May 2025

Ask a Trooper: E-Z Pass Text Scam…
Question: I have been receiving text messages about an “E-Z Pass Final Reminder.” It’s something about having an outstanding toll and submitting payment. I was told it was a scam. Can you get me more information on this?

Beyond Reason: Serpentine…
Many readers turn to Beyond Reason for helpful, everyday advice. How do I politely decline an invitation to play pickleball? (Move.) How do I get my beach bod ready? (Fast.) What do I wear to a Kentucky Derby party? (Hat.)
This Happened Here: A Toddler’s Revenge…
[Note: This week’s “here” is courtesy of frequent reader and now contributor Diane Ladner, a proud grandmother who passed me a sheaf of memories she’d set down for her children and grandchildren to enjoy. She gave it to me seeking feedback, and the only notes I had were that it was well-written… and now I’m stealing it for this column.]
Minnesota DNR webinar series offers ways to learn about the outdoors this summer
Webinars on walleye genetics, buckthorn management, and fish dubbed “living fossils” like gar and paddlefish will be among the outdoors topics covered in the summer series of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Youth encouraged to test their ag skills at 2025 4-H & FFA Crop Scouting Contest
Youth from across Minnesota are invited to demonstrate their crop science skills at the 2025 Minnesota 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting Contest, scheduled for Monday, July 28, on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus.

79th annual Fiesta Days scheduled June 8th-15th
The 79th annual Montevideo Fiesta Days celebration is scheduled to be held June 8th-15th throughout the community. As is tradition, the week of activities begins on Sunday, June 8th with the annual fly-in breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Montevideo Airport. On Monday, activities begin at 5 p.m. when the Community Center hosts a bingo party with pizza. Business After Hours will be hosted by the Montevideo VFW Post #380 at 5:30 p.m. that day.
GrandStay Inn & Suites celebrates 30 years of hospitality in Montevideo
This year marks a major milestone for GrandStay Inn & Suites as it celebrates 30 years of serving travelers from both near and far. For owners Shane and Luanne Gibson, the anniversary is more than a business milestone - it’s a celebration of the relationships that have shaped their hotel.
MN River Valley Cancer Connections walk scheduled for June 4th
Minnesota River Valley Cancer Connections, Inc. is planning the annual Cancer Connections Walk for June 4th from 5-9 p.m. at Smith Park in Montevideo. The event is held each year in order to support cancer fighters, celebrate cancer survivors and remember loved ones who passed because of cancer.

Thunder Hawks defeat West Central in regular season finale
Last week, the Montevideo Thunder Hawks varsity baseball team took on West Central Area in a doubleheader. In the first game, the team took a victory 11-1, and in game two, another 19-3 win.

Montevideo Softball takes on Dassel-Cokato
Last week the Montevideo Girls Varsity Softball team took on Dassel-Cokato in an away game for a 1-11 loss.