MONTEVIDEO - West Central Tribune | News, weather, sports from Willmar Minnesota
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Plane struck the lowest power line on a cleanup pass over a Chippewa County cornfield on July 25, 2023. The pilot died days later.| West Central Tribune
Vanguard Renewables, of Massaschusetts, plans to build a biodigester using organic food wastes and manure from a dairy farm to produce renewable natural gas. It is planned on a roughly 22-acre site.| West Central Tribune
After three failed attempts to restart the plane’s engine, the pilot aimed for an emergency landing but ejected when he was unable to reach the runway; the other occupant did not.| West Central Tribune
High waters and flows this summer have damaged property all along the large lake in southern Kandiyohi County. The bog is but the latest heartache for those affected.| West Central Tribune
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According to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office, it was found the 18-year-old driver had his driving privileges revoked at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.| West Central Tribune
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The Willmar City Council on Tuesday approved Mayor Doug Reese’s proposed 2026 budget and preliminary levy, which increased by 5.6% and 15%, respectively.| West Central Tribune
Agents investigating the reported robbery also seized more than 6 pounds of cocaine and 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine while making the arrests.| West Central Tribune
The crash was reported over the holiday weekend south of Big Lake in Munson Township. According to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.| West Central Tribune
Woody's Trucking received an award for women-owned businesses as a part of National Small Business Week.| West Central Tribune
The Willmar City Council on Monday, following public hearings, approved more than $1 million in land sales to Jennie-O Turkey Store and Dooley's Petroleum for the expansion of both businesses.| West Central Tribune
Jennie-O returns to its fifth consecutive Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with The Big Turkey Spectacular float.| West Central Tribune
The Willmar City Council on Monday, April 1, will conduct two public hearings regarding the sale of more than $1 million of city-owned land — one for Jennie-O Turkey Store and one for Dooley’s Petroleum.| West Central Tribune
The hotline, 1-800-TURKEYS, went live Nov. 1 for customers seeking support with their holiday meal planning. The hotline will remain open through Thanksgiving Day.| West Central Tribune
The donation, in collaboration with NBC Universal, provided turkeys to those in need in New York City. In total, Jennie-O donated 30,000 turkeys this holiday season.| West Central Tribune
Levi Jones is the West Central Tribune’s business reporter. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Jones attended Hamline University for journalism and media communications. After graduating in 2020, Jones has worked as a reporter covering anything from sports to politics.| West Central Tribune
Jennifer Kotila is a reporter for West Central Tribune of Willmar, Minnesota. She focuses on local government, specifically the City of Willmar, and business. She can be reached via email at: jkotila@wctrib.com or phone at 320-214-4339.| West Central Tribune
Building, mechanical and plumbing permits are presented in the City of Willmar Monthly External Permits Report for November of 2024.| West Central Tribune
Construction has begun on the project that will expand the Willmar location's production.| West Central Tribune
James Snee, CEO, president and chairman of the board of directors for Hormel Foods, has announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 fiscal year.| West Central Tribune
Beryl Novak has shot 75 deer and counting over 61 seasons, many on his own land.| West Central Tribune
Henry Morris left his Nebraska hideaway for a whirlwind Omaha adventure in a story that captivated readers in North Dakota and Minnesota.| West Central Tribune
Late August is a peak time for the deadly disease, health experts say.| West Central Tribune
The two occupants of the 50-year-old jet had departed Watertown, South Dakota, on the way to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and climbed to 20,000 feet before making a rapid descent and crashing.| West Central Tribune
A jet reported to have been experiencing engine troubles crashed near the Granite Falls Municipal Airport. One of two occupants died; other treated at scene| West Central Tribune
The flu shot was updated for the upcoming season. Like last year’s flu shot, this year’s vaccine is known as a three-component or trivalent vaccine that protects against three influenza viruses.| West Central Tribune
Vying for the DFL nod in Senate District 47 are Rep. Ethan Cha, DFL-Woodbury, and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, DFL-Woodbury| West Central Tribune
Susan Estrich is an American lawyer, professor, author, political operative, and political commentator. She can be reached via sestrich@wctrib.com.| West Central Tribune
