jprzytarski@marshallindependent.com
Photo by Jake Przytarski
Southwest Minnesota State University graduate Kari Hedman walks across the stage during Saturdayâs commencement ceremony at the R/A Facility
MARSHALL A year removed from Southwest Minnesota State University’s difficult and unprecedented decision to cancel its 2020 commencement ceremony due to COVID, the proud tradition lived on this past Saturday for the 2021 graduating class–albeit with some format tweaks to accommodate virus protocols.
One by one 235 students walked up to the stage at the R/A Facility and received their diplomas from SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya in front of a virtual audience of family members and friends with the event closed to in-person spectators.
Reporter
As Minnesota continues to roll out COVID-19 vaccines, the focus will stay on seniors for a little longer.
Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday that the state will wait until 70% of adults age 65 and older are vaccinated before expanding eligibility to other high-risk groups.
Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health laid out a timeline for COVID vaccinations that estimated the state could meet that goal by the end of March, and then open up vaccinations for food plant workers and people with health conditions that make them especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Walz said Minnesota has made a lot of progress in COVID-19 response, as the number of COVID deaths statewide have dropped rapidly. COVID deaths among long-term care residents are down 97% from their November peak, he said.
Crime
RUSSELL A 40-year-old man was cited for speeding at 7:19 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of 170th Street and Minnesota Highway 91, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said.
MARSHALL Â A report is pending on an incident of check fraud at 5:17 p.m. Wednesday on the 1400 block of Boyer Drive, Marshall Police said.
MARSHALL Â An incident reported at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday on the 400 block of Village Drive is under investigation, Marshall Police said.
MINNEOTA Â A domestic incident was reported at 11:18 a.m. Wednesday on the 300 block of West Third Street, Minneota Police said. No further information was available.
TRACY Â A suspicious incident was reported at 6:18 a.m. Wednesday on the 400 block of East Fourth Street, Tracy Police said. No further information was available.