The Minnesota Farmers Union is making conservation funding a top priority as work continues on the next farm bill. MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl says members will continue pressing lawmakers during the August recess to protect funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP. “Really advocating strongly for the things that we care most about, namely, I want to protect the conservation dollars that are in (the Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Our bread and butter of federal conservation funding, and not rob Peter to pay Paul and move that out into other programs.” Schwagerl says many farmers, including her own [...]

A federal judge has rejected the Trump administration’s effort to obtain unredacted Minnesota voter rolls.  U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit Monday, ruling federal law does not give the federal government authority to demand the records.  The DOJ sought voter information including birth dates and partial Social Security numbers. Menendez rejected arguments based on the Civil Rights Act and Help America Vote Act.  The Justice Department says it disagrees with the decision and is considering its next steps. 

MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University has launched "My SMSU" - a new campus engagement app designed to help students stay connected to campus life and the Mustang community.  Powered by CampusGroups, My SMSU provides a central location for students to discover campus events, join student organizations, receive announcements, access campus resources and connect with students, faculty and staff.  The app also provides information about opportunities supporting academic and personal success.  Students, faculty and staff can download My SMSU from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in using their SMSU credentials. 

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced felony theft charges in two Medicaid fraud cases involving more than $1.5 million in alleged losses.  Salman Ahmed Elmi, who operates Reva Health, is accused of fraudulently billing more than $1 million for mental health services that were either not provided or were not eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.  In a separate case, Mohamed Haji Rashid is accused of more than $300,000 in improper Medicaid billing through Liberty Home Health Care.  The cases involve a combined 17 felony theft charges and are being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is awarding nearly $5 million in grants to 33 communities for tree planting and replacement projects.  The funding will help remove damaged and dying trees while adding more than 6,000 new trees statewide.  DNR officials say expanded tree canopies can reduce energy costs, limit stormwater runoff and improve quality of life in Minnesota communities.  The DNR is also accepting applications through September 14 for a new community forestry grant program. Local governments, nonprofits, tribes and schools can apply for awards of up to $150,000. 

LYON COUNTY, Minn. — Lyon County 4-H members earned more than 100 Grand Champion honors across livestock, general projects, presentations and club exhibits during this year’s 4-H competition at the Lyon County Fair. Annabel Coudron of the Stanley Busy Beavers was one of the most decorated exhibitors, earning six Grand Champion awards. She was recognized for a poultry breeding pen consisting of one male and two females, a hobby poultry entry, a livestock demonstration, sheep showmanship, and a potato project. She also earned a Grand Champion honor for her poultry work. Kyra Wichmann of the Coon Creek Cheerful Workers earned four [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Marshall’s Sounds of Summer festival gets underway Wednesday with several events leading into a full weekend of family activities and entertainment. The festival officially starts Wednesday, August 19, with the annual Battle of the Badges softball game between the Marshall Fire Department and Marshall Police Department at the Amateur Sports Complex. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30. A $10 meal deal from the Hitching Post will be available, along with a beer garden. Proceeds from the meal will benefit Marshall Youth Athletics. The Lyon County Library will also hold a Friends of [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Marshall Police Department handled several notable calls Friday and Saturday, including an assault, a DWI arrest, underage alcohol citations and incidents at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. A 76-year-old woman from Lake Benton was arrested Friday afternoon for fourth-degree DWI. Officers also investigated an assault late Friday night, which remains under investigation. Police also dealt with several alcohol-related incidents at the fairgrounds Saturday night. Multiple people were cited for underage consumption of alcohol, including 19-year-olds from Marshall, a 20-year-old from Luverne and a 19-year-old from Florida. An 18-year-old Marshall woman was also issued a trespass notice and removed [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The intersection of North 4th Street and North High Street in Marshall will close Wednesday through Friday for construction.  R and G Construction closed the intersection this (Wednesday) morning, and will remain closed through the end of the day Friday, August 14, weather permitting. Access will be restricted, and drivers will need to use alternate routes during the closure.  Questions can be directed to the Marshall Public Works office at 507-537-6773. 

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota voters have finalized the November matchups for attorney general, state auditor and secretary of state. Attorney General Keith Ellison won the DFL nomination and will face Republican Ron Schutz as he seeks a third term. In the open race for state auditor, Republican Scott Jensen will take on DFL nominee Zack Filipovich after current State Auditor Julie Blaha chose not to seek reelection. Secretary of State Steve Simon won the DFL nomination and will face Republican Tad Jude as he seeks a fourth term.