SAINT PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order to create a centralized fraud investigations unit within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and unveiled a legislative package aimed at bolstering fraud prevention and enforcement across Minnesota’s state programs. The newly formed Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit will consolidate fraud investigations under the BCA, incorporating investigators from the Department of Commerce. The initiative also includes expanding the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud unit by nine staff members and granting agencies enhanced authority to halt payments to entities suspected or convicted of fraud. “As long as there have been programs aimed [...]

MARSHALL -- The Lyon County Museum recently wrapped up its 12th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk, which ended on December 31. This year, 26 groups participated, contributing to the festive atmosphere with a variety of decorated trees.  The event raised $2,222 through public voting, with all proceeds supporting the museum. The top three entries, as determined by the votes, received Marshall Chamber Dollar prizes:  1st Place ($150): Shades of the Past Car Club    2nd Place ($100): KayKo Baton Studio    3rd Place ($50): Boulder Estates    The museum acknowledged the efforts of participants and visitors who contributed to the event's [...]

SAINT PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Health reports a 16% rise in abortions in 2023, with the total number climbing to 14,124, the highest since 2003. This marks an increase from 12,175 in 2021.  Nearly 3,000 procedures involved out-of-state residents, reflecting a growing trend of patients traveling to Minnesota for reproductive care. Some Iowa women have sought services in Minnesota following Iowa's six-week abortion ban.  Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life criticized state leadership, claiming DFL lawmakers and Governor Tim Walz have made the state a hub for "truly unlimited abortion." 

WINDOM — Late on December 31, 2024, the Windom Police Department responded to a reported stabbing at the Phat Pheasant Pub at approximately 11:47 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims, aged 30 and 31, both suffering from stab wounds.  Officers rendered aid at the scene, and the 30-year-old victim was transported to Windom Area Hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead.  A suspect, identified as a 26-year-old male from San Diego, CA, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Witnesses at the scene identified him as the assailant. He sustained minor injuries, received treatment at Worthington Hospital, and is [...]

MARSHALL -- Starting February 1, 2025, the Marshall Area YMCA will implement a modest increase in membership fees to address rising operational costs and continue providing quality services. The new monthly rates are as follows: Youth: $29.50 Full-Time College Student: $45.50 Adult: $60.50 One Adult Family: $66.50 Family: $81.50 The YMCA emphasized that the adjustment is essential to maintaining its facilities, supporting staff, and sustaining its mission to promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. “We greatly appreciate the understanding and support of our members,” said Jamie Nauman, Interim CEO, and Chelsey Hoekstra, Director of Membership, in a joint [...]

HERON LAKE – Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision near Heron Lake on Monday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 12:32 Monday afternoon, a 2024 Ford Maverick was traveling westbound on Highway 60 and a 2015 Honda CR-V was traveling northbound on 10th Street. Near the intersection, the two vehicles collided.  The driver of the Honda, 85-year-old Duane Kirchner, and his passenger, 73-year-old Leatrice Kirchner, both from Slayton, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Windom hospital.  The driver of the Ford, 57-year-old Tammy Deslauriers of New Ulm, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the [...]

MARSHALL — Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 SowBridge webinar series, designed for professionals working with sows, boars, and piglets. Hosted via Zoom, the program kicks off in February 2025, with monthly sessions featuring industry experts and opportunities for direct engagement. According to Sarah Schieck Boelke, swine extension educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.” Program Details: Schedule: Sessions are held the first Wednesday of each month, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Central Time. Exception: The May session will take place [...]

Sacred Heart Township, MN — A coordinated search effort led to the safe recovery of a 70-year-old hunter and his dog after they were reported overdue on Monday, December 30th, according to the Renville County Sheriff's Office.  At approximately 5:50 p.m., the Renville County Sheriff’s Office received a report that James Knutson had not returned home from pheasant hunting near Renville County Road 12 and 810th Avenue, roughly three miles southeast of Sacred Heart, MN. Friends and law enforcement quickly located Knutson’s vehicle near the Sacred Heart Waterfowl Protection Area, a 700-acre public hunting site.  Shortly after the search began, several [...]

The Marshall Police Department reports the following incidents:  On Saturday at 6:22 p.m., property damage was reported near the intersection of East College Drive and West Main Street. It was determined that a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville collided into a 2006 Ford Explorer. No injuries were reported. The driver of the Bonneville was cited for failure to yield. The Bonneville was towed from the scene.  On Saturday at 10:16 p.m., a traffic stop for a suspected impaired driver was performed in the 1200 block of East Main Street. After investigating, an adult male was arrested for 1st degree DWI and use of [...]

PIPESTONE – Two people were injured in a rollover crash on Saturday near Pipestone, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 10:09 Saturday morning, a 2007 Chevy SUV was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 when the vehicle lost control, entered the ditch, and rolled. The roads were covered with snow and/or ice at the time of the crash.  Two passengers in the Chevy, 64-year-old Carol Larson of Egan, SD and 84-year-old Barbara Meier of Egan, SD, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Pipestone hospital.   The driver of the Chevy, 44-year-old Lianne Larson of Egan, SD, and her [...]