(Willmar MN-) The suspect in a drive-by shooting that left a Willmar teen hospitalized Sunday morning made his first appearance in Kandiyohi County District Court Tuesday. 18-year-old Carsten Tallman is charged with. -Attempted 2nd Degree Murder While Committing a Felony. -Dangerous Weapon/Drive-by Shooting. -2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

(Willmar MN-) Swift County Judge Melissa Listug has listened to arguments for and against a harsher sentence for Roger Ebnet, and will make her ruling at a later date. Ebnet, 61 of Morris, pleaded guilty last week to 4 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct for molesting boys in the classroom at Northside Elementary in Benson where Ebnet was a teacher from 2014 through 2022. For the last two days Listug has been listening to arguments for an upward departure from sentencing guidelines, which at this time appear to give Ebnet about 25 years in prison. He will be sentenced January 23rd.

(Willmar MN-) Sun Prairie Wisconsin Utilities General Manager Rick Wicklund has declined an offer to succeed John Harren as General Manager at Willmar Municipal Utilities. Willmar City Council Member Mike O'Brien is liason to the Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission, and learned yesterday that Wicklund would not accept the offer. The commission chose Wicklund last week after interviewing him and finalists Janelle Johnson and Jeron Smith. Wicklund told the commission he chose not to accept the offer for several reasons, including that he did not want to move such a long distance. At this point it is uncertain if the commission will now offer the post to Johnson or Smith, or go seek other candidates. Johnson has held several positions with Willmar Municipal Utilities and is currently Interim General Manager and Director of Administration. Smith is Willmar Municipal Utilities Electrical Engineer.

PAYNESVILLE (WJON News) -- A new microbrewery is coming to the area in 2025. Koronis Brewing Company is targeting an early 2025 opening in Paynesville. The brewery will be right off Highway 55 next door to Flagpole Country. Co-owner Laura Naujokas says they have a dream for what the brewery...

Halloween is just a few days away, but the candy and treats will probably be hanging around for at least a couple of weeks if you have a houseful of kids going trick-or-treating this Thursday. With all the excitement surrounding the Holiday, I want to remind you that although it...

(Willmar MN-) The Willmar Area Climate Action Group is sponsoring an EV Expo from 10-11 am Saturday Nov 2 at the eight EV chargers in Cub’s parking lot, 2201 South 1st St, Willmar. Come see various electric vehicles and ask about charging at home and on the road. Bad-weather backup date will be November 9. Bad-weather backup date will be November 9. Discover what the EV excitement is all about!

An 18-year-old has been charged with one count of Attempted 2nd-Degree Murder related to a shooting in Willmar Sunday. Carsten Ronald Tallman of Willmar is also facing four other charges related to weapons and drugs. The 17-year-old victim said he was driving home and followed by another vehicle when he...

Football Across Minnesota: Owen Guertin used his love of sports to recover from a major surgery. Also this week: In Wadena, they’re remembering one of their best. The Vikings have issues, while Gophers have a win streak. ‘He’s won before kickoff’: Benilde senior’s journey from brain surgery to section...

LUCY BLOMBERG has been selected as this weeks “Student of the Week” by Nick Besemer of the Math Department. Lucy is a freshman and the daughter of Robert and Jennifer Blomberg of Litchfield. Lucy demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence and consistently puts forth effort in all assignments. Her willingness to ask questions and at times even suggest incorrect answers has helped others in the classroom. She treats peers and teachers with kindness and respect. Lucy takes initiative in group activities and projects, inspiring others to participate and work together towards common goals. Lucy participates Track and Dance. Her interests and hobbies include making desserts, dancing and doing crafts. Congratulations Lucy on being selected as this weeks “Student of the Week”.

(New London MN-) The Little Theatre in New London is raising funds for a new H-VAC system. Theatre Director Bethany Lactorin says the current 24-year-old system failed earlier this month, causing a small fire... Your browser does not support the audio element. ...Lactorin says right now they are gathering quotes...

Koi Perich quietly lined up for one play on offense in last Saturday’s victory against Maryland. Coach P.J. Fleck said on radio, “He can handle it; he loves it.”. Gophers freshman Koi Perich becomes three-way threat — defense, special teams and offense, too. Located in Litchfield, MN...

Benson’s City Council voted to seek bids for the renovation of the Benson Armory at special meeting Thursday night. Thursday night’s meeting started out in the large gymnasium room of the former National Guard Armory building where Aaron Larson and Andy Engan of Engan and Associates explained the project to the council.

Her 62 goals for the Tigers broke a 20-year-old Minnesota State High School League record and sent St. Cloud Tech to a state tournament for the first time since 2001. All-Minnesota Girls Soccer Player of the Year: St. Cloud Tech’s Molly Burkstrand. Located in Litchfield, MN we deliver the...

Canby extended their postseason success on Tuesday against MACCRAY. They blew past the MACCRAY Wolverines 3-0. Winning may never get old, but the Lancers sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row. Canby's not only won, but also showed off some consistency: keeping MACCRAY between 17...

The Benson football team played two playoff games in five days last week. Benson earned the four seed in the Section 4A tournament and destroyed ACGC at home Oct. 22 46-6. The Braves advanced to play the undefeated Upsala/Swanville Area Patriots on the road in the second round and lost 49-6 to end their 2024 season.