MARSHALL, MN — The Avera Marshall Thrift Store will soon be operated by the Marshall Area YMCA after nearly four decades under Avera’s management. Avera Marshall announced it will transfer operation of the thrift store to the YMCA effective May 4, 2026. The store opened in 1987 and has provided affordable clothing and household goods while offering a place for residents to donate gently used items. “As the health care industry becomes increasingly complex, we must focus our time, resources and energy on our core mission of delivering high-quality health care services to the communities we serve,” said Debbie Streier, Avera [...]

New data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows Minnesota’s uninsured rate has climbed sharply in recent years. The latest Minnesota Health Access Survey found the state’s uninsured rate rose from a historic low of 3.8% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2025 — the highest level since 2017. The increase represents about 116,000 additional Minnesotans without health insurance. Researchers say the rise appears to be linked to a decline in public coverage, which dropped from 44.1% to 39.6%. The rate of uninsured children also increased from 2.7% to 4.6%. The survey also found persistent disparities in coverage. More than 20% of [...]

PIPESTONE, MN — Cattle producers will have an opportunity to complete Beef Quality Assurance training Thursday in Pipestone. University of Minnesota Extension, in partnership with the Minnesota Beef Council, will host a free BQA training on Thursday, March 12, at the Pipestone Livestock Auction Market. The session begins at 2:30 p.m., or immediately following the Special Feeder Calf Auction. BQA certification is valid for three years. While the certification is voluntary, many major industry buyers and processors now require it from producers in their supply chains to maintain market access. Producers with questions or who wish to register can contact the [...]

MARSHALL, MN — The Marshall Area YMCA will host its annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K this Saturday in Marshall. The 3.1-mile course begins at the YMCA and winds through Marshall before finishing at Brau Brothers Brewery. Participants are encouraged to wear green as part of the St. Patrick’s-themed run. Race day check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. in the YMCA lobby, with coffee available beginning at 9 a.m. from Caribou Coffee. A shuttle service will transport runners from Brau Brothers back to the YMCA before the race start, with the final shuttle leaving at 10:15 a.m. The event is open to runners, walkers, [...]

GARVIN, MN — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision Monday (this) morning on Highway 59 near Garvin, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 6:56 Monday morning, a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was traveling westbound on 231st Street and a 2021 Lexus RX was traveling northbound on Highway 59 when the vehicles collided in the intersection.  The driver of the Lexus, 45-year-old Sara Marie Ormberg of Marshall, and her passenger, a 16-year-old girl from Marshall, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. The report notes the passenger was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash.  The driver [...]

MARSHALL, MN — The SMSU/Community Concert Band will present “Songs of Soil & Sky” on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre at Southwest Minnesota State University. The concert is free and open to the public. Director of Bands Dr. John Ginocchio said the theme came together as he built the program. “When I put our concerts together, particularly for the concert band, I try to put together a theme that connects all the music if at all possible,” Ginocchio said. “Very often I start with one or two pieces of music that I know I would really like [...]

MARSHALL, MN — The nonprofit that runs five regional food shelves is calling for donations and volunteers during the March for Meals campaign after reporting heavy demand last year. Nicole Knoblach, the food and nutrition manager with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), said the network, which operates sites in Marshall, Tracy, Westbrook, Heron Lake and Worthington, handled large volumes in 2025. “In Marshall alone we served over 5547 households in 2025. That breaks it down to over 15,000 individuals. We distributed 393,000 plus pounds of food, which averages out to be 26 lbs per person,” Knoblach said. Volunteer Steve Hamner described [...]

FRANKLIN, MN — A rural Winthrop man was arrested Friday after allegedly threatening to kill his probation officer and leading law enforcement on a 13-mile pursuit that ended in Franklin. According to the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified Friday morning by Renville County Probation that 64-year-old Thomas McDonald had made threats against his probation officer. The Renville County Attorney’s Office outlined the allegations in a criminal complaint, and an arrest warrant was issued by Renville County District Court. Later that afternoon, deputies from the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office and Renville County located McDonald driving in Sibley County and attempted [...]

MARSHALL — Marshall Municipal Utilities continues to invest in reliable service and long-term infrastructure as it welcomes new leadership and advances major projects in both its electric and water departments. Pete Wyffels recently returned to his hometown to serve as general manager of MMU, coming full circle after beginning his career in Marshall in 1992 as an apprentice lineworker. With 35 years in the electrical industry, Wyffels previously held leadership roles in Glencoe and Chaska before stepping into the position following the retirement of former general manager David Schelkoph. “It’s been a great tour around the state,” Wyffels said. “I’m very [...]