RENVILLE COUNTY

New Ulm man killed in Renville County rollover crash

Staff reports — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:16:18 GMT

MORTON, Minn. — A New Ulm man died at the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash Tuesday night in Renville County.

According to a Minnesota State Patrol accident report, Jacob Samuel Hawn, 36, was driving a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta along Highway 19 when it went off the roadway and rolled in the area of Brook Drive in the city of Morton.

According to the report, Hawn was not wearing a seat belt and it is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The crash was first reported at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, near Minnesota Highway 19 and Monument Drive East in Morton. Road conditions were dry at the time.

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Montevideo woman sentenced to 7 years in overdose death

Dale Morin — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:48:50 GMT

OLIVIA, Minn. — A woman charged with third-degree murder for the 2021 overdose death of a 23-year-old Granite Falls woman pleaded guilty Tuesday in Renville County District Court.

Deja Denise Padilla, 21, of Montevideo, was sentenced to 84 months of prison.

Alexis Nicole Labatte died on Nov. 13, 2021, according to an emailed news release from Renville County Attorney Kelsie Kingstrom. She had been identified only by initials in court documents.

Judge Laurence Stratton privately reviewed a victim impact statement from Labatte's mother that “expressed the hurt the family is going through,” according to the news release.

According to court documents, Padilla and Labatte were related.

Kingstrom said Padilla did not give a statement during sentencing.

In the release, Kingstrom also expressed her sorrow for the family, and stated that she hoped that Padilla’s plea and sentencing bring some healing.

Judge Stratton gave Padilla credit for 210 days already served. A charge of third-degree controlled substance crime was dismissed.

Under Minnesota law, offenders are required to serve at least two-thirds of a sentence in custody and may be allowed to serve the remaining time on supervised release. According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Padilla's expected release date from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee is Oct. 18, 2027.

Padilla was arrested in July 2022 in connection to Labatte's overdose death. According to West Central Tribune files, Padilla had eight other active warrants against her in five other counties at the time.

According to the criminal complaint, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an overdose at a home southwest of Renville. The caller was later identified as Padilla, who reported an unconscious but still breathing female at the home. She also reported to law enforcement that she was no longer at the residence.

A deputy who spoke with the homeowner at the location was told there was no medical emergency.

Less than an hour later, another caller reported an unconscious female at the same residence. A different deputy arrived and found an unconscious woman in an upstairs bedroom. The deputy administered naloxone — an antidote to opioid overdose — and began CPR.

An ambulance arrived and assisted, but Labatte was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man at the home said he had forgotten Labatte was upstairs when he spoke to the first deputy. According to the complaint, he said that once he remembered, he and another male went upstairs and found her unconscious and called 911 before beginning CPR.

A preliminary autopsy summary from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office said white powder wrapped in paper was found in her bra. That powder tested positive for fentanyl.

The final autopsy, released in January 2022, said the cause of death was the toxic effects of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Fentanyl, a DEA Schedule II synthetic morphine substitute, is 80 to 200 times as potent as morphine and is fast-acting, the toxicology report said.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned Padilla had allegedly been buying and selling methamphetamine.

It was also discovered that Padilla was linked to another reported overdose in Montevideo on Nov. 12, 2021. Montevideo Police Department officers successfully administered naloxone to a woman in that case, and she later stated she had purchased a gram of heroin from Padilla.

According to court records, another person interviewed by law enforcement stated they knew of five other overdoses allegedly tied to drugs sold by Padilla.

According to the complaint, witnesses at the scene of the Renville residence placed Padilla in the upstairs bedroom shortly before Labatte was found.

In an interview over the phone with law enforcement, Padilla said she noticed Labatte was "pretty messed up" and had begun slurring her words and "breathing weird." Padilla said Labatte was still breathing when she last saw her lying face down on the bed.

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West-central Minn. family wins for biggest pig at the State Fair

Levi Jones — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:59:53 GMT

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota State Fair is full of people, food and experiences. The annual event is a time for folks from all over to celebrate the end of summer. For one Renville County family, this year’s State Fair gave them a bit more to celebrate — a first-place finish in the big pig competition.

