Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office issued a Press Release June 27th regarding two cars and a semi fatal accident on Friday June 26th at 1:12pm at the intersection of Cottonwood County Road 7 and Cottonwood County Road 13. First Responders were paged to the scene. According to the Press Release, upon investigation it was determined that a 1998 Mack semi with a bottom dump trailer driven by 69-year-old James Beeck of Fulda was southbound on Cottonwood County Road 7 while a 2019 Buick Enclave, driven by 42-year-old Julianne Paplow of rural Dundee along with her juvenile passenger were northbound on Cottonwood County Road 7. A 2010 Subaru Forester driven by 29-year-old Sean Goodman of Slayton was eastbound on Cottonwood County Road 13. The release stated the driver of the Subaru Forester failed to stop at the stop sign, entered the intersection and was struck by the Mack semi. The Buick Enclave was then struck as the Subaru Forester and Mack semi entered the south east ditch where they came to rest. The driver of the Mack semi and the driver and passenger of the Buick Enclave were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Sean Goodman was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Westbrook Fire Department, Westbrook Ambulance, Westbrook Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Fulda Ambulance, Cottonwood County Highway Department and Windom Towing.
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The world is coming to Worthington for the 32nd Annual International Festival, July 9th through the 11th. The free, three-day celebration begins Thursday evening at the Nobles County Historical Society with a community gathering, a film sharing immigrant stories, and a discussion panel. Friday and Saturday, the festival moves to the Nobles County Government Center with live music, cultural dance performances, a Native fashion show, the Flags of the World ceremony, Zumba, food, art, and entertainment representing cultures from around the globe. Admission is free. No passport required, just bring your curiosity. Find the full schedule at WorthingtonInternationalFestival.org or on the Worthington International Festival Facebook page.
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The Windom Area Health Foundation’s “Swing FORE! Health” Golf Tournament was a big success on June 19th at the Windom Country Club. Foundation Director Katie Greener says 13 teams and 27 sponsors helped raise more than $8,500 toward the purchase of new 3-D ultrasound equipment for Windom Area Health. The new technology will provide earlier and more precise imaging, improve the patient experience, and expand diagnostic services close to home. Tournament champion Team “County 82” also donated its prize money back to the Foundation. Organizers thanked the many sponsors, volunteers and golfers for supporting local healthcare and say they look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
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The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is reminding Minnesotans to take steps now to protect themselves from West Nile virus after mosquitoes carrying the virus were found in Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota counties. Those are Minnesota’s first positive mosquito samples of 2026. While no positive mosquitoes have been reported in southwest Minnesota, last year was a record year for West Nile virus cases statewide. The Mosquito Control District recommends using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed. Health officials say taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness throughout the summer.