Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis resided. The pontiff had recently returned from a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia.  Elected in 2013, Francis led the Catholic Church for over 12 years, emphasizing humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He was known for advocating for the poor, promoting interfaith dialogue, and addressing global issues such as climate change and LGBTQ+ rights.  While celebrated for his progressive stances, Francis faced criticism from [...]

MARSHALL -- As the school year winds down, the City of Marshall’s Community Education Department is ramping up for a packed summer of classes and activities.  Community Education Coordinator Jasmine DeSmet says the transition from spring to summer programming is well underway, with just one class left in the spring session: an Ice Cream Science class on May 12 at 3:30 p.m. “They make all kinds of different flavors of ice cream and you get to bring it home,” she said.  The summer brochure preview will be available online starting Monday, April 21, with physical copies expected by April 23. Swim [...]

FAIRFAX -- A Balaton woman was injured in a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday in Renville County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 6:55 Wednesday evening, a 2022 Infiniti QX60 was traveling northbound on Highway 4 and a 2015 Buick Enclave was traveling westbound on Highway 19 when the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Buick, 23-year-old Logan Sherman of Balaton, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the CentraCare Hospital in Redwood Falls.  The driver of the Infiniti, 56-year-old Warren Lochner of Montrose, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the Fairfax Police Department, Fairfax Fire Department, and Fairfax [...]

MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University President Kumara Jayasuriya will retire on May 15, 2025, following six years of leadership focused on enrollment growth, academic innovation, and community partnerships. In a message to the campus community, Jayasuriya reflected on the university’s progress during his tenure, including a nearly 20% increase in enrollment, the highest fall enrollment in 14 years, and significant fundraising milestones—nearly $24 million raised toward a $30 million campaign. He also highlighted the addition of new academic programs, expanded partnerships with regional industries, and major campus renovations. Jayasuriya joined SMSU in 2019 after holding leadership and faculty roles at [...]

TRACY, MN — A Marshall man armed with a handgun was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after making public threats, prompting a lockdown of local schools and a coordinated search involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Tracy. The Tracy Police Department received the initial report around 4:06 p.m. on April 15. When the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Alec Joseph Jahn of Marshall, was not immediately found, officers from multiple agencies were dispatched for assistance and joined the search effort.  Tracy Elementary School, Tracy Kids World, and Tracy High School were placed on lockdown as a precaution.  Jahn was located hiding [...]

MARSHALL — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has condemned the arrest of Aditya Wahyu Harsono, a hospital employee detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, where MNA represents staff. Harsono, an Indonesian national and recent graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University, was working legally under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. His F-1 student visa, valid through 2026, was revoked without notice on March 23. He was arrested four days later. In a statement issued this week, the MNA Board of Directors reiterated that nurses have no role in immigration enforcement and expressed concern [...]

MARSHALL — Local business owners and staff are invited to attend an open house today, Wednesday, April 16, focused on the upcoming Highway 19 reconstruction project. The event will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Marshall-Lyon County Public Library, located at 201 C Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about construction phasing, how customers will access businesses during the project, and pick up a Resource Guide for Businesses. Representatives from MnDOT, the City of Marshall, the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, and R & G Construction will be available to answer questions and provide information. A [...]

MARSHALL – The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a three-vehicle collision Tuesday evening near the intersection of 310th Avenue and County Road 6. The incident occurred around 8:59 p.m., involving a 2015 Ford pickup, a 2019 Toyota Camry, and a 2021 Chevy Traverse—all traveling eastbound. Authorities say the 19-year-old driver of the Camry, from Tracy, attempted to pass and sideswiped the Ford, driven by a 39-year-old man from Walnut Grove. A 42-year-old Walnut Grove woman driving the Traverse tried to avoid the crash but also sideswiped the Ford. Two juvenile females were passengers in the Traverse. No injuries were reported. [...]

MARSHALL -- Marshall Community Services (MCS) has introduced a gift card program that can be used toward community education (excluding Early Childhood Family Education), recreation classes, and seasonal memberships for the Marshall Aquatic Center or Red Baron Arena & Expo. The gift cards are available for purchase at the MCS office or by phone.  MCS also announced upcoming summer programming. A preview of available classes will be posted online by April 21. Registration for swimming lessons begins on April 28 at 12:00 PM, with registration for all other summer classes opening on April 30 at 12:00 PM.  Activities scheduled for late [...]

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Four standout FFA members will be named Minnesota’s top “Star” award winners during the Minnesota FFA Convention, April 28–29 at the University of Minnesota and State Fairgrounds.  Selected from 14 finalists, the Star Awards recognize the highest-achieving students in agriculture, food, and natural resources. Area finalists include:  Star in AgriScience: Marin Knott, Tracy Area FFA  Star in Agribusiness: Jilian Schoenfeld, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton FFA;   Star Farmer: Abby Holtkamp, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg FFA  Star in Production Placement: Derik Johnson, Willmar FFA  Winners will be announced April 28 at the 3M Arena at Mariucci. Each finalist will receive $100 from Compeer Financial, with [...]