Michael Morris and his children Mason and Sydney entered one of their boars in the swine weight competition. Weighing in at around 1,100 pounds, the boar is the heaviest at the 2023 fair — and around double the weight of an average pig, which is between 300 and 600 pounds.

“On our small hobby farm, we farrow a group of pigs every year, have them breed one of the pigs. One got big, so we kept feeding them for three years until they got really big,” Morris said.

The pig was raised on a diet of sweetcorn, soybean meal, garden veggies and yogurt or cottage cheese as an occasional treat. When the State Fair came around, Morris submitted the weight and brought the pig to the Twin Cities to compete.

Just bringing the pig to the fair was a challenge, as the heat at the time made the pig’s trailer dangerously hot. So the Morris family cooled it down with a mix of ice and sawdust.

“There were three entries in the contest this year. The number of entries can vary, but it's not many; there are usually at least one or two," said Jill Nathe, deputy general manager of the State Fair. "Not many people have big boars on their farms. It's kind of a niche competition.”

The competition itself is one of many hosted by the State Fair. The biggest pig competition is based purely on weight. Most of the pigs submitted are more than 1,000 pounds. In 2017, the winner was over 1,400 pounds.

“Our department handles about 30,000 entries in all kinds of competitions in livestock, horses, agriculture, arts and crafts — from swine and chickens, horses and llamas, plus fine art, vegetables, quilts, student art, FFA ag technology — just to name a few,” Nathe said.

Michael Morris grew up on a farm. His parents were lifelong farmers. When he grew up, he decided not to continue farming, but when his parents died, he took over the land and has kept it as a hobby farm for the past eight years.

“It is just a hobby farm. We breed one sow a year so kids can learn to raise pigs and how to butcher for neighbors. A lot of people really like homegrown pork," Morris said. "In all the time we have had it, this was the largest boar we have shot for.”

While this was the largest pig they have had, it is not the first time the family has entered a pig into the swine competition.

“We submitted, but we lost by around 50 or 60 pounds. That was three or four years ago; that was a 1,200-pound hog," Morris said. "It has been a fun experience for the kids. Once in a lifetime. They will never forget.”

The pig will remain on display at the fair through Monday, Sept. 4, but the memory of the win will stay with the Morris family for many years to come.

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Federal assistance OK'd for Minnesota recovery from April flooding

West Central Tribune staff report — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:26:07 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minnesota communities affected by severe storms and flooding April 11-30 will now have access to federal disaster assistance in their recovery.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday, July 20, that federal funding to repair or replace facilities damaged by the spring storms and floods will be available to the state, certain private nonprofit organizations, and eligible local and tribal governments.

The following counties will have access to the federal funds: Aitkin, Big Stone, Carlton, Chippewa, Clay, Grant, Houston, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Norman, Pine, Pope, Renville, Roseau, St. Louis, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Wilkin. The Prairie Island Indian Community will also be eligible.

According to the news release, Joseph P. Cirone has been named federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

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Summer in Minnesota also means it's county fair season

Dale Morin — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:22:00 GMT

Summertime in Minnesota means it's prime time for county fairs to gear up with new acts and entertainment, but all the same special summer fun.

The events listed here are only a partial listing, and events are subject to change. Check fair websites or social media pages for additional information and updates.

Yellow Medicine County Fair

July 20-22

Fairgrounds in Canby

Free admission and free parking. Check the website for more information.

Website: ymcfair.org

Chippewa County Fair

July 26-30

Fairgrounds in Montevideo.

Gate admission is $10, ages 6 and younger are free. Excluding food, carnival rides and drinks, everything inside the gates, including grandstand events, is free. Check the website for more information.

Website: chippewacofairmn.com

Pope County Fair

Aug. 2-5

Fairgrounds in Glenwood.

