Recent storms throughout the state have caused major tree damage, and cleanup following a storm can be overwhelming. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has some tips on dealing with storm-damaged trees. Many communities also have resources and guidelines, especially after major storm events. Consider reaching out to your city, county or township to learn more.
The United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) is once again collecting new school supplies to help local children start the school year ready to learn. Our annual Stuff the Bus initiative supports K-12 students by providing essential school supplies, easing the burden on families, and helping students feel confident and prepared.
The Tri-County Let’s Go Fishing Club received a generous donation from the Lac Qui Parle Lake Association recently. Let’s Go Fishing clubs operate solely with the support of volunteers and donated dollars. This donation will play a vital role in helping continue the mission of providing meaningful outdoor experiences for seniors, veterans, and youth in the communities of Chippewa, Yellow Medicine and Lac Qui Parle counties. This contribution not only helps maintain and operate the fishing excursions, but it also reflects a shared commitment to enriching lives and fostering a deep appreciation for the beautiful natural resources in our area. Thank you to the LQP Lake Association for their partnership and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Pictured l-r: Brad Dyshaw, Joe Schultz, Marv Dehne, Jim Bowen, Gary Groothuis (LQP Lake Association Representative), Brad Goar.
The following students graduated after the spring 2025 semester at South Dakota State University. Nearly 1,500 students completed all requirements for a degree and/or certificate program.
Farmers, agricultural professionals and community members are invited to a “Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota” workshop on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Madison. This free Land Stewardship Project (LSP) event is an opportunity to learn from regional growers and innovators about the benefits of reintroducing small grains into farming operations and ways to rebuild the markets and infrastructure needed to support them. Lunch will be provided, and pre-registration is requested by Thursday, July 31. To register and to secure a spot, visit https://bit.ly/smallgrainwest. For more information, contact LSP’s Alex Kiminski at 925-207-3721 or akiminski@landstewardshipproject.org.
Friday evening, Marshall musician Sam Jeffreys took the stage at Bluenose Gopher Public House for a free live music performance. The event is made possible through donations from area community members to the Bluenose Presents fund. The next opportunity for life, free music takes place Thursday evening, July 24th when the southwest Minnesota band Flute Loops takes the stage from 7-9 p.m.
Between the heat, the showers and thunderstorms, and the Canadian wildfire smoke this summer, it has certainly been an interesting summer!
During Monday evening’s meeting of the Yellow Medicine East School Board, Superintendent Rich Schneider addressed the district’s upcoming referendum process and other district-wide updates including staffing, insurance savings and surplus equipment management.
Once again in 2025, young people will be able to hunt deer with an adult in a number of state parks during several application-only special youth deer hunts. These hunts offer more individualized experiences in unique places, and often on different dates than the statewide youth deer season.
Oscar De Leon, a Moorhead-based filmmaker with deep roots in Southwest Minnesota, is set to return to Montevideo and Granite Falls this month for the filming of Tristessa, a passion project centered on love, struggle and the dream of a home. Now, in addition to filming, De Leon and his creative partner Kevin Ackley of Chamber Six Media will host a free community showcase of short films and music videos in advance of the shoot.