MARSHALL, Minn. — Tanya Moat is the new chief executive officer of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, following a leadership search conducted after former CEO Meg Louwagie resigned in April. Moat previously served as the organization’s Community Impact and Internal Programs coordinator. She officially accepted the CEO position about a week ago. “It is a great privilege and I'm really excited to lead the United Way,” Moat said. “We have a lot of great things coming up.” Moat said she is looking forward to continuing the organization’s work in southwest Minnesota while building relationships with donors, volunteers and community partners. [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of Dolly Parton.  The order took effect immediately and will remain in place until sunrise Sept. 1, following a proclamation from President Donald Trump.  Walz encouraged individuals, businesses and other organizations to also lower their flags to honor Parton’s life and legacy. The singer, songwriter and philanthropist died recently at the age of 80. View the entire proclamation below:

LINCOLN COUNTY, Minn. — Residents and visitors of Lake Shaokatan in Lincoln County have until Aug. 31 to provide feedback on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ updated Vegetation Management Plan for the lake. The plan was first developed in 2016 after concerns that dense aquatic vegetation was making recreation difficult. The 10-year update does not make changes to the existing treatment standards. Nate Hodgins, DNR assistant southern regional fisheries manager, said the update is primarily an opportunity to review the plan and hear from lake users. “The whole gist of the plan is not that we are changing anything drastic,” [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Three Marshall Hy-Vee employees with more than 40 years of service were honored Monday as their pictures were unveiled on the side of a Hy-Vee semi-trailer.  The employees featured on the truck are bakery clerk Sylvia Nenortas, meat clerk Tom Pickering and recently retired food service manager Michael Schultz.  Marshall Hy-Vee Store Director Jeff Thompson said having three employees from the same store featured on the same semi is a special accomplishment.  "Yeah, it's a really special honor to have three employees with over 40 years of service. Hy-Vee started to feature Hy-Vee employees on the side of the semis [...]

WOOD LAKE, Minn. — The Wood Lake Fair returns today for three days of community activities and entertainment, continuing traditions that date back to the fair’s founding in 1935.  The fair runs Aug. 24-26 and will feature the Midwest Rides Carnival, bingo, the Wood Lake hamburger stand, fair exhibits and free entertainment throughout the week.  Monday’s activities include a scavenger hunt beginning at 4 p.m., exhibit entries and a coloring contest at the Community Center, and the Little Scrapper’s Kid’s Tractor Pedal Pull. The Wood Lake Fire Department will hold water fights and raffle drawings at 6 p.m., followed by music from North [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Three longtime Marshall Hy-Vee employees will be honored today by having their pictures featured on a Hy-Vee semi-trailer.  The unveiling is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. at the Marshall Hy-Vee at 900 East Main Street.  The employees being recognized for more than 40 years of service are bakery clerk Sylvia Nenortas, meat clerk Tom Pickering and recently retired food service manager Michael Schultz.  Hy-Vee has a tradition of recognizing longtime employees by featuring their photos on semi-truck wraps. The employees will be on hand for the unveiling, which will also include opportunities for photos and interviews. 

BOON LAKE TWP, Minn. — A 24-year-old Hector woman suffered minor injuries in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Boon Lake Township.  The Renville County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened around 5:52 a.m. on County Road 20 near 870th Avenue, about 10 miles northeast of Buffalo Lake.  Lexus Salazar was driving a 2002 Acura RSX northbound when she entered a curve and crossed into the oncoming lane. She overcorrected, causing the vehicle to skid across both lanes and into the east ditch.  Salazar was out of the vehicle when responders arrived and was treated for minor injuries at the scene [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — A juvenile female was injured Friday afternoon after a vehicle collided with her while she was riding an electric scooter in Marshall.  According to the Marshall Police Department, the crash happened around 1:23 p.m. Friday near the intersection of East College Drive and Mustang Trail. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet and was transported to Avera Marshall Hospital with a possible injury.  The electric scooter sustained minor damage. Police did not provide additional information about the driver or the extent of the juvenile’s injuries. 

MARSHALL, Minn. — A Marshall man was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of domestic assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment. Josh Paul Davis was arrested at about 2:55 a.m. Saturday at the 1100 block of Birch Street in Marshall. According to the Lyon County Jail roster, Davis was booked at 3:55 a.m. Saturday by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held for court on misdemeanor domestic assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment charges. The domestic assault charge alleges an act committed to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death. The kidnapping charge alleges confining or removing a person without [...]