A demolition derby featuring six derby and racing classes will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, after fair activities will be over. Admission for Sunday's derby is $15, kids 5 and under get in free. Check the website for more information.

Website: popecountyfair.org

Meeker County Fair

Aug. 2-6

Fairgrounds in Litchfield.

Admission is $5, ages 4 and under and over 70 will be admitted free. Gates open at 8 a.m. every day of the fair. Parking is free outside the fairgrounds. $30 parking passes for inside the fairgrounds will be available at the fair office starting Aug. 3 at noon. Passes are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featured grandstand events include a tractor pull, Motokazie supercross racing and a demolition derby. Check the website for more information.

Website: meekerfair.com

Kandiyohi County Fair

Aug. 9-12

Fairgrounds in Willmar.

Gate admission is $7 for adults, $3 for seniors on Thursday only, $2 for students 6-12; children 5 and under will be admitted free. Daily parking is $5 per car/truck. Season passes are $20 gate pass, $15 parking pass. A season ticket allows you to come and go as many times as you want during the four-day fair. Grandstand three-day wristbands are available for $20 per adult and $7 for kids 6-12.

Wednesday is Veterans Day and Thursday is Senior Day. Check the website for more information.

Website: kandifair.com

Renville County Fair

Aug. 9-11

Fairgrounds in Bird Island.

Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Daily admission is $7 ages 12 and under are admitted free. Season pass available for $15.

Featured grandstand events include ATV barrel racing, bull-riding and a demolition derby. All day, every day events include an antique tractor show, 4H exhibits/animals and a petting zoo. Check the website for more information.

Website: renvillecountyfair.org

Swift County Fair

Aug. 16-20

Fairgrounds in Appleton.

Check the website for more information.

Website: swiftcountyfair.org

Lac qui Parle County Fair

Sept. 7-10

Fairgrounds in Madison.

Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, admission is $5 for ages 12 and over and includes parking; admission is free for ages 11 and under and for active military personnel with a military ID and law enforcement.

On Thursday, a performance by the White Sidewalls will be the featured entertainment. Friday through Sunday, magician Dr. Street and Caricatures by Jennifer will be at the fair along with a band each evening. Other events Friday include The AbbeyRoad Band and West Addison Blues. Saturday there will be a pedal pull, veggies races, diaper derby, demo derby and the Minnesota High �� Rodeo. Sunday’s events include a Minnesota High �� Rodeo and the Tom Bly Memorial Auto Race. Check the website for more information.

Website: lqpfair.com

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Drone finds accident victim in west-central Minnesota as he collapses on tracks with train on its way

West Central Tribune staff report — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:53:35 GMT

SACRED HEART, Minn. —

The use of an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, with infrared imaging capabilities helped law enforcement locate a man who had left the scene of an accident, and it very likely saved his life when authorities were able to stop a train on its way to where the man had collapsed on railroad tracks.

The aircraft spotted him as he collapsed west of Sacred Heart and, because of it, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office was able to contact the Twin Cities & Western Railroad which halted a train en route to the man’s location, and only two miles away.

Juan A. Chaparro-Larsen, 37, of Granite Falls, was located by the aerial craft walking on railroad tracks about one mile west of where his vehicle had rolled over near U.S. Highway 212 and 150th Street in Renville County, or about one mile west of Sacred Heart in Hawk Creek Township, at around 5:56 a.m. Friday.

The 2005 Buick Rendezvous was fully engulfed in flames as emergency responders reached the site of the rollover. After extinguishing the fire, the crews discovered that there were no occupants inside the vehicle and a search of the area ensued, according to a news release from the Renville County Sheriff's Office.

The Renville County Sheriff’s Office brought in the unmanned aerial vehicle and it was shortly after its launch that it located Chaparro-Larsen on the railroad tracks about one mile west of the accident scene.

The camera on the aircraft showed that he was in obvious distress. The camera showed him collapse on the Twin Cities & Western Railroad tracks as rescuers made their way to reach him, according to information from the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

The TC&W Railroad was contacted and asked to stop any trains in the area until the situation was resolved.