Ruben Navarrette is the most widely read Latino columnist in the country, and the 16th most popular columnist in America according to Media Matters. He is a nationally syndicated columnist with The Washington Post Writers Group whose twice-a-week column appears in nearly 150 newspapers, a…| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "There was a moment, after Iran — with the helping hand of the United States — was dealt a powerful blow by Israel and it seemed, with Netanyahu once again riding high, he might stand up to his right-wing enablers and take steps to end this war."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "Long after you've gone to your rest, your children will advertise to the world what kind of job you did in raising them based on how they live their lives, how they conduct themselves and how they treat others."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "In the game of politics, Latinos never win. It used to be that Republicans wrote us off, and Democrats took us for granted. It was a recipe for irrelevance."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "The misinformation couldn’t be contained, but Kennedy can be. All that’s needed is a call from the White House directing him to reverse his recent decisions."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, " In fact, the whole world is suffering from a series of climate-related disasters in this mean season, from continent-spanning wildfires in Canada and deadly floods in Texas to crushing heat waves in Japan."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "Democrats wanting their party to take back power should promise relief to a public wearied by daily Trumpian chaos."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "Want to defang Putin and save the heating planet from environmental collapse? Trump is totally off that case. Only America's enemies could craft a more damaging energy policy."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "Rather we should find shock in having a government actively promoting ignorance at the cost of children's lives. Parents who do not protect their charges belong behind bars."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "I write as an old white guy with a writing job, which insulates me a bit, like a free thick skin. Other writers don’t and they shouldn’t suffer for it."| West Central Tribune
From the commentary, "Trump's and Zelynskyy's attitude toward Putin should be "don't trust and consider sanctions" if a peace deal can't be reached."| West Central Tribune
The latest opinion columns for the Willmar area and throughout Minnesota.| West Central Tribune
Producers also announced a Broadway vet will play Apollonia| West Central Tribune
The West Central Tribune is your #1 source for news, weather, and sports around Willmar and throughout Minnesota.| West Central Tribune
News, photos and podcasts about true crime, historical true crime, mysteries, oddities and history from the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.| West Central Tribune
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Cassidy Marie Lunz, 21, of Willmar, made her first appearance Friday in Meeker County District Court on the charge. According to court records, she and two other males planned to steal money from a male victim.| West Central Tribune
Galen Serbus, 50, of Olivia, Minnesota, was found lying in a ditch near Litchfield with an apparent stab wound and injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. An investigation is underway.| West Central Tribune
Aryianna Pillatzki, 21, of Pennock, pleaded guilty Feb. 6 to one count of second-degree assault in Meeker County District Court. Two co-defendants remain in custody.| West Central Tribune
A civil lawsuit filed in July 2022 returned for a second time to the Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel heard oral arguments.| West Central Tribune
Owen Schwanke, 21, of Willmar, was charged with illegal possession of ammunition, due to a previous felony conviction making him ineligible. After a day of trial, a jury determined he was not guilty.| West Central Tribune
Bryan Demarais, 35, of Dassel, had previously pleaded guilty in Meeker County District Court to the murder of Kayla Demarais. He was sentenced Tuesday.| West Central Tribune
The three suspects arrested in connection to the reported assault of a 50-year-old man from Olivia are now charged with felonies including counts of attempted homicide, aggravated robbery and assault.| West Central Tribune
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The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office states the suspect continued fleeing on foot and was shocked with a Taser by a deputy before being taken into custody. The incident remains under investigation.| West Central Tribune
A 58-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries after his vehicle ran into a semitractor, according to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office. The crash remains under investigation.| West Central Tribune
Minnesota physicians and law enforcement officials are urging people to handle fireworks safely for the holiday weekend. Approximately 14,700 people suffered injuries last year due to fireworks.| West Central Tribune
Cayler, 54, of Lake Lillian, served as music director for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willmar and the other churches of the faith community, and formerly taught in the Willmar Public Schools.| West Central Tribune
In Custody list for the Kandiyohi County Jail in Willmar, Minnesota and the Active Warrant lists for Kandiyohi County.| West Central Tribune
Two people from the Twin Cities were charged with first-degree drug offenses for allegedly trafficking drugs from a Willmar drop-off. They were arrested soon afterward outside Atwater.| West Central Tribune
Sheriff Tollefson said deputies found the remains of what appeared to be a deceased adult male at a location along County Road 10 Northeast.| West Central Tribune
According to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, a minivan was attempting to pass the bicyclist as both were traveling eastbound on a county road.| West Central Tribune
Tepetonka Club on its golf course property restored an eroded stream bank on Shakopee Creek. Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District is hoping to work with landowners on other sites.| West Central Tribune
