MARSHALL — As National Fire Prevention Week continues, Chief Quentin Brunsvold of the Marshall Fire Department is urging residents to pay special attention to the growing risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety,” focuses on the safe use and handling of these common but potentially dangerous power sources. Brunsvold praised the community’s response to the start of Fire Prevention Week, which included households across Marshall signaling their participation in fire safety planning. “It was a great response. Everybody’s kind of getting used to it. We’ve been doing it now for a number of [...]

MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University is celebrating Homecoming 2025 this week with a full slate of events. Tuesday, Oct. 7 | Western/Cowboy Day & Candidates NightThe week continues today with Western-themed attire and Candidates Night at 7 p.m. in the Upper Conference Center. The evening will feature fast-paced trivia, puzzles, and team competitions as Homecoming royalty candidates vie for prizes and bragging rights. Wednesday, Oct. 8 | Superhero Day & Mustangs GiveOn Wednesday, the annual Mustangs Give Day of Service runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with volunteers tackling community projects such as park cleanup and painting. The day [...]

Question: Hello, I want to work for a farmer during planting and harvest season driving a semi. I have a valid Class D driver’s license but no Commercial Driver’s License. Can I cross a state line while working for the farmer, Minnesota into North Dakota? Answer: Yes, as long as you stay within 150 air miles of the farm. If you have additional questions regarding commercial motor vehicles please contact cmvinfo@state.mn.us Motorists need to be especially alert when they share the road with farm equipment that is often so large and heavy that accelerating, slowing down and stopping take more time [...]

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Kwik Trip is changing how it handles cash payments following the U.S. Treasury’s decision to stop producing pennies.  As each store runs out of one-cent coins, cash transactions at Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations will now be rounded down to the nearest five cents. The company said the adjustment ensures fairness for customers and will remain in place until federal lawmakers provide permanent guidance.  The new system automatically applies rounding only to cash purchases, while card and digital payments remain charged at the exact amount.  Kwik Trip operates more than 900 stores across six states, including [...]

MARSHALL — The number of Minnesota farmers entering mediation due to financial hardship has increased sharply this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Farm Advocate Steve Zenk says many producers are struggling to cover operating loans. “We’re seeing right now people that are going to have difficulty paying back their operating loans this fall. With the lower grain prices, and all the inputs have continued to go up, so at the end of the year, there might not be enough money to go around to get everybody paid.” Zenk warns that farmers have limited time to act once notified [...]

MARSHALL — The annual Taste of Marshall event returns Monday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Red Baron Arena & Expo, offering attendees a chance to sample food and drinks from restaurants, food trucks, and vendors across the Marshall area.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, though organizers note that online sales sold out before last year’s event began. A cash-only bar will also be available. New this year, attendees can sponsor a reserved table for $250, with only 15 sponsor tables available.  Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through the Marshall Area Chamber [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. — Two men were arrested Friday evening following a shooting incident in Willmar that police say was a targeted attack.  According to Willmar Police Chief Mike Holme, officers were dispatched around 5:51 p.m. to the area of 5th Street and 15th Avenue SW after reports of gunfire. The victim, who was not injured, maintained visual contact with the suspect vehicle and provided real-time updates that helped police locate and arrest the suspects.  The suspects were identified as 21-year-old Miguel Alejandro Soto, and 25-year-old Jomar Luis Saenz, both of Willmar. Soto faces charges of second-degree assault and reckless use of [...]

MILROY, Minn. — The Milroy Public School District will close at the end of this school year and consolidate with Tracy Area Public Schools on July 1, 2026.  Milroy currently serves pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, with about 30 students enrolled. Older students already attend neighboring districts including Tracy, Marshall, and Wabasso. Declining enrollment and the high cost of repairs to the school building led to the decision.  Talks between the Milroy and Tracy school boards began in January, with an agreement reached in August. Under the consolidation, Milroy’s assets will transfer to Tracy, and staff will have the opportunity to move [...]

MARSHALL — The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is preparing for the 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day on Saturday, October 4th, at Red Baron Arena in Marshall. The event will raise awareness, connect community members, and provide practical tools to prevent veteran suicide. Kristi Stites, Suicide Prevention and Program Development Coordinator with MDVA, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme: “Be The One: a Wellness Mission for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.” “Well, what it means to us at MDVA, we’re the community health team, and ‘Be the One’ means every one of us can be [...]

MARSHALL – Jermaine Galloway, a former law enforcement officer with over 20 years of experience in substance misuse prevention, will lead High In Plain Sight, a free community training for parents, educators, and other adults. Known nationally as “Tall Cop,” Galloway’s program helps participants identify the latest drug trends, concealment methods, and warning signs to better protect youth. The first session is today, September 30, at 6:15 p.m. at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center, 104 Main Street East, Pipestone. The second session will be October 1 at 6:15 p.m. at the Marshall High School Theater, 400 Tiger Drive, Marshall. The event [...]