Law enforcement officers and emergency medical services providers ultimately reached Chaparro-Larsen’s location, where he was treated by Granite Falls Ambulance staff. Chaparro-Larsen was later flown from the scene to the CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital via LifeLink III helicopter

It was later determined that at the time that TC&W Railroad was contacted and asked to halt train traffic in the area, the railroad had a train east of Sacred Heart traveling westbound toward the incident. They were able to stop the train in Sacred Heart, about two miles away from the incident.

Agencies responding to and assisting at the scene included the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Sacred Heart Fire Department, Sacred Heart Medical Response Unit, Granite Falls Ambulance and Life Link III air ambulance.

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash.

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Former Renville County chief deputy dies of injuries in hog barn accident

Staff reports — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:05:58 GMT

FAIRFAX, Minn. — A 57-year-old Burtrum man working in a rural Fairfax hog barn Wednesday, June 7, died before he could be airlifted after suffering an apparent head injury.

Emergency responders discovered Douglas Pomplun on the floor of the barn and attempted lifesaving measures, according to a news release from the Renville County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported from the scene to an awaiting North Air Care helicopter. Despite resuscitation efforts by emergency crews, Pomplun was pronounced dead before he could be transported by the helicopter.

According to West Central Tribune archives, Pomplun worked several years ago as the chief deputy in the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Pomplun was repairing panels in the hog barn when he suffered the injury, according to the news release. The injury was reported at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday in the 48000 block of 660th Avenue in Cairo Township, about 1 mile northeast of Fairfax.

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Regional historical societies and museums tell the history of the area

West Central Tribune staff report — Sat, 27 May 2023 17:22:00 GMT

History buffs can learn a thing or two about west central Minnesota by visiting historical centers in Kandiyohi County.

The Kandiyohi County Historical Center in Willmar is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The center, on North Business Highway 71, features a museum, a one-room school, a log shed and a Great Northern locomotive; admission $5, ages 12 and up. Visit the website at www.kandiyohicountyhistory.com.

The Sperry House, built by Willmar pioneers in 1893, will offer guided tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day. Open by appointment during the week.

The Guri Endreson site, located on County Road 5, with a field road gate open June through August from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Guided tours available by appointment.

Tourists may pick up maps of historical sites at the Center. For more information or to pre-register, call 320-235-1881, email kandhist@msn.com or check the Facebook page at @kandihistory.

Atwater Area Historical Society and Museum, 500 Pleasant Avenue West, is open 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays or by appointment; call Jon at 320-444-0337.

The Norway Lake Log Church is a replica of the first church originally built in 1868 in the northwestern part of the county. It, and the restored original 1862 Knutson cabin, are located west of New London off of County Road 40 at 9601 195th Ave NW. Except for July 1st it is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays from June 17, which is Midtsommer Music night, through Aug. 12, with a Vespers service at 7:15 p.m each night. July 29th is the Children's Vespers. There is always a little lunch after. The church, interpretive center and Knutson cabin are open by appointment for private tours by calling 651-734-3107 or 320-905-1539 . Everyone is invited and welcomed.

The annual celebration is planned for Aug. 20th and the Advent Service December 3rd; website is www.nllha.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nllha.org

Raptor Ridge Natural History Museum is located at 212050 Co. Rd. 40 NE, Spicer. Call 320-354-8820 for hours. The museum features collections of butterflies, seashells, rocks, minerals, Indian artifacts and dinosaur bones collected by Larry and Barb Levin. Admission is free.

Visit regional historical societies and museums

The Lac qui Parle History Center, 250 8th Avenue South, Madison, houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits on the county’s history. It includes a large collection of dolls, wildlife and plants, military and 22 individual exhibits on the county’s township. The center is also home to several outbuildings including a log cabin, rural school house, gas station and the Robert Bly Study. There is also a large research library.

The center is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May through October. A bridal show is scheduled for June 11 and on July 30 Heritage Day will be held. More information can be found at www.lqphc.org.

