MARSHALL — Marshall Police are urging drivers to be extra cautious in school zones after a student was struck by a vehicle in the crosswalk near Southview Elementary last Friday morning. The child was taken to the hospital and is now recovering, but police say the incident was preventable.  Captain Ryan Hoffman said the crash highlights the importance of slowing down and paying attention when driving near schools. “It’s just an unfortunate event and it’s something that can be prevented,” Hoffman said. “By now, people should have seen the flashing beacons and know where the school zones are. It’s just a [...]

Construction work continues on the Highway 19 project in Marshall. Photo from MnDOT Facebook. MARSHALL — Work continues to move forward on the Highway 19 reconstruction project in Marshall, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. On the west end near the Legion Field Bridge, paving is complete on tie-ins, side streets, and boulevards. From Main Street to North Greeley Street, concrete work is finished, signal system installation is underway, and paving on city street tie-ins and driveways is done. Lighting work is also advancing. Between 4th Street and North Greeley Street, drainage and grading are complete, with concrete [...]

PIPESTONE, Minn. — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday in Pipestone County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 7:51 Wednesday morning, a 2005 Buick Lacrosse was traveling southbound on Highway 23, and a 2019 GMC Yukon was traveling westbound on 131st Street. The vehicles collided in the intersection.  The driver of the Buick, 30-year-old Kyle Gordon Stensgaard of Ruthton, and the driver of the GMC, 64-year-old Tamara Lynn Reese of Woodstock, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the Pipestone County Medical Center.  Assistance was provided by the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office and Pipestone Fire Department. 

CURRIE, Minn. — A Balaton man was injured after his semi collided with another semi on Wednesday in Murray County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 8:55 Wednesday morning, a 2014 Mack semi was traveling eastbound on Highway 30, and a 2014 Kenworth semi was traveling westbound on Highway 30 when the vehicles collided.  The driver of the Mack, 72-year-old Gerald William Janssen of Balaton, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Murray County Hospital.  The driver of the Kenworth, 29-year-old Ezequeil Velazquez of Pharr, TX, was not injured.  Assistance was provided by the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Currie [...]

LAKE WILSON, Minn. — A Tyler woman was injured after her vehicle collided with a school bus on Thursday in Murray County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At 4:00 Thursday afternoon, a 2012 Blue Bird School Bus was traveling westbound on 171st Street, stopped at a stop sign, then collided with a 2018 Chevy Traverse that was traveling southbound on Highway 91.  The driver of the Chevy, 40-year-old Heather Mae Dressen of Tyler, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Murray County Medical Center.   The driver of the school bus, 66-year-old John Richard Swart of Slayton, was not [...]

TRACY — Football fans and community members can enjoy a tailgate meal and block party tonight as Tracy-Milroy-Balaton takes on Springfield.  The Tracy Lions Club will serve pork burgers, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and water at the TMB football field from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted, with proceeds supporting Help Tuck Them In, a local nonprofit that provides beds and bedding to children in need.  After the game, the celebration continues with a block party at the Tracy Eagles in downtown Tracy, featuring raffles, auctions, live music, and more. 

Two area churches will host fall festivals on Sunday, September 14. St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler will begin its celebration with 10 a.m. Mass, followed by a roast beef dinner served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dessert, and a beverage. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children ages 3–10. The event also features live music, outdoor games, a country store, flower bar, raffle, cake walk, bingo, and a silent auction. A new inflatable obstacle course will be part of the activities this year. Dine-in, takeout, and Meals on Wheels [...]

RENVILLE COUNTY — Two people were arrested early Tuesday after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that reached over 100 mph, according to the Renville County Sheriff's Office.  Around 2 a.m. on Sept. 9, a Renville County deputy attempted a traffic stop on Highway 23 for a speeding violation. The driver accelerated, sparking a 16-mile pursuit that ended when officers deployed a tire deflation device on Highway 212 near Renville.  The vehicle stopped, and both occupants fled on foot before being tracked down by a police K9. Authorities arrested a 39-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, neither from the area. [...]

MARSHALL — Motorists should plan for temporary road closures on Monday and Tuesday, September 8–9, as paving work takes place along Highway 19 from the Golf Course to the Legion Field Bridge. Contractors will be performing bituminous paving at tie-ins on Parkview Drive, Legion Field Road, Marlene Street, and Highway 19. Parkview Drive and Legion Field Road will be closed at Highway 19 during the work. Drivers needing access to Parkview Drive and Paul Street are advised to use Marlene Street. Highway 19 will remain open but traffic will be reduced to one lane at times to accommodate construction. Questions can [...]

MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University’s Theatre Program is inviting the public to audition for its upcoming production of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice today and tomorrow, September 8 & 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Mainstage Theatre.  Directed by Sheila Tabaka and adapted by Andrew Davies, the production welcomes both experienced performers and newcomers—no prior theater experience is required. Scripts are available for review at the McFarland Library circulation desk.  For questions, contact Sheila Tabaka at sheila.tabaka@smsu.edu.