [...]

BELVIEW, Minn. — A Redwood Falls man died following a rollover crash Saturday evening after a brief pursuit in Redwood County. According to the Redwood County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on County Road 7 near Belview at about 7:19 p.m. Saturday. The driver accelerated away, leading deputies on a brief pursuit. After approximately three miles, the vehicle lost control and rolled near the intersection of County Road 7 and 400th Street. The driver was ejected from the vehicle. Deputies immediately provided medical aid, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes says the city is making steady progress on several major projects, including the new Splash Aquatic Center, Highway 19 reconstruction and other infrastructure improvements. "We're getting closer to completion on the new Aquatic Center," Byrnes said. He said crews are finishing fencing and the underground irrigation system before sod is installed. Once landscaping is complete, the pools will be plastered, filled with water and tested before opening. "I know everyone's excited. Everybody's saying, 'When is it going to be open?' Until all those other pieces really fall into place, we won't know exactly what [...]

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for southwest Minnesota and portions of eastern South Dakota.  The advisory includes Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson, Pipestone and Rock counties in Minnesota, along with Brookings and Moody counties in South Dakota.  Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 104 degrees, creating dangerous conditions that could lead to heat-related illnesses.  Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned buildings when possible, avoid prolonged time in the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Officials also remind the public never to [...]