ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Thursday that more than $20.7 million in Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants will support economic growth in 33 Greater Minnesota cities and counties, funding nearly 300 property rehabilitation projects. "Funding through DEED's Small Cities Development Program enables cities to undertake projects that promote economic vitality and quality of life in their communities," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "These grants ensure all Minnesotans feel the benefits of economic development and have a safe, healthy community and home, regardless of where they live." The SCDP program provides funding for [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — United Hmong Southwest Minnesota will celebrate 50 years of the Hmong community living in the United States during its annual Hmong New Year Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall. The free all-day event will feature cultural programs, performances, and evening entertainment honoring the milestone. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Kong Patchay Xiong of the Hmong 18 Council, Inc. Speakers include Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson, Southwest Minnesota State University Interim President Dr. David P. Jones, and state Reps. Kaohly Vang Her and Ethan [...]

 COTTONWOOD, Minn. — Alcohol was not involved in the fatal Wood Lake firetruck crash that occurred Sept. 26, according to updated information from the Minnesota State Patrol.  The rollover, which remains under investigation by the State Patrol and the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office, claimed the life of 43-year-old Patrick Remiger of rural Wood Lake. Two others, 37-year-old Andrew Vanhecke, and a six-year-old boy, both of Wood Lake, were injured.  The firetruck was returning from Lakeview School’s homecoming festivities.  A search warrant filed after the crash sought a blood sample from the driver, Andrew Vanhecke, but results confirmed that alcohol was [...]

REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. — A late-night traffic stop on Monday, October 13 led to a nearly hour-long high-speed pursuit, ending with the arrest of two individuals.  At 1:36 a.m., a Redwood County deputy attempted to stop a 2001 white Cadillac Seville near Noble Avenue south of U.S. Highway 71. The vehicle fled at high speed, prompting a pursuit that lasted about 52 minutes and covered 30 to 40 miles.  The chase concluded near Crown Avenue and 300th Street when the Cadillac went off the road and became disabled. Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident, and no [...]

WALNUT GROVE, Minn. — The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office announced that Duane Lloyd Swanson, a level 3 registered sex offender, will be relocating to Walnut Grove on October 16, 2025. Swanson, born March 16, 1970, was convicted of sexual offenses involving a teenaged male and possession of child sexual abuse material. A Community Notification Meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, at the Walnut Grove Community Center, 311 6th Street. Representatives from the Department of Corrections and the Sheriff’s Office will provide safety information and answer questions from the public. Swanson’s move is being shared under Minnesota Statutes 244.052 [...]

REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — Three people were injured after a two-vehicle collision on Friday in Redwood Falls, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 6:34 Friday evening, a 2010 Ford Fusion was traveling eastbound on Highway 71 and a 2016 Chevy Silverado was traveling northbound on County Road 1. One of the vehicles failed to yield for the other at the intersection resulting in the collision.  The driver of the Ford, 21-year-old Levi Christopher Stefansen, and his two passengers, 19-year-old Mackenzie Rose Lothert, and a two-year-old girl, all from Belview, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Redwood Falls hospital.  [...]

SHELBURNE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A Chandler woman was injured after the vehicle she was riding in collided with a tractor on Friday in Lyon County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 7:57 Friday evening, a 2008 Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on Highway 91. A 2025 Case IH 555 Track Tractor was attempting to turn left onto 140th Street when the Explorer collided with the tractor.  A passenger in the Ford, 41-year-old Izaguirre Glenda Patricia Gonzalez of Chandler, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Tyler hospital.  The driver of the Ford, 19-year-old Gonzales Loani Gomez, and another passenger, [...]

RUTHTON, Minn. — A blood drive is taking place today, Monday, October 13, at the Ruthton Community Center, 501 Smith Avenue. The drive runs from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and currently has seven Power Red donation appointments available.  Donors can give whole blood, which typically takes about an hour, or participate in a Power Red donation, which collects red blood cells while returning most plasma and platelets. Power Red donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have type A-, B-, or O blood.  Individuals who are 17 or older (16 with parental consent), in good health, and weigh at least [...]

ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has ordered an immediate statewide inspection of all DataMaster (DMT) breath-testing instruments following the discovery of multiple data entry errors involving dry gas cylinder information. The BCA on Friday directed law enforcement agencies to verify that gas cylinder data is correctly entered into every DMT unit currently in use. Until the review is complete, all DMT testing is suspended.  The agency said future gas cylinder replacements and maintenance will now be handled exclusively by BCA personnel to reduce the risk of human error. “The BCA is committed to the highest [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) has reported its highest-ever enrollment this fall, with 8,507 students enrolled across all programs, according to the university’s official 30th-day count.  The total includes 2,533 undergraduate students, 532 graduate students, and 5,442 high school students participating in SMSU’s College Now concurrent enrollment program. Overall enrollment rose 9.4% from Fall 2024, marking growth in every category.  Undergraduate enrollment increased by 7.7%, graduate enrollment by 10.1%, and College Now participation by 10.7%. The university also saw a 25.7% rise in international student enrollment compared to last year.  Interim President Dr. David P. Jones credited the [...]