The Blue Earth City Council met Monday night and received a report from Blue Earth Police Officer Tharen Haugh regarding the city’s Deer Control Program. There were a total of 18 permits issued in 2021, up from 11 in 2020; the season lasted 105 days and hunters reported a total of 265 hours of hunting,…… read more »
Category Archives: Local News
Sen Julie Rosen Named Legislator of the Year by Firefighters
Senator Julie Rosen of Fairmont has been named 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Minnesota Professional Firefighters. Senator Rosen received the award for her work on the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which addresses the alarmingly high incidence of cancer, cardia issues and emotional trauma facing firefighters across the state. Minnesota currently has , firefighters…… read more »
Bond Doubled for Suspect in Milford, Iowa Shooting
A judge granted a motion to double the bond for the suspect in a Milford, Iowa shooting last Friday. Court documents reveal that Dickinson County Attorney Amy Zenor filed a motion asking to raise the bond for Christian Goyne-Yarns from $500,000 to $1 million. “Due to the violent nature of the crime, it is in…… read more »
Gov. Walz Signs Bill to Extend Workers’ Compensation for Front Line Workers
Gov. Walz has signed the first bill of the 2022 legislative session to support first responders and workers on the front lines of the pandemic. The bill extends workers’ compensation benefits to frontline workers wo contract COVID-19 on the job. It reinstates eligibility for workers’ compensation for frontline workers by reinstating, through January 13th, 2023,…… read more »
AAA Reports Gas Prices in MN & Iowa Up Again This Week
Heading into the 1st weekend in February, AAA reports that gas prices in Minnesota and Iowa are up from a week ago. The average price in Minnesota is $3.27 per gallon; up 10 cents a gallon from a week ago and in Iowa, the average price per gallon is $3.24 a gallon, up 8 cents…… read more »
Gov. Reynolds Introduces Tax Reform Proposal
Gov. Kim Reynolds had introduced a new tax reform proposal that she says will benefit every taxpayer in Iowa. Reynolds discussed the details of her new tax plan in Des Moines at a book binding company called LBS. She says the proposed tax plan will eliminate taxes on retirement income. Under this new plan, Iowans…… read more »
Faribault County Commissioners Discuss Courthouse Improvements
On February 1st, the Faribault County Board of Commissioners met for their first meeting of the month. Commissioner Tom Loveall said that the Board talked about the continuing updates and improvements to the County Courthouse. Currently the pipes for the heating system are rotten and in need of being replaced. In addition to the courthouse…… read more »
Mapleton Man Facing Auto Theft Charges
A Mapleton man faces felony charges stemming from an alleged auto theft on Sunday. Twenty seven year old Jonathan Knaack was charged with two felonies for auto theft and receiving stolen property and two misdemeanors for providing a false name and driving without a license Monday in Blue Earth County District Court. Knaack reportedly drove…… read more »
Steele County Attorney Named District Court Judge in Freeborn County
A Steele County Attorney has been appointed to replace a retiring judge in Freeborn County. Governor Tim Walz has appointed Christy Hormann as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District. Hormann will replace Judge Steven R Schwab and will be chambered in Albert Lea. Hormann is the Chief Deputy Steele County Attorney. Her caseload…… read more »
BEA Superintendent Fletcher Talks Employee Shortages and COVID Numbers
Like so many other organizations and companies, Blue Earth Area Schools has been hit by staffing shortages specifically during the omicron surge. Recently, Superintendent Mandy Fletcher said that community members can come in and be guest employees, whether it be as teachers, paraprofessional or custodial staff, to help ease the employee shortage. Fletcher says that…… read more »