The drought conditions that disappeared during the summer are back with a vengeance in Minnesota.

A U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows that southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, is still experiencing a moderate drought. But sections near the South Dakota border, such as Murray County, as well as the northeastern part of the state are in a severe drought.

This is compared to a week ago, where there were no areas in a severe drought.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Beitlich said the area started to dry out in September and that there hasn’t been any widespread rain in the last 40 days or so.

“There’s not going to be any rain for the next week,” he said.

As southern Minnesota continues to experience the drought, soil scientist Tom Hoverstad said it’s good weather for harvest.

“So the last six weeks, topsoil moisture is getting very dry, but as far as farmers are concerned, it’s been OK. It makes harvest go quickly,” said Hoverstad, who works for the University of Minnesota’s Southern Research and Outreach Center.

He said the drought hasn’t impacted any growth and development for annual crops as it came on later in the year.

“Not only has it been dry, but it’s been warm, too. We’ve been about 5 to 8 degrees above normal,” he said.

Hoverstad also said the area is still drawing on some of the moisture from this summer’s rain.

“We’re still, even though it’s been very dry the last six weeks, we’re still ahead of normal for the calendar year precipitation wise,” he said.

Beitlich said the mid-October outlook shows above normal temperatures across the region with near slightly below normal precipitation.

“That seems true the last part of October into the first part of November,” he said.

— Free Press of Mankato

Walz anounces new rural broadband grants

Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday announced $52 million in grants aimed at expanding broadband access to approximately 7,700 homes and businesses across Minnesota.

“Investing in broadband helps businesses and communities throughout the state,” Walz said in a statement. “By connecting thousands of Minnesotans to essential services like education and health care, we’re making Minnesota a great place to live and work.”

In March, Walz announced more than $50 million to improve broadband access for around 8,900 homes and businesses. He also signed legislation in May 2023 allocating $100 million for broadband grants over the next two years.

“Broadband is crucial for Minnesota’s economy, providing more options for where to work and live,” Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek said in a statement. “It supports community efforts to attract and expand businesses and helps existing companies by offering the benefits of high-speed internet.”

The grants support broadband providers in already existing efforts to expand high-speed internet service in 24 counties. The funding comes from two DEED programs:

•$25 million from the Border-to-Border Broadband Program, which reimburses providers for up to half the costs of building broadband infrastructure, with a cap of $10 million per project

•$27 million from the Low Population Density Program, which helps providers serve areas with low populations and high costs, covering as much as 75% of project costs

So far, DEED has provided broadband access to nearly 120,000 homes and businesses with the help of state funds and funds from the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

— Forum News Service

Police investigating death as homicide

The Woodbury Public Safety Department is investigating as an apparent homicide a death that occurred after the report of a person suffering a medical emergency.

First responders tried to save the person, who was found on the 500 block of Woodduck Drive at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday, but were unable to revive the individual, according to a press release from Woodbury Public Safety.

Officials said they would not provide additional information Thursday “in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”

Washington County jail logs show a 27-year-old man was booked Wednesday evening on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Investigators say this was an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the public.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting in the investigation, according to Woodbury Public Safety.

— Talia McWright

Hammer attack suspect is found incompetent

The suspect accused of using a hammer to attack an 81-year-old stranger in a Duluth supermarket restroom earlier this year has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Lance Alexander Tolbert, 43, of Duluth, will face civil commitment proceedings while his criminal case is indefinitely suspended, according to the order issued last week by St. Louis County District Judge Eric Hylden.

Court documents allege that Tolbert struck Bradley French in the back of the head as the victim stood at a urinal in the men’s restroom at Mount Royal Market on May 24, continuing the attack even after French fell to the floor.

— Forum News Service