On January 11th, area schools including Lakeview, Montevideo, Dawson-Boyd and Lac qui Parle Valley sent out emails to parents notifying them that the schools were in teach-on lock-downs due to a situation law enforcement had made them aware of in the local area.

Ridgewater College is one of several colleges offering Minnesota residents scholarships up to $5,000 per individual to become licensed paramedics, thanks to a $3 million commitment from the 2023 Minnesota Legislature.Paramedics begin as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and then advance their skills to become paramedics.

The Granite Falls Fire Department and Granite Falls Firemens Relief Association Annual Meetings were held January 11, 2024 followed by dinner with retirees and honored guests.Executive Officers were all re-elected:Fire Chief Ryan HaarAssistant Fire Chief Barrett Eggebraaten2nd Assistant Fire Chief Eric SoineSecretary Evan KnudsonMembers affirmed the board of trustees of the Granite Falls Firemens Relief Association:President Tyler KnutsonVice President Barrett EggebraatenSecretary Kevin JensvoldTreasurer TJ McRaeTrustees: Nathan Stewart, Kyler Jelen, and Nick LundFire Chief: Ryan HaarDan Grund Memorial Top Responder of 2023 was awarded to Captain Holdyn Sand for responding to 94% of calls.Each year, the previous five Firefighters of the Year select a candidate who demonstrates our best values.