“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol   Question: I heard DWI arrests are declining, is this this true? What about non-alcohol related DWI arrests? Answer: While alcohol-related DWI incidents have dropped over the past 10 years in Minnesota, controlled substance-related DWI incidents have increased over the past 30 years. Controlled Substance Convictions 1990: 5 controlled substance-related DWIs 1997: 128 2007: 659 2017: 1,982 We believe that most drivers know to get a sober ride when they had consumed too many alcoholic beverages. Illicit and some prescription medications can also affect our ability to safely operate a [...]

On February 25th at 4:55 PM, deputies from the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on Nicollet County Road 20 south of 358th Street in Lake Prairie Township, north of St. Peter. A 2009 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 33-year-old Nathan Holtz of Le Sueur, was traveling northbound and collided with a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 31-year-old Travis Holtz of St Peter, that was traveling southbound. After the collision, the Silverado rolled into the ditch. Both drivers were transported to the hospital by ambulance for non-life threatening injuries. The Sheriff says it is believed that Nathan was [...]

Firefighters from several departments were called around 4:30 Tuesday morning to a fire believed to have originated in or near Raapers (rappers) Eatery and Ale building in Alexandria. Reports indicate the fire also affected three other buildings including RM Tattoo, Charlies' Bazaar and Little Darlings. Quincy Roers works at nearby Roers Bakery just north of the fire: "Smoke coming out of one of the apartment windows above Raapers -- there were squad cars already sitting there so we knew they were aware of the situation. And from there it escalated smoke started pouring out of every single opening and window available." [...]

Sound off on plans for Riverfront Drive in Mankato. The city says you can view a virtual demonstration and provide feedback on three improvement options for the Riverfront Drive corridor: Four-lane with parking on the east side only. Four-lane with no parking. Three-lane with parking on both sides. The study is designed to help address pedestrian safety, speed issues for safety and freight and local access for businesses. In addition to online feedback, residents may call 311.

The public can look at the Environmental Review of a proposed Mankato Motorsports Park Comments about the review will be accepted March 2 through April 1. It will be located in the City of Eagle Lake.  The project will be constructed on property currently in agricultural use, approximately 230 acres in size. Copies of the review, which document the purpose and need for the project, along with the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts, are available for the public beginning March 2.

Area farmers will meet with Ag Commissioner, Attorney General During Farm Crisis Forum. It takes place Feb. 29 in Mankato It goes 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. Land Stewardship Project member-farmers from across Minnesota, other rural residents, Minnesota Commissioner Thom Petersen and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will be there. Land Stewardship members will be there to present them a petition that calls for numerous policy changes as well as enforcement of current law as it relates to the structure of agribusiness. Participants in the Farm Crisis Forum will take part in small group discussions and share [...]

Senator Rich Draheim of Madison Lake introduces a bill to increase awareness of school bus stop arms. The Minnesota Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing regarding school bus safety and the dangers of not stopping for school bus stop signs. The legislation would create a public relations campaign to convey the importance of stopping once a school bus has its stop sign extended and help highlight the shocking amount of infractions occurring in our state. Each year, the Department of Public Safety conducts a one-day survey where they request all school bus drivers report how many stop-arm violations [...]

At 7 a.m., Wednesday (February 26) portions of Belleview Avenue in Mankato (between Woodshire Drive and Swiss Street) will close for utility repair. Weather permitting, the road is expected to reopen Friday (February 28).

Bestselling Author Allen Eskens to speak at South Central College Wednesday. SCC's February Saktatah Reading Series event features award-winning, bestselling author Allen Eskens, one of southern Minnesota’s most famous mystery and suspense writers. The event will take place today from Noon – 12:50 p.m. in Conference Center C on South Central College’s North Mankato Campus. All are welcome.

A Waseca man is facing criminal charges following a standoff with police on Monday night. According to a press release from the Waseca Police Department, 39-year-old David Huff, had been using meth for a few days and had been hallucinating. The Swat team and other law enforcement agencies responded to a home where a standoff with Huff ensued Monday night. After a few hours, Huff did eventually leave with authorities. Huff appears in court this morning.