HERON LAKE, Minn. — A Sioux Falls woman was airlifted and three other people, including two children, were injured in a head-on collision on Saturday in Jackson County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 3:52 Saturday afternoon, a 2018 Chevy Silverado was traveling westbound on Highway 60 and a 2020 Chevy Malibu was traveling eastbound on Highway 60. Near milepost 33 in Weimer Township, one vehicle crossed into the other lane resulting in a head-on collision.  The driver of the Malibu, 31-year-old Danielle Tilt of Sioux Falls, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Sanford Medical Center in [...]

LUCAN, Minn. — Lucan’s annual Pretzel Days celebration returns this Friday and Saturday. Festivities kick off Friday evening with the 46th Annual Lions BBQ Beef Dinner from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., followed by Wings Axe Throwing, youth softball games, and the start of the Medallion Hunt at 7:00 p.m. Clues will be posted on Facebook and at the park shelter.  Saturday’s schedule starts bright and early with the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by youth baseball and pickleball tournaments at 9:00 a.m. The day includes a petting zoo, fireman’s water event, rock climbing, Lucan Museum tours, and [...]

MARSHALL — The Marshall Area YMCA has announced the appointment of Cindy Rosa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1. Rosa, a Marshall native, brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience within the YMCA organization. Most recently, she served as CEO of the YMCA in Forest City, Iowa, where she led efforts in strategic growth and program development. Her career with the YMCA includes extensive work in youth programming, membership, and executive leadership. Rosa previously worked at the Marshall Y as Program Director from 2002 to 2005 and Associate Executive Director from 2008 to 2015. The YMCA Board highlighted [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Saturday, June 7, through sunset on Monday, June 9, to honor Amboy Fire Department firefighter Andrew Karels, who died on June 2. Karels served nearly a decade with the Amboy Fire Department and was the department’s Medical Officer, known for his steady presence, compassionate care, and calm under pressure. He was also a U.S. Army veteran, having served seven years in the Minnesota National Guard, including a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn. [...]

BALATON, Minn. — Two people were injured on Thursday in a collision involving a semi west of Balaton in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 5:28 Thursday afternoon, a 2023 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer and a 2018 Buick Encore were both traveling westbound on Highway 14. Near the intersection with Highway 91, the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Buick, 80-year-old Joyce Sinding of Lakeville, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera-Tyler Hospital.   The driver of the Freightliner, 45-year-old William StCyr of Winnebago, NE, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the Avera-Tyler [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a statewide air quality alert through noon Wednesday, June 4, as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires pushes across the state. In southwest Minnesota, air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category. Communities including Marshall and Worthington are expected to see fine particle pollution levels considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions. People in these groups are advised to limit outdoor activity and reduce exertion. The smoke, driven by a cold front, moved into the state Monday morning and [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. – A pavement marking project is set to begin June 9 on Highways 23 and 7, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Drivers should plan for brief delays and allow extra travel time. Crews will install centerline rumble strips and in-ground wet reflective striping, with shoulder rumble strips added to the four-lane section of Highway 23 south of Marshall. These updates are part of regular maintenance to meet current safety standards. The work will take place in the following order: Highway 23: North of Marshall to south of Cottonwood Highway 23: Russell to Marshall Highway 7: Montevideo to [...]

PAYNESVILLE, Minn. — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that followed a domestic abuse call in Paynesville on Monday night. According to police, officers responded around 9 p.m. to a report of a domestic disturbance involving an armed man and a woman at a residence on the 600 block of Stearns Avenue. The woman was able to exit the home safely and told officers she had been assaulted, sustaining minor injuries to her head and neck. Authorities said the man was locked in the basement when officers from the Paynesville and Cold Spring police [...]

FOUNTAIN, MN — An Ivanhoe man was injured after his semi collided with multiple cows early Saturday in Fillmore County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 4:26 Saturday morning, a 1998 Volvo semi was traveling westbound on Highway 16 when it collided with multiple cows on the road.  The driver of the Volvo, 57-year-old James Gregoire of Ivanhoe, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital.  Assistance was provided by the Preston Fire Department and Lanesboro EMS. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a statewide air quality alert in effect through 6 p.m. CDT Monday due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach the Orange category, indicating conditions that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.  Smoke from large wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is being pulled southward into Minnesota by a cold front, contributing to poor air quality across the state.  Health officials advise people with lung or heart conditions, as well as children and older adults, to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Residents are also urged to reduce [...]