MARSHALL -- The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program is bringing a series of gardening classes to the Marshall-Lyon County Library, offering valuable insights and tips for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. On April 11th at 6:30 p.m., gardening enthusiasts can join Pam Sanders and Dr. Allysa Anderson for "Planting for Pollinators," a session dedicated to creating pollinator-friendly gardens to support local ecosystems. Following on April 25th at 6:30 p.m., Master Gardener Sue Morton will lead "Know Your Invasive Species," providing essential knowledge to identify and manage invasive plants threatening our landscapes. May continues the educational journey with "Out [...]

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesotans have demonstrated significant enthusiasm for one of the state's latest specialty license plates, with nearly 50,000 of the new blackout license plates sold since their introduction on January 1st. The Driver and Vehicle Services Division anticipates selling approximately 160,000 of these plates by the end of the year, potentially making it the most sought-after specialty plate in Minnesota's history. Proceeds from the sale of these plates contribute to a state fund earmarked for the operation of Driver and Vehicle Services. 

April 8th through April 12th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. On Monday, we talk about alerts and warnings.  Weather alerts come in various forms, serving as vital indicators of potential hazards issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Familiarizing yourself with these terms and understanding appropriate responses can significantly enhance safety.  Advisory   When hazardous weather conditions are imminent, occurring, or likely to happen, an advisory is issued. These notifications indicate less severe situations than warnings but still pose risks to life and property if caution isn't exercised.  Watch   A watch indicates favorable weather conditions for hazardous events. [...]

It is anticipated that Minnesotans hoping to catch a clear view of today's solar eclipse will likely be disappointed due to forecasted cloud cover and rain. The eclipse is expected to occur in the early afternoon, with the best angle for viewing in the state's southeast corner. NASA estimates approximately 82 percent of the sun will be covered. The eclipse is set to begin shortly before 1 p.m., reach its peak around 2 p.m., and conclude shortly after 3 p.m.   

HUTCHINSON - Ten Minnesota newspapers, along with a printing facility in McLeod County, are set to cease operations later this month. The Hutchinson Leader and the Meeker County Advertiser will publish their final editions on April 24th, followed by the Chaska Herald, the Chanhassen Villager, and the Jordan Independent on April 25th. Additionally, the Shakopee Valley News, Prior Lake American, Savage Pacer, Southwest Saturday, and the Litchfield Independent Review will release their last issues by April 28th. Southwest News Media announced the closure of the Crow River Press facility in Hutchinson too. The decision to discontinue operations is attributed to a [...]

ELLSWORTH -- Authorities in Meeker County are seeking a suspect following a reported abduction attempt earlier this week. According to reports, a man driving a red Ford pickup truck allegedly attempted to force a 13-year-old into his vehicle on Wednesday night near Lake Stella in Ellsworth Township. The 13-year-old escaped and sought help from a nearby residence. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information regarding the vehicle or the suspect to come forward and contact them immediately.  

SAINT PAUL -- Today is Minnesota Public Lands Day and advocates big and small are celebrating at the State Capitol. The rally will be held at the Rotunda at 3:00 p.m. to highlight our state’s public lands success and foster camaraderie among outdoor enthusiasts.   Lukas Leaf, Executive Director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters says, “Whether you hike, bike, fish, hunt, bird, camp, we're asking that everyone come and celebrate what's important to them and what they do on public lands and waters!”  Leaf goes on to say this is another way to help is to find your district’s representatives [...]

SHAKOPEE -- After two years of silence ValleyScare, the state’s largest Halloween event, is back from the dead! And the scares are going to be more intense than ever. ValleyScare spokesperson Melissa Ferlaack reminds Minnesotans it is definitely a haunted event, “Maybe you might want to question whether or not you bring your little kids too. I would say it’s more for that pre-teen, teen, and adult experience here at the park.”  Starting in September, the Shakopee theme park will offer six immersive haunted mazes, including three new mazes, three redesigned frightening scare zones, as well as Halloween themed entertainment, food and [...]

PIPESTONE -- A Saint Paul woman is charged with third-degree murder in Pipestone County. 26-year-old Miranda Michelle Sanow of St. Paul, previously convicted of drug sales in Lyon County, now faces third-degree murder charges in Pipestone County for allegedly selling fentanyl to a man found dead in 2022.  The victim was discovered unresponsive in a Pipestone residence on Nov. 17, 2022, and autopsy results indicated fentanyl toxicity. Evidence from CashApp transactions and cell phone data implicates Sanow, who admitted to selling the fatal dose. A hearing is scheduled for April 16th. Sanow was also charged with third-degree controlled substance crime this [...]

WILLMAR -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will conduct aerial mapping in southwest Minnesota during the upcoming spring season.  Weather permitting, the mapping work is scheduled to commence in early April and conclude by mid-May. The locations targeted for this project include:  Highway 23: Stretching from Lyon County Road 7 to 300th Street in Marshall.  Highway 19: Covering the area from Laser Avenue in Redwood Falls to Renville County Road 15 near Morton.  Highway 12 and Highway 15: Encompassing a half-mile radius in each direction from the intersection in Dassel.  This mapping initiative aims to document the existing infrastructure and [...]