News

Lyon Co. board weighs budget challenges

Local News July 9, 2026

MARSHALL — With higher health and human services costs on the horizon for next year, Lyon County Commissioners need to get an early start thinking about the 2027 budget, Administrator Loren Stomberg said this week. At Tuesday’s county board meeting, Stomberg said possible options facing the county included reducing the amount spent on appropriations to nonprofits, paying off debt, or possibly setting a 12-15% preliminary levy increase for 2027. “If we give everybody what they received for appropriations in 2026, if we continue on with our bond proceeds and levy for the bond ...

Oil prices rise, and stocks drop worldwide after Trump says ceasefire with Iran is 'over'

National News July 9, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices rose, and stock markets dropped in shaky trading worldwide Wednesday after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran. The S&P 500 fell as much as 1.1% after Trump said the ceasefire agreement was "over," but the index then trimmed its loss to 0.3% after Trump said recent fighting did not mean a return to full-scale war. They're his latest mixed messages on what will happen with the war, which threatens to worsen inflation for the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 576 points, or 1.1%, while the Nasdaq ...

Shakopee man arrested after high-speed chase

Minnesota News July 9, 2026

BLUE EARTH COUNTY — A 43-year-old Shakopee man with an outstanding Minnesota Department of Corrections warrant stemming from a 2022 Blue Earth County drug conviction was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended in a Mankato crash Tuesday. Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force agents and Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Brandon Michael Hall driving a 2020 gray Ford Edge and tried to box him in to prevent pursuit at State Highway 68 and County Road 11, according to a Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office media release. Hall fled, his ...

DEED opts for smaller office at Lyon Govt. Center

Local News July 9, 2026

MARSHALL — Funding cuts mean a tenant at the Lyon County Government Center is requesting a smaller office space. This week, Lyon County Commissioners approved a lease renewal for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development office on the third floor of the Government Center. The move comes with a reduction of 1,680 square feet of space. “The only change on this is, they are looking to reduce their footprint,” said Lyon County Administrator Loren Stomberg. The smaller footprint would be a reduction of about $20,000 in rent revenue for the county, he said. At ...

Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year

National News July 9, 2026

Health insurance premiums are likely to grow more expensive next year for those who buy Marketplace plans, after increases this year. Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 14% for 2027, which would be a double-digit hike for the second year in a row, according to a new analysis of preliminary rate filings. Insurers must submit their requested premium changes to state regulators by July 15, per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services deadlines. Rates should be finalized later this summer. Released Wednesday by the Peterson Center on ...

Coming Home Days, Wilder Pageant, Forever Jen ride this weekend

Local News July 9, 2026

This weekend will be full of pageantry, motorcyclists and festivities. Cottonwood's Coming Home Days and Wilder Pageant in Walnut Grove run throughout the weekend, while the annual motorcycle run headed by charity organization Forever Jen in Arco takes place on Saturday. Coming Home Days includes a few new additions such as a classic car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Out of the Park breakfast and Goodie Bash 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cottonwood City Park. As far as music on Saturday night, North 40 will perform from 6:30 to 9 p.m.outside of LeRoy's and headliner Maiden Dixie takes ...