Marshall Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Assault After Police Standoff

Issue #205

24 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 49

🗞️ Marshall Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Assault After Police Standoff

🗞️ Minnesota to Begin Testing Raw Milk for H5N1 Virus

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Marshall Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Assault After Police Standoff

A Marshall man involved in a standoff with police last spring has pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, according to Lyon County District Court records.

Paul Kenneth Laumann, 63, appeared in court on Thursday to enter the plea.

The incident occurred in April when Laumann was charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, assault, terroristic threats, and reckless discharge of a firearm.

Court documents indicate he fired a gun inside his East Main Street residence at a police officer and later shot through a window at another officer outside.

The situation led to a prolonged standoff with the regional Emergency Response Unit. During the incident, law enforcement blocked off a section of East Main Street, and nearby residents were temporarily evacuated for safety.

As part of the legal proceedings, the court has ordered a pre-sentencing investigation.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 13.

Minnesota to Begin Testing Raw Milk for H5N1 Virus

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will begin testing raw cow’s milk for the H5N1 influenza virus starting this week.

While the testing won’t add extra work for dairy farmers in southwest Minnesota, concerns remain over the virus's impact on cattle health and milk production.

H5N1 was first detected in Minnesota dairy cattle on June 4, though no human cases have been reported.

Infected cows may suffer fever, dehydration, and reduced milk output. The MDA assures the public that pasteurization eliminates the virus, keeping the milk supply safe.

The new surveillance will use raw milk samples already collected monthly from Minnesota’s 1,600 dairy farms.

Farmers say the testing itself won’t disrupt operations, but a positive result would trigger a 30-day quarantine, restricting livestock movement.

To prevent spread, many dairy farms have strengthened biosecurity measures, limiting barn access and requiring protective gear for visitors.

A key concern is wild birds, particularly in regions with turkey farms, as they can carry the virus and seek out cattle feed. Some farmers have installed bird netting as a precaution.

With testing underway, Minnesota dairy farmers remain watchful, taking steps to reduce risks while monitoring the evolving situation.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, February 26th

  • 2025 State of the City Address at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Upper Conference Center starting at 11:30 AM

    • Tickets are $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for Non-Chamber Members

    • Lunch included

Monday, March 3rd

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, March 5th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Friday, March 7th

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 15th
Friday, March 21st

  • KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll

    • Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9

Saturday, March 22nd

  • Spring Fling Pet Event at Animal Health Center in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • FREE Photo Booth: Bring your kids and / or pets for spring themed pictures

    • Free goodie bags for all pets

    • Free juice and cookies for humans

    • …and more!

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
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