Worthington News

A fire in westbrook Minnesota has completely destroyed the town's grocery store, Maynard's, the only grocery store within 30 miles.

The state fire marshal's office is expected at the scene of a grain elevator fire in Rushmore, in southwestern Minnesota.

The main structure of the United Farmers Cooperative elevator was destroyed in the blaze that could be seen from Worthington, nine miles to the east.

No one was hurt. An ambulance crew was on hand in case any firefighters suffered heat exhaustion, but no cases were reported.

Nine area fire departments battled the blaze Thursday.

Rushmore Fire Chief Larry Lupkes said a big challenge was getting enough water to continue fighting the fire. Rushmore's only water tower was emptied by about 3:30 in the afternoon. Water was hauled in from local farmers as well as from area fire departments.

Forecasters say strong to severe thunderstorms look likely for parts of the southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin later this afternoon and tonight.

A grand jury has indicted a Worthington man on murder charges in the death of his 2-year-old niece.

A Worthington man has been indicted by a grand jury on murder charges in the death of his 2-year-old niece.

Samantha Fraga died March 20 in Worthington. Josue Robles Fraga, 34, was arrested six days later.

Fraga made his first court appearance on the indictment Monday in Nobles County District Court, with bail set at $1 million. He is charged with first-degree murder while committing sexual assault and two counts of second-degree murder.

Fraga's attorney, Christina Wietzema, said he denies the charges.

All of that wind blowing across the plains of southwestern Minnesota has to be good for something, and from June 11 to June 15 it will be put to use.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is taking a closer look at how it issues state identification cards. via KAAL

A Maryland -based hotel franchiser has responded to a federal lawsuit accusing a Mitchell couple of subjecting four Filipino immigrants to conditions of peonage, slavery, forced labor and trafficking in ... via WTOP

“I think we take a look at that difference and see it as something healthy for our community. Our students are getting the exposure they need to get out in the real world.”

Immigration helps St. James Stay Thriving Published Date: 05-01-2008 10:54 PM CT Immigration continues to change the landscape of Minnesota and the nation. via KEYC

“Smugglers treat their human cargo worse than animals”

When Lakeville police stopped a minivan going 81 miles an hour at 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 35 last week, they found that it was packed with 15 illegal immigrants who had been traveling for a week, most likely ... via Star Tribune

“I wouldn't expect much to get done”

A wide range of food and farm organizations have united behind a common goal: to change U.S. ethanol policy. via Minnesota Public Radio

“Having to pay several hundred thousand or even millions of dollars more up front was not worth the potential benefit of staying in the program”

Listen to feature audio While the battle over the fate of the JOBZ program continues in the Legislature, participation in the rural economic development program continues to fall sharply. via Minnesota Public Radio

Submitted by Virginia Kaczmarek on Thu, 04/10/2008 - 12:04pm. Sports Serve, Set, Bump, Spike! The YMCA is proud to announce our newest program collaboration with the Volleyball Association. via Northfield.org

The hard-hitting Minnesota State CTC Lady Spartans won three of four games over the weekend. via Daily Journal

“Today it is two docks, someday it is going to be 12 docks”

The Winsted City Council discussed the consequences of allowing privately-owned docks to be placed on city lakeshore property during its Tuesday meeting. via Herald Journal

Plowable snow is forecast across parts of southwestern and south-central Minnesota through Thursday.

Snow advisories are out for most of the region for 1 a.m. through 7 p.m. Thursday. Communities within the advisory area include Worthington, Marshall, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, St. James, Mankato, Albert Lea, Fairmont and Blue Earth.

The National Weather Service says snowfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches are expected in the advisory area, with the greatest amounts along the Interstate 90 corridor. Read more

There are still no arrests in a Worthington, Minnesota murder investigation. Authorities say family members brought a two-year-old girl to the hospital Thursday where she was pronounced dead. via KELO-TV Sioux Falls

“The education piece of the conference is the main reason we keep holding it, so more people have a greater understanding of what is bioscience and how we can build our economy in a rural setting”

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is the keynote speaker today at the annual Bioscience Conference in Worthington. via KELO-TV Sioux Falls

A man has been arrested in the death of 2-year-old Samantha Fraga, who died March 20 in Worthington. via KSAX

Worthington, Minnesota, police confirm they are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl. via KTIV-TV Sioux City