First-round interviews for Superintendent of Mankato Area Public Schools are complete.  The following candidates will move forward as finalists:   Scott Hare on Monday (April 29); Paul Peterson on Tuesday (April 30); and Anthony Bonds on Wednesday (May 1). Following the interview on Wednesday (May 1), the School Board will meet in special session to review the candidates and authorize the Board Chair to enter into contract negotiations with selected candidate.

 A northwestern Minnesota man has been sentenced to 3½ years in prison for a traffic crash that killed a 2-year-old boy. Forty-two-year-old Jeremy Sagvold was behind the wheel in January 2018 when he crashed in Moorhead and killed Zaiden Engen Ness. The boy's parents were also in the vehicle. Prosecutors argued Sagvold was "grossly negligent" when he chose to drive that day because of his history of epilepsy-related seizures and his suspended license. KFGO reports the defense argued there was no evidence that Sagvold had suffered a seizure prior to the collision. Clay County District Judge Michael Fritz found Sagvold guilty [...]

In honor and remembrance of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Friday, April 26, 2019.   “Conservation Officer Wynn was an outstanding Conservation Officer, who was admired and respected by his colleagues, and served with dignity and pride,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The State of Minnesota recognizes Conservation Officer Wynn for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest [...]

The annual Go Red For Women luncheon takes place on Thursday, May 9 from 11:15-1:15 at the Country Inn and Suites in Mankato. The event features a heart-healthy lunch, educational speakers and survivor stories. Sarah Gilberto is a heart disease survivor who will be sharing her story at this year's event. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. All the proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

A 70-year-old Le Sueur County man died Wednesday morning following a tractor rollover. The sheriff's office says it happened in Lexington Township around 9:40 Wednesday morning. Joseph Schatz was trapped under the tractor. He was extricated, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Le Sueur County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Le Center Fire Department and Ambulance Service and North Care Air.

A north Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty in connection with what federal authorities believe to be the largest single methamphetamine bust in Minnesota history. Federal prosecutors say 34-year-old Fernando Ramos-Meza pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to distribute about 191 pounds of meth. Ramos-Meza and three other suspects were indicted in November. U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald says officers with the Canon River Drug Task Force found the drugs along with a sawed-off pump shotgun during a search in September. MacDonald says the quantities of meth coming into Minnesota continue to rise and the "destruction that comes with it cannot be understated."

The Career Navigator Program had another successful year, which will wrap up tomorrow, Friday, April 26 with the last group of approximately 140 ninth graders visiting South Central College. The students come from Maple River and St. James High School. This the third year of the Career Navigator Program, a collaboration of South Central College, South Central Service Cooperative and area school districts in the South Central Perkins Consortium. The three entities work together to schedule students from schools from throughout the region for all-day career exploration experiences at SCC.

Watch the alpacas at Sibley Farm get a haircut in Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, at 8 a.m., Monday, April 29 (rain or shine event). About five to 10 pounds of fleece is usually sheared from the alpaca. Softer than wool, light and hypo-allergenic, the fleece is recycled into yarn for knitting, crocheting and weaving; or into felt for hats and moccasins.

Governor Walz and Senate Republicans are sharply divided on their tax plans this session. Senate Republicans say their plan benefits 96-percent of Minnesota taxpayers--and half will see tax relief. "This is a zero tax increase, it gives $800 million back to Minnesotans to do what they need. Our colleagues across the aisle are proposing $12 billion in four years--a $12 billion increase in four years that is the opposite of opportunity." Committee Chair Roger Chamberlain. Walz and Democrats are proposing a gas tax to pay for road and bridge fixes and preserving an expiring tax on health care providers.

Starting today (THU), Prince fans from around the world will visit Minnesota as part of the third annual "Celebration 2019". It began as a tribute to Prince after his death at his Paisley Park home three years ago. There will be four days of live music, concert screenings, panel discussions and special presentations highlighting Prince’s talent and influence as an artist. On Friday, there will be a special concert event "Prince: In Concert on the Big Screen" with never-before-released footage of the Minneapolis music icon--accompanied by a live, all-star ensemble of musicians who played with Prince. Also on Friday, Minneapolis landmarks--like [...]