Original Article Here WILLMAR, Minn. — Two people were killed and another was critically injured in a shooting Monday night in Willmar. Willmar Police were called around 8 p.m. to Rau Park in the 1000 block of Seventh Street Northwest for reports of gunshots. Officers and emergency personnel found two injured men, ages 19 and 20, both from Willmar. Both were taken to Carris Health - Rice Memorial Hospital, where one was pronounced dead. The other was flown to St. Cloud Hospital and remains in critical condition. A third 19-year-old Willmar man was taken to the Willmar hospital in a private [...]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The man convicted in the 2025 attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their families is scheduled back in federal court today. Vance Boelter has a 3 p.m. status conference in a Minneapolis U.S. District Court. Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from the killings of former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. He is serving two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years. Boelter also faces a separate state prosecution, with that trial scheduled to begin November 2. 

MARSHALL, Minn. — The emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Lincoln and Pipestone counties.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says the insect was found at a campground near Lake Benton and at a yard waste site in Jasper.  The larvae kill ash trees by tunneling beneath the bark and feeding on the tissue that carries nutrients. Officials say early signs can include increased woodpecker activity and light-colored patches, known as “blonding,” on the bark.  Some healthy ash trees can be treated, particularly within 10 to 15 miles of an infestation. Officials also warn that moving ash wood and firewood can [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center has received two awards from the Minnesota Hospital Association.  The awards were presented Sept. 17 during the MHA’s annual meeting in Brainerd. Avera Marshall received the Innovation in Patient Care Award for its OB Navigation program, while Aaron Schroeder, RN, cardiac rehab supervisor, received the Excellence in Caregiving Award.  The OB Navigation program supports mothers and families throughout pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care by connecting patients with education, resources and coordinated clinical and community support.  Schroeder was recognized for his work with patients in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, providing coaching, education and encouragement. [...]

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — DFL candidate for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar outlined her healthcare plan Monday during an event in Maple Grove.  Klobuchar says the plan would work to lower insurance premiums, reduce healthcare fraud and bring down prescription drug costs. She also says she would expand Minnesota’s bulk purchasing of prescription drugs.  “I will use the full authority of the state and the executive branch to expand Minnesota’s bulk purchasing of prescription drugs. I will make sure that we have more discounted drugs on the market, generics, bio-similars and the like.”  The plan also calls for protecting access to care [...]

WILLMAR, Minn. — Police are investigating a shooting reported Monday night in Willmar. Multiple shots were fired around 8 p.m. near the fishing pier at Rau Park on North Seventh Street, just east of the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds. The area from the fairgrounds to 15th Avenue Northwest remained blocked off early Tuesday morning as investigators processed the scene. According to radio traffic, at least two people were taken to CentraCare Rice Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Their injuries were described as life-threatening. Willmar Police have not released official details about the shooting, including information on possible suspects or a vehicle. The [...]

WINDOM, Minn. A 69-year-old Windom man was arrested Saturday morning following a standoff involving gunfire at a home in the 1000 block of Drake Avenue. Windom police were called around 3:07 a.m. after a report that shots had been fired at a neighboring home. Officers heard additional gunfire and established a perimeter while nearby residents were told to shelter in place. Police say multiple shots were fired from inside the residence, striking neighboring homes and a vehicle. The High Risk Entry and Arrest Team assisted at the scene. James Carey of Windom eventually surrendered after barricading himself in a crawl space. [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — A Marshall woman was injured on Friday morning in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 23 near Marshall.  According to the Minnesota State Patrol, at 7:59 Friday morning, a 2026 Chevy Equinox was traveling northbound on Highway 23 and a 2013 Dodge Journey was traveling southbound on Highway 23. The Equinox was attempting to turn onto County Road 33 when the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Chevy, 46-year-old Sara Ormberg of Marshall, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Avera Hospital in Marshall. The driver of the Dodge, 22-year-old Cayden Caron of Cottonwood, was not injured.  Assistance [...]

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota employers added 1,500 jobs in August, while the state’s unemployment rate edged up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4%.  Over the past year, Minnesota employers have added more than 45,000 jobs, with eight of the state’s 11 major industry sectors reporting job growth.  DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says the annual numbers show continued strength in the state’s economy.  “ Minnesota employers have added more than 45,000 jobs with growth across a range of industries. And to put that 45,000 in context, it amounts to a 1.5% increase, which is significantly higher than the national job [...]

COTTONWOOD, Minn. — The Lakeview community remembered a fallen firefighter during Thursday night’s homecoming football game, nearly a year after a fatal fire truck crash claimed his life. Patrick Steven Remiger, 43, of Wood Lake, was killed Sept. 26, 2025, when a Wood Lake fire truck overturned near Lakeview School during homecoming festivities. Remiger, a firefighter with the Wood Lake Fire Department, was trapped beneath the vehicle and died at the scene. During Thursday night’s game, the Lakeview football captains presented the game ball to the Remiger family. Public address announcer Phil Lalim said the ceremony was a way to remember [...]