WILLMAR — The Minnesota State Patrol has identified the driver who died in a truck crash near Willmar on Tuesday morning as 67-year-old Terry Allan Vreeman of Spicer.   At approximately 7:17 a.m., Vreeman was driving a 2018 Peterbilt straight truck northbound on Highway 71 when the vehicle collided with a railroad bridge.  Authorities report that Vreeman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.   Assistance at the scene was provided by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Willmar Police Department, Willmar Fire Department, and Kandiyohi County Rescue. 

WINDOM -- The Windom Police Department put out an updated press release Friday afternoon regarding the fatal New Years Eve Stabbing at the Phat Pheasant Pub. Police arrested No Name Given Happy. He has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder with Intent, 2nd Degree Murder without Intent, 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Threats of Violence.  The fatal stabbing victim was identified as 30-year-old Ben Matter of Windom.  The 31-year-old victim referred to in the original press release suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Windom hospital. During the investigation, police discovered another 30-year-old Windom man was stabbed [...]

MARSHALL -- The Minnesota Lottery celebrated two new millionaires Thursday as winners of the 2024 Minnesota Millionaire Raffle claimed their $1 million prizes. Both winners chose to remain anonymous. One winner, who purchased a ticket in Nowthen, Anoka County, credited his grandmother's advice for his decision to play. “She always has good advice,” he said. The other winner secured his prize after buying three tickets in Tracy upon learning less than one percent of the 800,000 tickets remained. Meanwhile, a winning ticket sold in Delano has yet to be claimed, leaving the final prize unclaimed for now.

REDWOOD FALLS -- During the January 2, 2025, Redwood Falls City Council meeting, the council accepted a $45,500 donation from the local non-profit organization Providing Resources, Officer Training, Equipment, Canine, and Team Support (PROTECTS). Established in 2024, PROTECTS identified the creation of a Police K-9 program for the Redwood Falls Police Department as its first initiative. The donation will fund the purchase of a K-9, training and certification for the dog and its handler, and specialized equipment for a K-9 squad car. No city funds will be used to support this project. This will be the first K-9 unit in the [...]

SAINT PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order to create a centralized fraud investigations unit within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and unveiled a legislative package aimed at bolstering fraud prevention and enforcement across Minnesota’s state programs. The newly formed Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit will consolidate fraud investigations under the BCA, incorporating investigators from the Department of Commerce. The initiative also includes expanding the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud unit by nine staff members and granting agencies enhanced authority to halt payments to entities suspected or convicted of fraud. “As long as there have been programs aimed [...]

MARSHALL -- The Lyon County Museum recently wrapped up its 12th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk, which ended on December 31. This year, 26 groups participated, contributing to the festive atmosphere with a variety of decorated trees.  The event raised $2,222 through public voting, with all proceeds supporting the museum. The top three entries, as determined by the votes, received Marshall Chamber Dollar prizes:  1st Place ($150): Shades of the Past Car Club    2nd Place ($100): KayKo Baton Studio    3rd Place ($50): Boulder Estates    The museum acknowledged the efforts of participants and visitors who contributed to the event's [...]

SAINT PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Health reports a 16% rise in abortions in 2023, with the total number climbing to 14,124, the highest since 2003. This marks an increase from 12,175 in 2021.  Nearly 3,000 procedures involved out-of-state residents, reflecting a growing trend of patients traveling to Minnesota for reproductive care. Some Iowa women have sought services in Minnesota following Iowa's six-week abortion ban.  Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life criticized state leadership, claiming DFL lawmakers and Governor Tim Walz have made the state a hub for "truly unlimited abortion." 

WINDOM — Late on December 31, 2024, the Windom Police Department responded to a reported stabbing at the Phat Pheasant Pub at approximately 11:47 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims, aged 30 and 31, both suffering from stab wounds.  Officers rendered aid at the scene, and the 30-year-old victim was transported to Windom Area Hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead.  A suspect, identified as a 26-year-old male from San Diego, CA, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Witnesses at the scene identified him as the assailant. He sustained minor injuries, received treatment at Worthington Hospital, and is [...]

MARSHALL -- Starting February 1, 2025, the Marshall Area YMCA will implement a modest increase in membership fees to address rising operational costs and continue providing quality services. The new monthly rates are as follows: Youth: $29.50 Full-Time College Student: $45.50 Adult: $60.50 One Adult Family: $66.50 Family: $81.50 The YMCA emphasized that the adjustment is essential to maintaining its facilities, supporting staff, and sustaining its mission to promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. “We greatly appreciate the understanding and support of our members,” said Jamie Nauman, Interim CEO, and Chelsey Hoekstra, Director of Membership, in a joint [...]

HERON LAKE – Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision near Heron Lake on Monday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 12:32 Monday afternoon, a 2024 Ford Maverick was traveling westbound on Highway 60 and a 2015 Honda CR-V was traveling northbound on 10th Street. Near the intersection, the two vehicles collided.  The driver of the Honda, 85-year-old Duane Kirchner, and his passenger, 73-year-old Leatrice Kirchner, both from Slayton, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Windom hospital.  The driver of the Ford, 57-year-old Tammy Deslauriers of New Ulm, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the [...]