MARSHALL -- April 28, 2025 — Residents across northwest Iowa, west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and much of South Dakota should brace for a volatile weather day. Scattered thunderstorms are moving through the region this morning, with a few storms possibly reaching severe levels, producing hail up to quarter size and wind gusts up to 60 mph. After a brief lull, additional storms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening, particularly between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Areas east of Interstate 29 face the highest risk, with large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes all possible. Today's high [...]

SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will implement several seasonal changes beginning Wednesday, April 30, including the start of full-summer overweight permits in the South, Southeast, and Metro frost zones. Spring load restrictions will be lifted in the Central and North-Central frost zones on Friday, May 2, and in the North frost zone on Monday, May 12.  Overweight permits for vehicles exceeding 80,000 pounds gross weight remain available, provided axle weight requirements are met.  Questions about regulations and permits can be directed to MnDOT or the Minnesota State Patrol using the contact information listed on the agency’s [...]

BALATON, MN — A grass fire near Balaton burned up to 300 acres Tuesday, prompting a response from nine area fire departments and the Minnesota DNR. The fire, located near Lyon County Road 7, spread through wildlife and private conservation land. Difficult wetland terrain hindered access, and a DNR helicopter helped contain the fire’s northern edge. No homes were damaged, but an electric pole was burned, and a nearby Canadian Pacific train was temporarily stopped. The cause of the fire is unknown.

MARSHALL -- Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision involving a school bus on Wednesday in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 3:53 Wednesday afternoon, a 2018 Bluebird school bus was traveling northbound on County Road 5 and a 2016 Chevy Equinox was traveling westbound on Highway 19. The vehicles collided in the intersection.  The driver of the Chevy, 57-year-old Paulette Meester of Minneota, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera-Marshall hospital.   The driver of the school bus, 69-year-old Brian Obe of Minneota, was not injured. A juvenile passenger on the bus sustained [...]

LUCAN -- Nine people were hospitalized  on Sunday after a two-vehicle collision in Redwood County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 2:21 Sunday afternoon, a 2017 Jeep Cherokee was traveling westbound on State Highway 68 and a 2015 GMC Acadia was traveling northbound on County Road 10 when the vehicles collided in the intersection.  The driver of the GMC, 47-year-old Kristi Huge of Chandler, and six passengers including two 21-year-olds, an 18-year-old, and three juveniles ages 5, 15, and 17, all sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Avera Marshall hospital.  The driver of the Jeep, 36-year-old Kristi [...]

MARSHALL — Patzer’s Hardware Hank, a fixture in downtown Marshall since 1969, has announced it is liquidating its hardware, appliance, and furniture business after nearly six decades of operation. The decision follows co-owner Lyle Patzer’s plans to relocate with his wife Rose to be closer to family in the Twin Cities area. In a recent public statement, the Patzer family expressed appreciation for the community’s support over the years. The post reflected on 58 years of business, noting the relationships built with customers and the role the store has played in furnishing homes and supporting local projects. The Patzer family’s presence [...]

MARSHALL -- The Marshall Area YMCA will host a Model Airplane Show this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Presented by the Marshall Radio Control Club, the event offers free admission for spectators and a $10 entry fee for participants, regardless of the number of planes.  Held at 200 South A Street in Marshall, the show will feature radio-controlled model airplanes from across Southwest Minnesota, Southeast South Dakota, and Northwest Iowa. Highlights include flight simulators, videos, and competitive plaques for categories such as Best Scale Plane, Best Sport Plane, Best Paint, Best Iron-on Covering, and Best of Show.  Participants must [...]

MARSHALL -- A community spring cleaning event is scheduled for Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at 6:00 p.m. at Independence Park, 1200 East Lyon St. Participants will meet at the large shelter to help clean up the park.  The event is organized by the Lyon County Democrats and is open to the public. Trash bags will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. 

IVANHOE, MN — A fire early Friday morning severely damaged the roof and upper floor of a building at the corner of North Norman Street and West Saxon Street in Ivanhoe. Although there were no reported injuries, the blaze required assistance from multiple area fire departments to bring it under control.  The building, formerly home to a local café, was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. The Ivanhoe Fire Department was paged around 12:15 a.m. after a caller reported seeing flames coming from the roof. Crews worked from both inside and outside the building to contain the blaze and [...]

GHENT, MN  — A Marshall man died Friday evening in a tree cutting accident in Ghent, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday.  Authorities said 42-year-old Miguel Antonio Ramirez-Monterroso was helping cut a tree in the 300 block of West Burlingame Street when he was struck by a branch. Bystanders called 911 after noticing something was wrong.  Firefighters brought Ramirez-Monterroso down from the tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sheriff Eric Wallen.