Two people were found dead in a Medford home Friday night in what many believed was a murder-suicide, but authorities haven’t confirmed anything – even to the family of one of the victims.
Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele has refused to label the incident as anything other than a “suspicious incident” where two people died. Thiele has said there is no threat to the public.

Photographs of deputies in uniform posted on a sheriff deputy’s social media have become the focus of an internal investigation by Steele County.
Human Resources Director Julie Johnson confirmed her department is in the “process of investigation and taking action regarding policy violation allegations” against veteran deputy Darrin Helget, who is running for election against his boss, Sheriff Lon Thiele.

The Minnesota legislators who represent Steele County will face challenges for their seats at the state level on Nov. 8, with an August primary set for one of the races.
Incumbent Sen. Gene Dornink, R-Brownsdale, is running in the newly created Senate District 23 after leading District 27 since his election in 2020. The change of district prompted Dornink to move from Hayfield in order to live in the new district.

One can hear and not understand. One can memorize but not know what the phrase committed to memory means. And, truly, one can see and hear but not comprehend.

Editor’s Note: Blooming Prairie sophomore Molly Robbins achieved first place in the VFW Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Contest. She earned a $100 cash award. She delivered her winning essay at the Memorial Day program.
Where do we go from here? In my life, I’ve asked myself this specific question a thousand times. Usually for something small, like where do I go after dinner, what do I do now that I’m done with my work.

It was a crowning moment as Blooming Prairie American Legion Commander Bob Ingvalson remarked, “Memorial Day is a pretty big day.”
Ingvalson, who played a key role in the many Memorial Day activities on Monday, May 30, was helping clean up the BP Servicemen’s Club after a full day of tributes paid to veterans everywhere.