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Sheriff’s office reports text scam complaints

NEW ULM — The Brown County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving complaints Wednesday about scammers sending fake text and email messages pretending to be the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DMV) or other state agency. “Messages claim victims have an outstanding traffic ticket, action may be taken against them and directs them to a payment link,” read the release. Scammers frequently use urgency as a tactic to manipulate victims into making quick decisions, potentially providing sensitive information or money, according to the release. Brown County Sheriff’s Office ...

Storm downs trees in wide area

SLEEPY EYE — A hot, hazy, windy day evolved into severe thunderstorms that dumped hail, heavy rain and high winds across much of southern and central Minnesota Monday. Elk farmer Roger Rogotzke said he was in his house at about 6 p.m. when hail began to fall. “I quick drove the car in ...

County board OKs purchases from Sentence to Service program

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners on Tuesday approved needed purchases to support a Sentence to Service program. The program allows individuals convicted of certain crimes, typically non-violent or first-time offenders, to serve their sentences through community service instead of incarceration. On April 22, commissioners authorized county probation staff to develop an adult county work service program contingent on the State dissolving the program. “Brown County highly supports the program,” said Brown County Probation Director Evonne Westcott. “It has been a very positive ...

Digital radar signs warn speeders

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a $6,921 state grant agreement Tuesday to purchase digital radar speed signs for Hanska and Comfrey. The Brown County Highway Department plans to install a portable radar speed sign to be used at multiple locations on county roads 17 ...

LWV neighborhood walkabouts start this week

LWV neighborhood walkabouts start this week NEW ULM – The League of Women Voters (LWV) invites the public to lace up their walking shoes and explore nature in the community through the Neighborhood Walkabout series. Five walks are scheduled each week in June in different New Ulm neighborhoods during the first few weeks of the month. The walks are open to everyone. Each will involve eight blocks of walking, beginning and ending at the same location. A member of the New Ulm tree commission will lead each walk and provide information on neighborhood trees including species ...

MPCA issues statewide air alert

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota Friday that continues to 6 p.m. Monday, June 2. A cold front will drag smoke from Manitoba and Saskatchewan wildfires. The highest smoke concentration is expected Saturday morning and afternoon. Air quality will improve slightly Saturday overnight before a second wave of smoke arrives Sunday morning. Air quality will improve Sunday night before a third round of smoke arrives Monday. Fine particle levels are forecast to reach the red air quality index, a level considered unhealthy ...