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Mark Haugejorde, president of Tepetonka Club, a private, destination golf resort being constructed in rural New London, provided some updates on construction when he spoke recently to Kandiyohi County Economic Development.| West Central Tribune
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The proposal for setting rules of decorum comes several weeks after members of the public interrupted council proceedings.| West Central Tribune
Both of the networks have been in operation for more than 20 years. One struggled and defaulted on its bond payments. The other progressed slowly before expanding. Both are operating successfully today.| West Central Tribune
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Kandiyohi County Economic Development will present its 2026 proposed budget to the Willmar City Council on Monday, Aug. 4.| West Central Tribune
The pending closure of the Spicer YMCA Early Learning Center prompted local officials to seek a new operator to ensure continuity of care for enrolled children.| West Central Tribune
The children and parents in Willmar and surrounding areas will be pleased to learn that the Rice Park splash pad is fixed and operational just in time for the dog days of summer.| West Central Tribune
Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Tollefson, Willmar Police Chief Mike Holme and Capt. Michael Anderson say community fears are unfounded as local officers will not engage in immigration enforcement.| West Central Tribune
Two couples participated in the free weddings Friday afternoon. Judge Stephanie Beckman, who officiated the event, decided to offer the free weddings as part of this year's festivities.| West Central Tribune
Most people shop at Aldi for its low grocery prices on private label groceries. One lucky couple found love in the produce aisle at the Aldi in Willmar.| West Central Tribune
Earlier this year, the Sheriff’s Office entered into a new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising concerns among community leaders and the immigrant population.| West Central Tribune
Before approving the issuance of $4.065 million in general obligation bonds to fund the 2025 street improvement projects, the Willmar City Council heard good news regarding a lower interest rate.| West Central Tribune
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system…| West Central Tribune
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system…| West Central Tribune
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system…| West Central Tribune
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system…| West Central Tribune
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system…| West Central Tribune
Marriage licenses issued in Kandiyohi County from May 23 to May 29, 2025| West Central Tribune
Marriage licenses issued in Kandiyohi County June 20-26, 2025| West Central Tribune
Tayler Haats, 20, of Pennock, suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries after their ATV rolled. The Sheriff's Office said the crash remains under investigation.| West Central Tribune
Community and high school art events will be printed each Wednesday in this calendar up to three weeks in advance. The deadline is noon Friday. Email to news@wctrib.com with “arts calendar item” in the subject line.| West Central Tribune
Your local destination for the latest arts and entertainment news for the Willmar area and throughout Minnesota. Covering theater, books, art, fashion, games, music, movies, TV, radio and more.| West Central Tribune
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used…| West Central Tribune
Kyeon Royale Hill was shot once in the arm after attacking an officer with a pocket knife, according to law enforcement| West Central Tribune
According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the two teens were last seen in northwest Willmar at approximately 5 p.m. Monday, May 5.| West Central Tribune
Larry Alstead, 80, of Paynesville, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a medical examiner. A sheriff's deputy fired his handgun twice before Alstead fired the single fatal shot.| West Central Tribune
According to the Olivia Police Department, the victim had previously handed a substantial sum of cash to a purported courier on Feb. 11. Police arrested two males after the same person reported that couriers had shown up to their house again on Feb. 17.| West Central Tribune
Phillip Iverson, 29, was last seen in the city of Spicer on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to dial 911 or contact the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office.| West Central Tribune
The Montevideo, Minnesota, man is no longer employed by the bus company, and law enforcement reports no evidence suggesting alleged activities involved local students.| West Central Tribune
Dylan McKaide Anderson-Butler was shot by law enforcement after he reportedly fled from officers attempting to arrest order him in September of 2023. Charges say Anderson-Butler was manipulating a gun as he fled.| West Central Tribune
The Montevideo Police Department announced Monday investigators have determined the death of 69-year-old Mitch Twite to be self-inflicted. No further information was provided in the news release.| West Central Tribune
Shelby Lindrud is a reporter with the West Central Tribune of Willmar. Her focus areas are arts and entertainment, agriculture, features writing and the Kandiyohi County Board. She can be reached via email slindrud@wctrib.com or direct 320-214-4373.| West Central Tribune
An Eden Valley man was the only person transported for treatment of his injuries after a four-car crash was reported Friday morning in Buffalo, along Minnesota Highway 55.| West Central Tribune
