MARSHALL — The City of Marshall is seeing a sharp increase in school bus stop-arm violations this year, according to Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Jim Marshall. Speaking last week, Marshall said the department is receiving reports “once or twice a day,” a trend backed by new technology installed on Southwest Coaches buses.  The bus company added camera systems to its fleet over the past two years, funded in part by a grant. Each bus now carries two cameras, capturing clear video of vehicles that fail to stop when buses activate their flashing lights and stop arms.  From September through November, [...]

MANKATO, MN — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is holding two career fairs this month in southern Minnesota as it looks to fill positions in construction, maintenance, and other transportation-related fields. The events will be held Nov. 19 in Windom and Nov. 20 in Mankato, both from 5 to 8 p.m. at MnDOT’s district offices. The fairs are part of ongoing efforts to recruit workers ahead of next year’s construction season. Attendees will be able to meet with MnDOT supervisors and human resources staff, learn about open and upcoming positions, and submit applications during the events. The agency is seeking [...]

BALATON, MN. — A Balaton man was arrested after a traffic stop on Friday night, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. At 5:53 Friday afternoon, a traffic stop was performed for a suspected impaired driver at the 1100 block of County Road 5 near Balaton. After investigating, a 59-year-old Balaton man was arrested for 4th Degree DWI.  MARSHALL, MN — A Marshall man was arrested after a traffic stop on Sunday night, according to the Marshall Police Department. At 9:35 Sunday evening, a traffic stop was performed for a suspected impaired driver at the intersection of North 6th Street and [...]

SAINT PAUL, MN — Today, Veterans Day, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to develop a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network to improve food access for veterans, service members, and their families. “Our veterans have sacrificed their health, safety, and personal freedoms in service to our country. Yet, here at home, many are left struggling to put food on the table,” said Governor Walz. “In Minnesota, we made a bipartisan commitment to provide our veterans with support and care, and we’re ensuring that every veteran and service member has access to affordable, [...]

REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office responded early Friday morning to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of County State Aid Highway 24 and Noble Avenue in rural Redwood County.  According to the Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 3:04 a.m. on Nov. 7 when a southbound 2016 Chevrolet Equinox failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch on the south side of CSAH 24 with moderate to severe damage.  The driver of the Equinox, 30-year-old Cole James Reinarts of Sleepy Eye, told deputies he did not [...]

MARSHALL — The Marshall City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at City Hall.  Among the consent items, the council will consider transferring collection and enforcement of the city’s lodging tax to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, approving a temporary liquor license for the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, and authorizing a raffle permit for the Shades of the Past car club.  Public works items include receiving a feasibility report and setting a public hearing for the North High Street reconstruction project, as well as authorizing bids for the Main Lift Station renovation.  New business includes the introduction of proposed city charter [...]

(ST. PAUL, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff on Friday, November 7, in honor of Farmington Police Officer Pete Zajac, who died October 28. “Officer Zajac dedicated more than 15 years to supporting and serving the Farmington community,” Walz said in a statement. “His compassion, steady presence, and genuine care for the well-being of those around him will be remembered.” Flags are already lowered in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney and will remain at half-staff until the day of his interment. The governor encouraged individuals, businesses, [...]

(WABASSO, MN) — A 32-year-old man was injured Wednesday night after his truck crashed into a ravine in rural Redwood County. The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called around 7:32 p.m. to the area of 220th Street and Impala Avenue after receiving an iPhone crash detection alert. When deputies arrived, they found an adult male climbing the embankment of the ravine. The man told deputies he had crashed his vehicle. Authorities say the driver, identified as Dylan Powell Gunderson, was treated at the scene and taken to CentraCare Hospital in Redwood Falls with non-life-threatening injuries. His 1999 Ford F-150 [...]

Cottonwood, Minn. — Voters in the Lakeview School District have approved a capital project levy authorization during Tuesday’s election. According to official results, 58.8% voted “Yes” (267 votes) and 41.2% voted “No” (187 votes), with both precincts reporting. The measure authorizes the district to implement a capital project levy of up to 2.061% of the district’s net tax capacity for ten years. The levy is expected to generate about $250,000 annually, totaling roughly $2.5 million over the duration of the authorization. District officials say the funds will support projects that include enhancing safety and security, upgrading Career and Technology Education programs [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Voters in the Marshall Public School District have rejected an operating levy that would have provided $2 million annually, or about $765 per pupil, for the next 10 years, according to a press release issued by Superintendent Jeremy Williams. According to preliminary results, the referendum failed with 1,415 votes (46%) in favor and 1,647 votes (54%) against. The school board is expected to certify the results at its next meeting. “While this is not the ideal outcome for our schools, we respect the decision made by voters,” said Superintendent Jeremy Williams. “Our attention now turns to determining how [...]