The latest report from the U-S Drought Monitor shows the positive impact made by recent rain. The rain pushed the last remaining pockets of so-called exceptional drought off the map for the latest report released this week. Positive changes to conditions were seen in the areas around Hutchinson, St. Cloud, Brainerd and along I-35 north of the Twin Cities. As of this week the northern half of Minnesota remains listed in severe drought or higher…The southern half of the state is listed as Moderate Drought or below…and corners of southeast and southwest Minnesota are now no longer listed in any of [...]

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s annual “Homecoming Week” begins Monday, Sept. 27, and this year’s featured event is the University’s Homecoming parade at 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 on Warren Street and Stadium Road. “Maverick State Fair” is the 2021 parade theme.

Effective immediately the City of North Mankato is lifting the previous  enforcement of water conservation measures, as the state has lifted the drought warning phase for the area. The City still encourages residents put into action an even/odd water and irrigation plan to  continue water conservation habits. The following procedures are still recommended: • Residents in Lower North Mankato are encouraged to water lawns on even days. • Residents in Upper North Mankato are encouraged to water lawns on odd days. • Do not irrigate lawns between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm to reduce evaporation. • Let lawns grow longer.  [...]

Child-care providers in Minnesota will be receiving financial assistance.  State officials say they are introducing a new 300-million-dollar program which aims to improve pay and benefits for child-care workers.  According to reports, eligible providers will receive an email each month from the state that includes a link to the application.  Officials say the program will run through June 2023.

(Minneapolis, MN)  --  Target's current employees are in for a busier holiday season.  The Minnesota-based retailer says employees could work five-million more hours as the year draws to a close.  However, Target is still planning to hire many new workers.  Around 100-thousand seasonal employees will get a job, but it's lower than the last two holiday seasons.

(Center City, MN)  --  A Scandia man is accused of providing a deadly dose of meth to an inmate at the Chisago County Jail.  John Hofer has been charged with third-degree murder.  Prosecutors say the defendant gave drugs to Erik Neilsen who was found dead on July 22 in the jail's intake area.  Hofer was arrested yesterday.

The Minnesota Department of Health reports at least 95 schools have reported five or more COVID-19 cases within the past two weeks.  The new data presents a significant increase from last week's total of 26 schools.  Two school staff members have died from the coronavirus during the school year.  Health officials say they will continue to support local districts in any way they can.

(Eden Prairie, MN)  --  One person is injured after a small plane crash in Eden Prairie Thursday.  Emergency crews responded to the scene near the Flying Cloud Airport, where the plane apparently flipped over as it was landing.  The pilot was the only person on the plane.  The FAA is still investigating the incident.

(Willmar, MN)  --  Authorities say a missing 14-year-old has been found in Idaho.  Cienna Azure-Descheuquett had been missing from a group home in Willmar since September 11th.  Law enforcement hasn't said how the girl was found.