The Minnesota Department of Health is urging residents to dispose of recalled organic carrots after they were linked to an E. coli O121 outbreak. Epidemiologist Carlota Medus says, "The E. coli outbreak associated with carrots. It's a type of E. coli, and it's called E. coli O121. We have five cases in Minnesota who ate organic carrots, just like the regular carrots and or baby carrots. So those carrots got recalled." The illnesses have been traced to organic carrots purchased from Costco, Target, and Hy-Vee, under brands including Good & Gather, Bunny Luv, and Cal-Organic. Medus also described symptoms to watch [...]

During Safe Sleep Week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is spotlighting its partnership with Cradle of Hope, a grantee of the Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Families Act. Cradle of Hope collaborates with 176 state organizations, including 11 Tribes, to distribute more than 200 portable cribs monthly to families in need. MDH Spokesperson Michelle Chiezah (chee-EH-zah) emphasizes the importance of this program in reducing the risk of accidental suffocation and strangulation caused by bed-sharing. “They distribute cribs statewide to families in need, especially those who are in need of a safe space for the baby to sleep, if they’re pregnant in the [...]

Minnesota appears on track to lead the nation in voter turnout for the second consecutive presidential election, with preliminary data showing 76.35% of eligible voters casting ballots in 2024. Secretary of State Steve Simon attributed the state’s high participation to same-day registration and a strong "pro-voting" culture. "We are still first place in the nation once again for voter turnout," Simon said Monday. "I caution that that could change. There's still a few more ballots left to count in the state of Wisconsin. It's nip and tuck, but as of this morning, we're still ahead and number one. We won't know [...]

MARSHALL – The Fish ON Target Cornhole ACL Regional Tournament will take place at the 5 Family Ranch, promising a weekend of thrilling cornhole competition open to players of all skill levels. The tournament kicks off on Friday, November 22, with the Early Bird Blind Draw starting at 4 p.m., followed by the ACL Swap at 7 p.m., which guarantees six games for participants. The day concludes at midnight. On Saturday, November 23, doors open at 10 a.m., and the action begins with singles events at 11 a.m., offering Open, Competitive, and Intermediate divisions. Doubles Rounders matches start at 3 p.m., [...]

The Marshall Police Department reports the following incidents: On Friday at 8:05 a.m., property damage was reported in the 1000 block of East College Drive. Two vehicles collided with each other. No injuries were reported. One vehicle was towed from the scene via private tow. On Saturday at 1:40 a.m., a traffic stop was performed near the intersection of North 4th Street and West Lyon Street. After investigating, a 19-year-old Marshall man was arrested for 4th degree DWI, underage consumption, underage drinking and driving, and driving after suspension. On Saturday at 9:36 a.m., suspicious activity was reported in the 1200 block [...]

OLIVIA -- A high-speed chase through Renville County Sunday evening ended with a crash and an arrest in the City of Olivia, according to the Renville County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 7:04 PM, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2016 Dodge Charger near Highway 71 and County Road 17, about three miles south of Olivia. The driver refused to stop and led law enforcement on a brief but intense pursuit.  Deputies and an Olivia Police officer followed the vehicle into the city, where it crashed into a railroad embankment near Elm Avenue West and 12th Street North. The [...]

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has imposed a record-breaking $2 million fine on Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. for child labor violations. Following a two-year investigation, DLI found that Smithfield had employed 11 minors, some as young as 14, in hazardous roles within its facilities. The minors worked with dangerous machinery, chemicals, and equipment, often beyond permissible hours under state law. Under a consent order with DLI, Smithfield will not only pay the penalty but also implement significant compliance measures. These include industry-wide outreach on child labor laws and stricter oversight of staffing and sanitation contractors to prevent future [...]

MARSHALL -- Staff from the office of Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach will be available for mobile office hours in Marshall on November 19, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Marshall-Lyon County Library, located at 201 C St. Constituents are encouraged to visit to discuss policy issues, provide feedback, and receive assistance with federal services.  The congressional staff can help with a variety of issues, including passport processing, veterans’ services, Social Security benefits, and tax refunds. They can also assist in connecting constituents with federal agencies such as FEMA and the Farm Service Agency (FSA).  For questions about the mobile office [...]

WILLMAR – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has reopened Highway 23 between Pipestone and Holland, marking substantial progress on an $11.2 million resurfacing and bridge improvement project. Detours and barriers have been lifted, although drivers are advised to remain cautious of workers and equipment wrapping up final tasks.  This extensive project involved resurfacing 30 miles of the highway, replacing a bridge deck near Pipestone, and enhancing drainage with culvert repairs and replacements near Florence. Benefits include a smoother driving surface and improved water management. Central Specialties served as the contractor, with crews expected to return briefly next spring for final [...]

SLAYTON -- On the morning of November 12, 2024, a bomb threat email targeting the Murray County Government Center led to an evacuation and a brief lockdown of Murray County Central Schools. The Murray County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with Murray County Emergency Management, swiftly implemented security measures, including a perimeter around the Government Center and a search of the building, which revealed no suspicious items or explosive devices. The incident was later deemed a hoax, as similar threats were reported in multiple counties across Minnesota. Operations resumed at the Government Center around 10:30 a.m., and authorities assured the public that [...]