Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach and Democratic challenger Erik Osberg offered contrasting views on agriculture, healthcare, immigration, foreign policy and federal spending during a debate for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. The debate, moderated by Dave Thompson and presented by Prairie Public, covered a range of issues facing voters ahead of the November 3 election. Fischbach emphasized her record in Congress and efforts to advance rural Minnesota priorities, while Osberg called for greater congressional oversight of the executive branch and changes to federal policies. Osberg said he entered the race because “I believe that we can do better.” He pointed to his [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Several blood drives are scheduled across southwest Minnesota over the next week.  On Monday, October 19, drives are scheduled at the Community Center in Redwood Falls from noon to 6 p.m. and First Lutheran Church in Marshall from noon to 5 p.m. Redwood Falls will host another drive Tuesday, October 20, from noon to 6 p.m.  The Community Center in Wabasso will host a drive Wednesday, October 21, from noon to 6 p.m.  On Thursday, October 22, drives are scheduled at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Community Center in [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University reports fall 2026 enrollment of 8,300 students, down 2.8% from last year’s record levels. The university’s 30-day enrollment figures include 2,490 undergraduate students, 476 graduate students and 5,270 students enrolled through College Now and Postsecondary Enrollment Options programs. Another 64 non-degree-seeking students are taking classes. Undergraduate enrollment remained relatively steady, while graduate enrollment declined 12%. International enrollment fell 15.2%, from 132 students last fall to 112 this year. SMSU President Dr. David P. Jones said the university anticipated a possible decline after several years of enrollment growth. “Although we experienced a modest decline this [...]

Michele Tafoya (R) and Peggy Flanagan (DFL) debate, hosted by MPR News. SAINT PAUL, Minn. — With just over two weeks until Election Day, Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan faced off in their only scheduled debate, hosted by MPR News and moderated by politics editor Brian Bakst. Tafoya said she supports eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, along with expanding the child tax credit. She also criticized Flanagan’s approach to government spending and taxation.  "No tax on tips, I’m for that. No tax on overtime, I’m for that. The expanded child tax credit, [...]

Andrea Boettger (DFL) of New Ulm, Braxton Seifert (R) of Marshall, from Pioneer PBS MARSHALL, Minn. — DFL candidate Andrea Boettger and Republican candidate Braxton Seifert are offering contrasting priorities in the race for Minnesota Senate District 15, with affordability, education and government spending among the key issues. The candidates discussed their backgrounds and policy priorities in Pioneer PBS’ “Meet the Candidates” program, which features interviews with candidates running for office. Boettger serves as New Ulm City Council president and has experience in economic development, banking, finance and nonprofit management. She says her local government experience has helped address [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Highway 19/College Drive reconstruction project in Marshall is scheduled to open by the end of the day Monday, October 19, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The $25.7 million project began in 2025 as a partnership between MnDOT and the City of Marshall. Work included reconstructing Highway 19/College Drive from Marlene Street through Bruce Street, building a single-lane roundabout at Country Club Drive and South Second Street, and replacing water and sewer utilities. The project also added an electric vehicle charging station, improved sidewalk accessibility, enhanced traffic safety features and a bicycle lane between Marlene Street [...]

ADRIAN, Minn. — A four-vehicle crash in Nobles County Tuesday evening left a 75-year-old Adrian man with life-threatening injuries.  The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened around 6:01 p.m. October 13 on Highway 91 near milepost 17 in Lismore Township.  A southbound 2016 International semi, a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2017 GMC cargo van collided with a northbound 2015 Chrysler Town & Country minivan.  The pickup driver, 75-year-old Ronald Mauch of Adrian, was taken to Sanford Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other three drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene. The other drivers were identified [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Three people were involved in a two-vehicle crash Friday evening at the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and 320th Street in Fairview Township.  The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2018 GMC Yukon traveling north on Highway 59 collided with a 2026 GMC Terrain traveling east on 320th Street at about 6:33 p.m. Oct. 9.  The Yukon’s driver, 68-year-old Monica Lynn Geihl of Hanley Falls, was not injured. Her passenger, 71-year-old Lois Ann Geihl, also of Hanley Falls, sustained non-life-threatening injuries but was not transported to a hospital.  The Terrain’s driver, 43-year-old Fahad Mohamedali Halemi of Watertown, South Dakota, [...]

BELVIEW, Minn. — Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening on Highway 19 in Redwood County.  The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse and a 2013 Hyundai Sonata were both traveling eastbound when they collided near mile marker 62 in Kintire Township at about 5:40 p.m. Oct. 11.  The Traverse was driven by 31-year-old Emily Marie Gemmill of Wabasso, who was injured. Her 1-year-old male passenger was not injured.  The Sonata was driven by 56-year-old Todd Donald Watkins of Wabasso. He and his 55-year-old passenger, Jeri Ann Watkins, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  All occupants were [...]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Native American leaders fear a fire may have destroyed Minnesota’s largest Dakota language archive. A three-alarm fire Sunday destroyed Franklin Dollar City Plaza on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis and damaged an adjoining building housing Minnesota Chippewa Tribe offices and Native American programs. The archive contained recordings of elders sharing personal stories on aging tapes and other media that had not yet been digitized. Officials have not determined the extent of the damage. Nearly 60 firefighters responded, and two were hospitalized with minor burns. The cause remains under investigation.