Monday: Alerts and WarningsSevere Weather Awareness Week began Monday with a focus on alerts and warnings. Officials encourage Minnesotans to have multiple ways to receive emergency notifications, including weather radios, smartphone alerts and local media. Residents should also understand the difference between a watch, when conditions are favorable for severe weather, and a warning, when dangerous weather is occurring or imminent. There is no official “all-clear” siren, so people should continue monitoring conditions after storms pass. Tuesday: Severe Weather, Lightning and HailTuesday highlights the dangers of severe thunderstorms, lightning and hail. Severe storms can produce winds over 58 miles per hour, [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn.  — Representatives from southwest Minnesota victim service organizations traveled to the State Capitol this week to support additional funding for crime victim services. Becci ten Bensel, executive director of WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs (WRAP), and Sarah Reynolds, executive director of Child’s Place, testified Tuesday before the Minnesota House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. The hearing focused on a proposed $12 million investment as federal Victims of Crime Act funding continues to decline. Advocates told lawmakers demand for services is rising while funding has become less predictable, creating added pressure for programs, especially in rural areas. “Programs like [...]

SKANDIA TWP, Minn. — A Lynd woman was injured in a one-vehicle crash in Murray County Friday night, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.  At 7:52 Friday evening, a 1966 Ford Mustang was traveling north on Highway 91 when it lost control and went into the ditch at 221st Street in Skandia Township.  A passenger, 55-year-old Jolynn Lemburg of Lynd, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Sioux Falls Hospital.  The driver, 55-year-old Robert Lemburg of Lynd was not injured. The State Patrol says alcohol was suspected for the driver.  Assistance was provided by the Lyon and Murray County Sheriff’s Offices, Balaton Fire Department, and Balaton [...]

(Chanhassen, MN) -- Southern Minnesota’s first round of severe weather produced tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds Monday evening.  The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down near Amboy in Blue Earth County around 6:25 p.m., damaging a farm building. A trained spotter captured video of a tornado near Matawan in Waseca County. Photos also showed a tornado near Truman, and a funnel cloud was reported near Wabasha.  Large hail was reported in several communities, including 3.5-inch hail in Lake Crystal and 3-inch hail near Faribault and Morristown. Owatonna, Lakefield, Lake City, and Windom reported hail up to 2 inches in diameter.  [...]

With ice disappearing across much of southern Minnesota and quickly melting in the north, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that early-season water recreation comes with serious risks. Despite the return of open water and increased activity from anglers and paddlers, water temperatures remain dangerously cold. Officials say about 30 percent of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the cold-water period, when temperatures are below 70 degrees. Many of those incidents involve people not wearing life jackets. “We know Minnesotans want to take advantage of every day of open water, and it’s great to see people out [...]

The Minnesota State Climatology Office is looking for volunteers to help track precipitation across the state through the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, known as CoCoRaHS. The nationwide program includes more than 20,000 volunteers who measure rainfall and snowfall using standard rain gauges and submit their observations online. Officials say the data plays a key role in monitoring local weather patterns and long-term climate trends. “Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so multiple reports are helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. (KMHL) — Minnesota hospital officials are raising concerns about a sharp rise in injuries tied to e-bikes and e-scooters, urging riders to take additional safety precautions. Colleen Wood, Pediatric Trauma Program manager at Regions Hospital, says the increase has been significant across all age groups. “Since 2023 e-bike admissions have increased by 800 percent while e-scooter admissions have risen by 80 percent. And any emergency department or trauma provider will tell you these numbers are likely an underestimate of the true scope of the problem as new devices enter the market faster than our hospital tracking systems can adapt.” [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. — Three juveniles have been arrested for making threats against the Willmar School District, prompting the cancellation of classes Tuesday.  Willmar Police Chief Mike Holme says the threats were reported Monday afternoon, leading to a joint investigation with school officials. After interviews and evidence review, three juveniles were taken into custody and transported to Prairie Lakes Youth Programs. Holme says there is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the public.  Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams says the investigation began after a threatening note referencing specific school sites and staff was found at the middle school. With uncertainty about its credibility, the [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Representative Chris Swedzinksi and Senator Gary Dahms joined a legislative update via Zoom, hosted by the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. They say the 2026 legislative session is entering a critical stretch, with major decisions still unresolved and only a few weeks remaining before key deadlines. Rep. Chris Swedzinski said legislators are “right in the middle of it,” noting that committees are working through deadlines and budget discussions following the Easter break. “We’ve got a few big weeks ahead of us here,” he said, adding that bonding, tax conformity, and budget adjustments remain top priorities. Swedzinski [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. — The Willmar School District canceled all classes Tuesday (today) after receiving a threat related to school safety, district officials said. In a message posted Monday night, Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams said the district began investigating immediately in coordination with local law enforcement but needed more time to determine the threat’s credibility. “After school today, the district received a threat regarding school safety. We immediately began an investigation in close collaboration with local law enforcement. At this time, the school district and local authorities need more time to fully investigate and determine the credibility of this threat,” Adams said. [...]