MARSHALL — The number of Minnesotans applying to carry a handgun has been climbing over the past year, according to data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In an annual report released earlier this year, the BCA said more than 75,000 people statewide applied for permits to carry in 2025. Lyon County has also seen a small spike in permit applications so far this year, said Sheriff Eric Wallen. In the first six months of 2026, there were a total of 135 new permits to carry issued in the county. There were only 84 new permits issued in the first half of 2025. But at ...