Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen is invited those to come to Coffee with a Cop event this Thursday at 8:30am at the Patriots Cafe in Swanville to hear from law enforcement and ask questions to them. 

One person was hurt after a single-vehicle crash near Richmond on Saturday night. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says they received a call at about 7:50pm about a crash with possible injuries near the intersection of Edgeton Road and Elmway Road in Munson Township. The intersection is about 3 miles south of Richmond. Once on scene, deputies discovered an SUV in the ditch. The Sheriff's Office says it appeared that the vehicle driven by 61-year-old Sara Kastendick of Buffalo left the roadway, and hit an approach, causing it to vault over the approach before coming to rest on the other side. Kastendick was taken to the Paynesville Hospital with minor injuries. The Sheriff's Office says alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

A Mora woman was hurt Monday morning in a Sherburne County crash. The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened on Highway 169 at around 6:20am. The patrol says 24-year-old Kaily Reinsch was northbound on Highway 169 in her Ford Fiesta. Meanwhile, 55-year-old Gregory Arieta of Zimmerman was in the center median at 273rd Avenue and crossing to northbound Highway 169 when his Chevy Equinox collided with Reinsch's car. Reinsch was taken to North Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Arieta was not hurt.

Workers at Associated Milk Producers Incorporated Dairy in Paynesville have walked off the job after nearly a year of contract negotiations broke down over what the union calls unfair labor practices. Members of Teamsters Local 471 went on strike after accusing AMPI of refusing to bargain in good faith and of presenting an unfair contract proposal. AMPI is the largest farmer-owned cheese cooperative in the U.S., and its processing and shipping facility supplies cheese throughout the Midwest and markets it to foodservice, retail, and food ingredient customers. Lyndon Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Local 471, said the company has had ample time to reach a deal. “Our members are united in demanding the wages, health care, and job protections they deserve,” he said. “We’re prepared to stay out as long as it takes to ensure we get a fair contract.” At the center of the dispute are wages, health care coverage, and job security. The union says workers have gone more than a year without a raise, while AMPI has declined to offer increases that keep pace with the rising cost of living. They allege the company has also rejected proposals for more flexible health care options and refused to guarantee workers could keep their jobs and union contract if the facility is sold or changes ownership.