First-arriving Renville County Sheriff’s Office personnel discovered a male, Nickolas Kubesh, age 25 of Olivia, MN, seated inside a tractor, which was off of the roadway and in a field of standing corn.  Further investigation revealed that the tractor, a 4-wheel drive John Deere pulling an empty grain cart, had been northbound on 330th Street.  At some point, Kubesh lost control of the tractor and cart, which eventually entered the west ditch and came to rest in the field.  As the tractor left the road, traveled through the ditch and entered the field, the unbelted Kubesh was thrown about inside the tractor [...]

A third school staff member in Minnesota has died from COVID-19 this year.  Yesterday, Education Minnesota announced the case, saying it's the 11th staff member to die from the coronavirus since the pandemic began.  Few other details have been released, but those from the education group say all schools should be following COVID-19 measures to limit the possibility of infections and deaths.  One unidentified student has also died from the virus in 2021.

Schools across Minnesota are getting more time to apply for grants that will help fund COVID-19 testing programs for students and staff.  Education Commissioner Heather Mueller says schools now have until October 15th to apply for the grants.  To find more information about the program, the grants and how to apply, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's website.

Fall harvest is ramping up across Minnesota. Because of this, MnDOT's Anne Meyer quotes: "We want all motorists to be aware that this activity is going on that we've got some large, slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways and just to pay attention for that activity." Meyer says most farm equipment crashes and fatalities are distraction-related.

Authorities say a missing 14-year-old has been found in Idaho.  Cienna Azure-Descheuquett had been missing from a group home in Willmar since September 11th.  Law enforcement hasn't said how the girl was found.

CentraCare is reviving visitor restrictions amid the COVID-19 surge.  Starting Tuesday, CentraCare and Carris Health hospitals will only allow one (1) healthy adult visitor per patient in hospital settings.  That number is increased to two for minor patients.  The hospital system, which operates facilities mostly around Central Minnesota, says it must take health measures due to positive cases in our communities.  All visitors must wear a mask.  Also, long-term care facilities will have their own policies.

More than 400 COVID-19 infections are reported among Pre-K through 12th-grade students and staff in Minnesota.  The State Department of Health reported yesterday that the figures were tabulated in the week ending September 4. The total of 410 more than doubles the 152 from the previous week.