SAINT PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is opening applications for its Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI), a state-funded program that provides financial support to eligible Minnesota dairy producers enrolled in the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program. DAIRI offers additional assistance to dairy farmers who commit to six years of coverage through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage program. Eligible applicants must be the principal operator of a Minnesota dairy operation that produced less than 160,000 hundredweight of milk in 2022 and must have enrolled in six years of coverage during the Jan. 12 to [...]

MARSHALL, MN — With rideable snow in parts of the state, snowmobiling is drawing riders to Minnesota’s trails, frozen lakes, and road ditches. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding riders to take extra precautions before heading out. Limited snow cover can conceal hazards such as rocks and other obstructions, while pressure ridges and thin ice pose added risks for riders who aren’t closely watching conditions. “Snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy the winter, and we’re seeing lots of people taking advantage of the opportunities that exist right now,” said Capt. Jon Paurus, DNR Enforcement education program coordinator. “We’re [...]

MARSHALL, MN — Minnesota State has named three finalists in the search for the next president of Southwest Minnesota State University. The finalists are Amy Clark, David Jones and Shadow Robinson. They were recommended by a search advisory committee made up of students, faculty, staff and community members. All three candidates will take part in campus visits during the week of Jan. 26, allowing students, employees and community members to meet the finalists and provide feedback. Amy Clark Clark most recently served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Nebraska Methodist College, a role she held from [...]

REDWOOD FALLS, MN — Minnesota Sen. Gary Dahms of Redwood Falls has announced he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2026, according to a January newsletter from his office.   Dahms was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2010 and has been re-elected four times. He has served a total of 16 years in the Senate, including eight years in the majority. Prior to his legislative service, Dahms was a Redwood County commissioner.  During his tenure, Dahms held several leadership roles, including chair, co-chair, or minority lead of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee. [...]

COTTONWOOD, MN — Two people were injured in a three-vehicle collision on Monday north of Cottonwood in Yellow Medicine County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 12:14 Monday afternoon, a 2013 Lincoln MKX was westbound on Highway 23 when it crossed into the eastbound lane and sideswiped a 2022 Peterbilt semi and collided with a 2024 Dodge Ram.   The driver of the Lincoln, 40-year-old Katie Leslie of Sauk Centre, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera Marshall Hospital. The driver of the Dodge, 63-year-old Todd Risa of Clarkfield, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. The [...]