The Meeker County Museum & Research Library is located at the G.A.R Hall, 308 Marshall Ave. N. near Central Park, Litchfield. The Frank Daggett Post No. 35 was constructed in 1885 by veterans of the Civil War, and is the last remaining Hall of its kind in Minnesota. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum includes two floors worth of exhibits highlighting Meeker County's origins and history. The library has various historic records including biographies, church records, maps, military records, obits, newspaper and photographs.

The museum, research library and the G.A.R. Hall are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under 12. Call 320-693-8911.

The Chippewa County Historical Society includes Chippewa City, Swensson Farm Museum and Lac qui Parle Mission. For information about them or to schedule an appointment out of regular hours, call 320-269-7636 or visit www.chippewacohistory.org.

Chippewa City, 151 Pioneer Drive, Montevideo, is a re-creation of a late 1800s-era village, complete with town square and boardwalk. The city is open May 27 through Sept. 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Sept. 4-30 the city is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; adults $5, students $3, 5 and under are free.

The Olof Swensson Farm Museum, a 17-acre farmstead located six miles east of Montevideo on state Highway 7 and five miles south on County Road 15, preserves turn-of-the-century farm life and features a 22-room house, timber-frame barn and the remains of a gristmill. The farm is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, May 27 through Sept. 3; adults $5, students $3, 5 and under are free. A horse power show is held at the farm the second Saturday in September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private tours available by appointment.

The Lac qui Parle Mission was the Minnesota Territory’s first Protestant mission and is one of the few remaining in the state. The reconstructed building houses exhibits of the missionaries and their work; the Dakota people; and Joseph Renville, who invited the missionaries to Lac qui Parle. Mission Sunday is the second Sunday in July beginning with a worship service at 10:30 a.m., potluck picnic and afternoon program.

The site is located north of Montevideo on County Road 13 and is open daily April 30 through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free admission.

The Renville County Historical Society is located near the Minnesota River in Morton. It has been around since 1940 and includes a large research library along with multiple historic exhibits. People can learn about the county’s agricultural, educational and military history along with its geological past. There are also multiple out buildings including two schools, a church, machine shed and a protected pioneer cabin. The museum is located at 441 North Park Drive, Morton. Hours from June through August are Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can also be made by calling 507-697-6147. More information can be found at www.renvillecountyhistory.com.

Milwaukee Road Heritage Center, 301 State Road, Montevideo. Open for tours 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, June 17 through Sept. 4. 11th annual craft, vendor, antique and collectibles sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17. Website is www.montevideomrhc.org.

Paynesville Historical Museum, 251 Ampe Drive, Paynesville. Exhibits include Indian artifacts, personal and household items from the 1860s to 1970s, agriculture, and a one-room schoolhouse. The museum is open June 1 through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls is open from May 15 through Sept. 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The 2023 Good Old Days and Threshing Show is Aug. 5 and 6. The website is www.mnmachinerymuseum.com.

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West-central Minn. man pronounced dead at scene of horseback riding accident

Staff reports — Mon, 15 May 2023 22:07:46 GMT

MORTON, Minn. — A man died Sunday, May 14, in a horseback riding accident along the Birch Coulee Creek near Morton.

According to a news release from the Renville County Sheriff's Office, 64-year-old Timothy J. Hennen, of Morton, died at the scene of the accident after suffering injuries from a fall from a horse. The Sheriff's Office received a report of the accident around 5:23 p.m. Sunday near 675th Avenue and 355th Street, approximately one mile northeast of Morton.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered Hennen at the bottom of an embankment along Birch Coulee Creek. According to the release, bystanders were providing lifesaving measures before emergency crews started resuscitation efforts. Hennen was pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial investigation found that Hennen was on horseback, riding along the edge of Birch Coulee Creek. According to the release, the horse lost its footing on a slippery surface and fell, causing Hennen's fall.

The Morton Medical Response Unit, Morton Fire Department and CentraCare Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation by the Renville County Sheriff's Office and the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office.

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