WILLMAR, MN — A Willmar man is facing new federal charges tied to the 2022 overdose death of a Willmar woman.  Hudeife Muhamed Mire, 24, was arraigned Jan. 6 in U.S. District Court in New York on a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date in Minnesota on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  Mire was originally charged in 2022 following a Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office and CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force investigation into the overdose death of [...]

SAINT PAUL, MN — Following a shooting involving federal ICE agents in Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz directed state agencies to mobilize resources to support public safety efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Minnesota National Guard has been notified to prepare in case assistance is needed, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate the response.  The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI are jointly investigating the incident. State officials are coordinating with law enforcement agencies in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, the Department of Natural Resources, and the National Guard. The Minnesota [...]

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Homeland Security officials say a woman was killed during an ICE-involved shooting Thursday in Minneapolis, prompting strong reactions from state and local leaders. According to Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the woman had been protesting ICE and allegedly drove her vehicle into federal agents. McLaughlin said the incident remains under investigation but described it as an act of domestic terrorism. Video from the scene shows an SUV with a bullet hole in the windshield that had crashed into a light pole. Authorities later identified the woman as 37-year-old Renee Good. Following the shooting, residents gathered in the street [...]

MARSHALL, MN — The Marshall Area YMCA will increase membership rates effective February 1, 2026, according to information provided to members. The updated monthly rates will be $32 for youth memberships, $48 for full-time college students, $63 for adults, $69 for one-adult family memberships, and $84 for family memberships. The YMCA stated the rate adjustment is intended to address facility maintenance, staffing needs, and rising operational expenses. Members with questions can visit the front desk or contact the YMCA at 507-532-9622.

CURRIE, MN — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting today to discuss a proposed wildlife lake designation and management plan for Robbin’s Slough in Murray County. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Currie American Legion, 121 Mill St. in Currie. The proposal includes construction of a water control structure that would allow the DNR to manage water levels to improve habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Robbin’s Slough is classified as a shallow lake, covering more than 40 acres and less than 15 feet deep. A wildlife lake designation would give the DNR [...]

Sacred Heart Township, MN — A semi-truck crashed into a power pole Tuesday morning in Renville County, leading to a DWI arrest.  On Tuesday morning at 6:56, a crash was reported on County Road 9 near 780th Avenue, about five miles south of Sacred Heart. Deputies found a 2004 Freightliner semi in a field on the east side of the road.  The semi, driven by 27-year-old Bayron Maldonado of Montevideo, was traveling south when another vehicle passed, causing the driver to brake and lose control on wet, icy roads. The truck entered the ditch and struck a power pole, snapping it [...]

BIRD ISLAND, MN — A single-vehicle rollover crash sent two people to the hospital early Tuesday in Renville County.  The Renville County Sheriff’s Office says the crash was reported at 4:44 a.m. on January 6 along Highway 212 near 405th Street in Melville Township, about one mile east of Bird Island. Deputies found a 2014 Lincoln Aviator pulling a U-Haul trailer in the south ditch.  The driver, 26-year-old Ganesh Vandekari, and passenger, 30-year-old Bharath Ginjupalli, both of Eden Prairie, were able to exit the vehicle on their own. Both were taken by ambulance to Health Partners of Olivia with minor injuries.  Authorities say the [...]

MARSHALL, MN — The 13th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk at the Lyon County Museum wrapped up Dec. 31, raising more than $2,500 to benefit the Lyon County Historical Society Museum.  A total of 25 groups participated in this year’s event. Boulder Estates earned first place, followed by KayKo Baton Studio in second and Hill Street Place in third. The top three entries received Marshall Chamber Dollars totaling $300.  Museum officials thanked all who decorated trees, voted, and visited the museum during the holiday season.  Boulder Estates KayKo Baton Studio Hill Street Place

COTTONWOOD, MN — A Marshall woman was arrested on Saturday after a traffic stop, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. At 8:21 Sunday evening, a traffic stop was performed for a suspected impaired driver near the intersection of County Road 22 and County Road 9 near Cottonwood. A 49-year-old Marshall woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated.  COTTONWOOD, MN — A Cottonwood man was arrested on Sunday after a domestic incident, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. At 12:42 Sunday afternoon, a domestic incident was reported at the 90 block of East Park Street in Cottonwood. After investigating, a [...]

MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University alumnus Isiah Whitlock Jr., Class of 1976, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in New York City after a brief illness. He was 71.  Whitlock was born Sept. 13, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana. He attended SMSU on a football scholarship before injuries ended his athletic career and led him to the university’s theatre program, launching a path that became a decades-long acting career.  He made his television debut with a guest role on Cagney and Lacey in 1987 and went on to appear in numerous films and television series. His credits include Goodfellas, Enchanted, and multiple collaborations with Spike Lee, beginning with 25th Hour in 2002 [...]