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Torkelson proposes bill to prevent ties in MN House

ST. PAUL — In 2025, the Minnesota House had a rare 67-67 tie between Republicans and Democrats that resulted a delayed start to the legislative session. State Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, has offered a novel method of preventing further ties. He recently proposed a bill to increase the number of house representatives from 134 to 135 and cut the state Senate from 67 members to 45 members. “The main motivation for this is avoiding ties in the future,” Torkelson said. “We’ve survived two ties, one in 1979 and the one in 2025 delayed action in the House for weeks. The ...

Minnesota farmers to serve on United Soybean Board

MANKATO – Dumont farmer Tom Frisch continues to embrace a greater role as a national farmer leader. In early February 2026, Frisch was reappointed by the USDA to serve a three-year term on the United Soybean Board (USB). “I’m honored to represent Minnesota on USB. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the years ahead to build markets and improve our farm economy, and I’m eager to contribute in any way I can,” said Frisch, a current director and past chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). In December 2025, Frisch, who will begin his second ...

Cooking fun, for one

MARSHALL — The table was set with colorful dishes at Boulder Creek Assisted Living. But the 11 guests who took their seats Thursday morning weren’t just there to have lunch. Before the start of the meal, Boulder Creek assisted living director Jan Mason went over a recipe and tips for ...

Neurodiversity conference to be held in Marshall

MARSHALL — It’s not always easy to for people in rural areas to get the kind of mental health care or other supports they need. The organizers of an upcoming regional conference in Marshall say that can also be a challenge for neurodivergent adults. On April 9, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota, in partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University and Prairie Winds Counseling, will host “Transforming Care: A Mental Health and Neurodiversity Conference.” In a news release, conference organizers said the event invites people in southwest Minnesota to get ...

Lyon Co. board OKs gravel pit permit

MARSHALL — This week, Lyon County Commissioners approved some additional conditions on a permit for a gravel pit south of Ghent. Commissioners voted in favor of a permit with conditions including limits on when the gravel pit could operate, and calling for dust control spray on the road serving the pit. Lyon County Planning and Zoning Administrator John Biren said Bot Farms, LLC, was seeking a conditional use permit for a gravel pit located in Section 33 of Grandview Township. Biren said the permit would technically be for an established gravel pit plus additional land next to ...

Rising fuel costs concern farmers

SLEEPY EYE — Trade policy and rising input costs were among concerns often mentioned by agriculture leaders and farmers at a Minnesota Farmers Union People’s Town Hall at Sleepy Eye Brewing Wednesday. Rising fuel costs got lots of attention. “Rising input costs are killing farmers. ...