(St. Paul, MN) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has approved grants totaling $50 million to extend broadband access to nearly nine thousand homes and businesses. Funding will support 24 projects across 25 counties, aiming to enhance high-speed broadband connectivity. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek emphasizes the equity importance of broadband, highlighting its impact on the lives and livelihoods of businesses, students, and residents in rural areas. The list of grant recipients can be found on the DEED website.

GARVIN – A Balaton teen and Louisiana man were injured after their vehicles collided at the intersection of US Highway 59 and US Highway 14, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 3:43 Monday afternoon, a 2024 Freightliner semi was pulling a trailer and traveling southbound on US Highway 59 and a 2012 Chevy Malibu was traveling westbound on US Highway 14 when the vehicles collided in the intersection.  The driver of the Chevy, 17-year-old Trevor Smith of Balaton, was airlifted to Sanford Sioux Falls with life-threatening injuries.   The driver of the Freightliner, 49-year-old Arthur Watts III of Thibodaux, [...]

HANLEY FALLS – Two people were injured when their vehicles collided on Highway 23 near Hanley Falls on Monday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 3:48 Monday afternoon, a 1998 Ford pickup being driven by 84-year-old George Arthur Slettedahl of Cottonwood, and a 2020 Ford F350 being driven by 46-year-old Matthew Lee Palmer of Saint Francis, were both traveling northbound on Highway 23 when they made contact and crashed near the intersection with County Road 41.   Slettedahl and Palmer were both taken to the Granite Falls hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.   Assistance was provided the Yellow Medicine County [...]

Sacred Heart, MN: On Sunday, March 3, 2024, around 10:02 AM, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office regarding a 43-year-old male suspect involved in a felony-level domestic assault case. The suspect had fled from the scene in Granite Falls and was believed to be at a residence in Sacred Heart. Deputies from the Renville County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Sacred Heart residence and located the suspect's vehicle, but initial attempts to establish contact with the suspect were unsuccessful. Suspecting the suspect to be inside, a perimeter was established around the residence situated [...]

(St. Cloud, MN) -- In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, thirteen CentraCare facilities across Minnesota are providing complimentary take-home colon cancer tests starting today (Friday) until April 15th. The kits are available for adults aged 45 and above, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability. Authorities underscore the significance of early detection in preventing colon cancer, as it remains one of the most fatal cancers, affecting nearly 70 percent of individuals diagnosed who have no family history of the disease.

(Washington, DC) -- Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, along with Representative Angie Craig, are championing a resolution to honor the three fallen Burnsville first responders and the surviving officer. The resolution offers condolences to the families of the victims, commends the courage of Sergeant Adam Medlicott, recognizes the dedication of all first responders, and conveys solidarity with law enforcement officers across the nation. The tragic incident occurred on February 18th when Officers Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and firefighter Adam Finseth lost their lives while responding to a domestic call. Sergeant Adam Medlicott, though injured, bravely survived. A moment of silence [...]

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Senator Tina Smith is pushing for enhanced care for survivors of sexual assault within the Department of Veterans Affairs, prompted by a recently released report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealing significant deficiencies in the care provided by VA facilities to sexual assault victims.  Smith emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “There are so many examples of how individuals are not getting the standard of care they should. Of course, everybody who is a victim of sexual assault deserves the proper care and support, and that's no different for veterans.”  The OIG report highlighted [...]

SAINT PAUL -- Surging demand for complimentary school breakfast and lunch has exceeded lawmakers' initial budget expectations. Given the larger projected budget surplus, Governor Walz was questioned about his stance on allocating additional funds to address this need. Walz asserted, "Yeah, that's the hill I'm gonna die on. Our friends in the other caucus said that's the place they're first gonna cut."  Republicans argue that, with a looming budget deficit in 2026-27, affluent families should not benefit from free school meals at the taxpayers' expense. Democrats counter that universal access to free meals is essential to prevent stigma in school lunchrooms. [...]

SAINT PAUL -- On Thursday, the Minnesota Management and Budget Department disclosed that the state is poised for a $3.7 billion surplus in the two-year budget concluding in 2025, indicating a notable increase of approximately $1.3 billion from the December projection.  Governor Tim Walz, optimistic about the state's economic path, asserted, “The numbers speak for themselves of a thriving economy. Minnesota is emerging from the pandemic and global recession, well-positioned for the future.”  The upswing in surplus is credited to unexpectedly strong consumer spending and corporate profit growth. However, the department issued a cautionary note, anticipating potential financial challenges ahead. Despite [...]

SAINT PAUL, MN  – The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has officially unveiled its Leadership Minnesota Class of 2023-24, with Brad Gruhot, President of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, being among the distinguished individuals recognized. The 40-member cohort, chosen for their exceptional leadership skills within the Minnesota business community, recently concluded their comprehensive sessions this month. Minnesota's economic vitality emanates from a mosaic of over 100,000 businesses intricately connected in ways not immediately apparent to the casual observer. For a privileged few, the Leadership Minnesota program offers an insider's perspective into the intricacies that drive the state's economy. This exclusive initiative [...]