NEW ULM — New Ulm Oktoberfest has been recognized as one of the top celebrations in the country, earning the No. 7 spot on USA Today’s list of “Best Oktoberfests of 2025.”  The annual festival, now in its 40th year, spans two weekends, October 3-4 and 10-11, across four main locations: Morgan Creek Vineyards, Schell’s Brewery, Best Western Plus, and downtown New Ulm. Events include live music, craft and food vendors, family activities, contests such as sauerkraut-eating and stein-holding, and the popular Grape Stomp.  Nominees for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards were selected by travel editors and local experts, with [...]

PIPESTONE — Pipestone National Monument is calling on volunteers to lend a hand in caring for its tallgrass prairie during National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.  From 9 to 11 a.m., participants can join park rangers to either collect native seeds for replanting next year or remove invasive species that threaten the native habitat. No prior experience is needed, and tools and training will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring gloves if they have them.  Following the work, the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association will provide lunch at 11 a.m.  The event [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz faces a political deadlock over a proposed special session on gun policy following the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting in Minneapolis.  Republicans oppose bans on assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines, and without bipartisan support, even some Democrats question calling a session. Walz said Tuesday, “It’s clear to me that Republican legislators want to talk about everything else except guns.” He added, “I asked for a floor vote on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and just let the members vote on it. There is no appetite on the Republican side to hold a floor [...]

CROW WING COUNTY, Minn. — A Pine River couple has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after their 10-year-old autistic daughter was found fatally trapped in an enclosed bed at their home.  Heather Lynn Cross, 49, and Darcy Ronald Cross, 57, were arrested Sept. 17 in connection with the death of their daughter Cecilia. Both remain jailed on $100,000 bail, with court appearances set for Oct. 1. They also face a gross misdemeanor charge of contributing to a child’s need for protective services.  Deputies responding to the Crosses’ rural home last month discovered Cecilia unresponsive in her bed, which had a metal [...]

MARSHALL — From drivers racing at more than 100 mph to impaired motorists with children in their cars, Minnesota law enforcement cracked down this summer in a statewide effort to prevent tragedies on the road.  Nearly 300 agencies participated in enforcement campaigns focused on speeding, impaired driving, and the Move Over law during the 100 deadliest days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The extra patrols resulted in 46,624 speeding citations, 1,357 DWI arrests, and 178 Move Over citations.  Southwest Minnesota agencies recorded some of the state’s most dangerous cases. The Minnesota State Patrol’s Marshall district reported drivers reaching 126 mph, [...]

REDWOOD COUNTY — The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident early Tuesday morning, September 23, at the intersection of CSAH 25 and 101.  Authorities said the crash occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. when a 2008 Toyota RAV, driven by 32-year-old Sean Stately of Harris, left the roadway and rolled. Both Stately and a passenger were transported by CentraCare Ambulance to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  The Redwood Falls Police Department assisted at the scene. 

REDWOOD COUNTY — A single-vehicle accident involving farm equipment was reported Friday morning at the intersection of 275th Street and Highway 71.  According to the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred Sept. 19 at about 10:38 a.m. when Joel Schoer, 43, of Wabasso, was westbound on 275th Street hauling a farm tiller. Authorities say the trailer malfunctioned and detached from the tractor, colliding with the back of it and forcing both into the ditch.  Schoer was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Clements Fire Department and CentraCare [...]

REDWOOD COUNTY — A 29-year-old driver from Lamberton was taken to the hospital with minor injuries Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of CSAH 6 and 180th Street.  The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office said the crash was reported at 3:29 p.m. when a southbound Mazda SUV driven by Byamba Erdene rear-ended an unoccupied GMC pickup that was hauling a farm tiller. The SUV caught fire after the crash, but Erdene was able to exit the vehicle before it became engulfed.  Erdene was transported by ambulance to the hospital.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Lamberton [...]

MARSHALL — The Lyon County Food Drive will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, with all donations going to the Kitchen Table Food Shelf. Community members are encouraged to contribute boxed, dry, and canned goods, hygiene products, paper goods, and cash donations. PayPal donations are also being accepted.  Drop-off sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 701 East College Drive, Justice Park, and the Marshall YMCA. The YMCA will also have a donation box available through Oct. 4.  In addition, a door-to-door pickup option is available in Marshall. Residents can leave donations visibly on their doorstep, [...]

MARSHALL — The intersection of West Saratoga Street and West College Drive is expected to reopen to traffic by late afternoon today, Friday, Sept. 19. The new traffic signal will initially operate in flashing red mode, requiring drivers to stop before proceeding. Meanwhile, beginning Monday, Sept. 22, the intersection of West College Drive and South 4th Street will close for pavement removal and underground utility work. The closure is expected to last several weeks. Marshall Public Works encourages residents to plan ahead and thanks the public for their patience. Questions can be directed to the department at 507-537-6773.