Springfield woman sentenced to five years in prison

July 23, 2026

NEW ULM — A 44-year-old Springfield woman originally charged with 14 criminal sex counts was sentenced to five years, four months in prison in Brown County District Court July 13. Sarah Marie Riederer was convicted of one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. She pled guilty to the charge May 27 and 13 first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges were dismissed. Riederer was sentenced to 64 months at the Shakopee Correctional Facility, credited with one day served and must serve 32 months supervised release. Her prison time may be extended to eight full years for disciplinary…

A twist on a fairy tale

LAKE BENTON — Longtime actors but first time co-directors Jenna Kor and Tom Schmitt debut for the Opera House putting…

'You cared about our schools'

MARSHALL — The Marshall Public School District honored members of the Hey family for operating Southwest Coaches bus service for…

Events rev up at YMC fair; a taste of Danish heritage in Tyler

There will be plenty of bull riding, speedway races, motorcycle engines roaring and Danish delicacies this weekend. The Yellow Medicine…

New child care center in Minneota nearly ready

MINNEOTA — To meet the rising demand for more child care services, a Ghent child care center is close to…

Little House gathering

WALNUT GROVE — The Wilder Pageant hosted its second week of performances over the weekend. But this week brought along…

Local Sports

First-time winners and thrills highlight Redwood Speedway feature action

REDWOOD FALLS — Midsummer tradition was in full swing this past weekend as the…

Marshall Junior Legion Black advances

Marshall defeats Waseca in Legion tourney

Marshall Jr. Black fall to New Ulm rally

Editorials

'Crazy' opportunity to support retail businesses

Any time a business closes in Marshall a lot of criticism is directed toward the city, especially on social media. While businesses do close now and then, new businesses are opening up as well. Take a stroll down Main Street and you will notice the changes. You will also find a vibrant retail atmosphere…

A couple weeks ago, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig met with southwest Minnesota farmers in Marshall for…

Securing Agriculture Workforce Act a step in the right direction

Republicans don’t want to say this publicly, but privately they do: President Trump’s personal political obsessions…

Trump has lost the plot on governance

It’s that time of the year again — planting season. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds…

Be careful during planting season

Letters to the Editor

Demuth best choice to defeat Klobuchar

To the editor: Lisa Demuth is by far the best choice for governor in the Aug. 11 Republican primary. She has proven that she is a determined and effective champion for our conservative values. As Minnesota House Speaker, she stopped Tim Walz and the Democrats time and again. Her leadership blocked further tax increases,…

To the Editor: For 77 years I have felt blessed and grateful for being born in…

Incredible blessing to be an American

To the editor: The 250th Birthday of America this Saturday, is prompting citizens to learn more…

Read the Declaration of Independence

To the editor: (President Donald Trump’s) birthday party a resounding success, concluding with participants loudly insulting…

Trump’s big spending

With the recent Cyclospora outbreak, are you avoiding lettuce?

Local Columns

May I suggest

There are some suggestions you should accept, and there are some you should respectfully leave alone. Knowing the difference usually makes for a smoother sailing through life's waters. Having had my share of suggestions offered to me over the years, permit me to offer some suggestion based on my experiences. May I suggest we…

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