The Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MAARCH) has named Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) their Legislator of the Year for 2019. The award recognizes Sen. Rosen’s work on substance use disorders, mental health issues, and expanding treatment and recovery resources. “This award is an incredible honor,” said Sen. Rosen. “I have worked with so many families who have lost loved ones or nearly had their lives destroyed; their heartbreaking stories are the reason I have spent so many years trying to improve the way we provide treatment and support to those struggling with addiction or battling mental [...]

The Minnesota Senate last night (Wed) passed a 3.3-billion-dollar higher education budget bill with a 100-million-dollar increase in funding for public colleges and universities. Lead author, Plymouth Republican Paul Anderson says the measure would also limit tuition increases to two percent at state colleges and universities and the U-of-M: "We... recognized we don't want to penalize the systems. We understand that there are some inflationary costs, but in this case we cap 'em at two percent." North Mankato Senator Nick Frentz says he voted no to the bill. House Democrats' bill would give higher education over a 300-million-dollar increase -- three [...]

First-round interviews for Superintendent of Mankato Area Public Schools are complete.  The following candidates will move forward as finalists:   Scott Hare on Monday (April 29); Paul Peterson on Tuesday (April 30); and Anthony Bonds on Wednesday (May 1). Following the interview on Wednesday (May 1), the School Board will meet in special session to review the candidates and authorize the Board Chair to enter into contract negotiations with selected candidate.

In honor and remembrance of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Friday, April 26, 2019.   “Conservation Officer Wynn was an outstanding Conservation Officer, who was admired and respected by his colleagues, and served with dignity and pride,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The State of Minnesota recognizes Conservation Officer Wynn for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest [...]

The annual Go Red For Women luncheon takes place on Thursday, May 9 from 11:15-1:15 at the Country Inn and Suites in Mankato. The event features a heart-healthy lunch, educational speakers and survivor stories. Sarah Gilberto is a heart disease survivor who will be sharing her story at this year's event. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. All the proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

A 70-year-old Le Sueur County man died Wednesday morning following a tractor rollover. The sheriff's office says it happened in Lexington Township around 9:40 Wednesday morning. Joseph Schatz was trapped under the tractor. He was extricated, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Le Sueur County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Le Center Fire Department and Ambulance Service and North Care Air.

Watch the alpacas at Sibley Farm get a haircut in Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, at 8 a.m., Monday, April 29 (rain or shine event). About five to 10 pounds of fleece is usually sheared from the alpaca. Softer than wool, light and hypo-allergenic, the fleece is recycled into yarn for knitting, crocheting and weaving; or into felt for hats and moccasins.

A man was found unresponsive outside of a rural Montgomery home. According to the Le Sueur County Sheriff's Office, the man was found just after 8:00 Wednesday morning. Authorities say he walked away from a group home on April 20. They say there is nothing suspicious surrounding the death and there is no threat to the public. The man's identity has not yet been released.

On Thursday, Apr. 25, Rep. Jim Hagedorn will join the Farmers for Free Trade Event at Hoffman Farm in New Ulm. Farmers for Free Trade shared the following information about the event: Farmers for Free Trade will host a farm trade event as part of its #MotorcadeForTrade RV Tour at Hoffman Farm in New Ulm. The event will focus on the importance of trade and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to Minnesota agriculture. Participants will include Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and a range of Minnesota farm leaders including representatives from the state Farm Bureau, the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, national commodity leaders, [...]

Below you will find the daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, 2-inch soil temps, and 24-hour precipitation amounts for this week. These values are recorded at 8 AM and reflect the conditions for the previous 24-hour period (8 AM to 8 AM) at the Southern Research & Outreach Center, Waseca.       Air Temp.   2” Avg. Soil Temp.*   Date   Max. Min.   2019 25-Yr Avg. Precip.       - - - - - - º F - - - - - -   - - - º F - - - inches   Thursday 4/18 51 [...]