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27yo Lazarus Lazaro Thomas of St. Peter has been charged with four felonies in Blue Earth County District Court in relation to a 2015, alleged, sexual assault of a teenage girl. According to police, the incident occurred on September 18, 2015, when the 13 to 16yo girl reported that a man had climbed through her bedroom window and sexually assaulted her before fleeing. Forensic examiners collected samples of DNA from the girl, only for no matches to be found in the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension database. Although the police launched an investigation, no suspect was identified at the time. However, in [...]

Southern Minnesota is experiencing a prolonged stretch of dangerously hot weather, and a Mayo Clinic doctor is warning that it could lead to heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, if not treated immediately. Symptoms of heat-related illness include high body temperature, nausea, headaches, and changes in heart rate or mental state.   The Mayo Clinic suggests staying away from the hot conditions whenever possible, but that may not be an option for workers during the peak summer season. However, there are measures people can take to stay safe if they must be out in the heat, such as: [...]

Clay County officials arrested 48yo Michael Daniels Saturday morning following a high speed chase of over 13 miles. Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on Daniels's around 12:10am and Daniels failed to stop, instead evading police in speeds reaching over 100 mph. The pursuit concluded when Daniels's vehicle eventually went into the ditch. Daniels attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly after. No injuries or other damage to vehicles were reported. Daniels faces charges of Felony Eluding, Driving While Barred, Speeding 100 mph in 55 mph zone, Improper use of Registration, Operation Without Registration, No Proof of Insurance [...]

As temperatures rise this week, local shelters are urging owners to be mindful of their furry friends. The American Veterinary Association has warned that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet. Pet owners should be sure to never leave their pet in a car, regardless of whether it’s in the shade or if the windows are open. Cars can easily overheat to deadly temperatures in a short time. Furthermore, shelters are advising people to take it easy on outdoor activities; if walking your pet, take frequent breaks and bring enough water for you and your furry [...]

Governor Tim Walz proudly announced that Minnesota has been ranked fourth in the country for living and working conditions by CNBC in a recent study. The study considered numerous factors, including environmental quality, health care and childcare, anti-discrimination laws, worker protections, and reproductive rights. Last week, Walz began a workforce initiative focused on growing the state’s career fields with high-growth jobs and family-sustaining wages. He connected with manufacturing, education, and public safety workers all over Minnesota, and celebrated the $20 million invested into the most critical occupational categories within the state. Furthermore, Minnesota made an extra commitment to public safety investments, [...]

On Saturday night, a pedestrian was injured in a car-pedestrian accident in Jackson, Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol reported the accident occurred at 10:05pm at the intersection of Highway 71 and Industrial Parkway. A 2013 Buick Enclave, driven by 58yo Patricia Pearson of Arnolds Park, was travelling southbound when it struck the pedestrian, 29yo Raymond Guisinger of Jackson. Guisinger was taken to the Jackson Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The Minnesota State Patrol was aided by support from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Fire and Ambulance. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.   [...]

Residents of Minnesota are bracing for a record-breaking heatwave this week, with temperatures set to reach 100 degrees on Thursday. Although there is a 20-30% chance of rain on most days, this is unlikely to affect the scorching temperatures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a news release, with tips on how to deal with the sweltering heat. They advise people to limit their time outside and seek refuge in air-conditioned public areas, if possible. Curtains or awnings can also be used over windows to keep the inside of a house cool. Additionally, all people should drink plenty of [...]

Martin County Sheriff’s office has made an arrest in connection to a shooting that occurred July 3rd in Truman, MN. 18yo Lavant Marques Shaw of Owatonna was taken into custody Wednesday without occurrence.   The shooting happened at a large gathering in rural Truman that happened to be promoted on social media, which resulted in many visitors from areas such as Worthington, the Twin Cities metro area, and Iowa. After an altercation, shots were fired that injured four people that have since been released from the hospital.   Further details of the incident are still being investigated.   Author: Joshua Kafka [...]

Minnesota lawmakers Senator Tina Smith (D) and Representative Brad Finstad (R) have both spoken highly of the bi-partisan proposal to introduce the "Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts," or ASPIRE Act, to help ease the labor shortage affecting the agriculture industry. The legislation, which is bipartisan and inter-chamber, would create an apprenticeship-based training program within the USDA's existing farm development program. Senator Smith noted that the program would make it possible for more individuals to get jobs in the agriculture industry, with training programs now being made available in schools across the country. Representative Finstad commented that the bill reflects [...]

MADELIA- On Saturday morning, a woman woke to find that she had been sexually assaulted. 28yo Juan Carlos Rojas of Madelia was promptly charged with three felonies for third-, fourth- and fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Watonwan County District Court. The complaint shows that the woman had sent a text to her boyfriend who was at work before falling asleep around 2am. Rojas had, earlier that night, been sitting on the couch at the residence. A police report from the person who owned the residence reported Rojas hurriedly leaving the house. According to the criminal complaint, the woman claims to have [...]