Severe Storms Sweep Through Southwest Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota

Issue #296

30 Jun

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 75

🗞️ Severe Storms Sweep Through Southwest Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota

🗞️ Clarkfield Man Sentenced for Shooting at Officers During September 2024 Standoff

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Severe Storms Sweep Through Southwest Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota

A line of strong thunderstorms moved eastward across southwest Minnesota and eastern South Dakota on the evening of Saturday, June 28, 2025, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for isolated tornadoes.

The National Weather Service had issued a hazardous weather outlook, indicating a slight risk of severe storms, with hail and locally strong winds as the main threats. There was also a concern for localized flooding due to heavy rainfall, particularly in areas that had already received significant rainfall earlier in the week.

In Freeman, South Dakota, a local resident captured a dramatic photo of the storm's approach around 9:45 p.m., showcasing a line of storms moving from west to east across the area. Fortunately, while severe weather was part of the system, the Freeman community mainly experienced wind and rain, with an additional 0.40 inches of rain recorded locally.

In the Clear Lake area, a tornado touched down around 8:05 p.m. CDT, as the storm moved through the region. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at that time, noting radar-indicated rotation and the potential for a tornado.

The tornado briefly caused localized damage, but there were no immediate reports of injuries. A damage survey is being conducted to assess the full impact.

While the storms did not produce widespread severe weather, the heavy rain and strong winds led to risks of localized flooding and downed trees. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and follow any advisories or warnings from local authorities.

Emergency management officials recommend that residents take precautions against potential flooding, especially in areas prone to rapid accumulation of rainfall.

Clarkfield Man Sentenced for Shooting at Officers During September 2024 Standoff

police

A Clarkfield man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison following a violent standoff with law enforcement last fall. Kasey Paul Willander, 28, received the sentence in Yellow Medicine County District Court after pleading guilty to first-degree attempted murder of a police officer.

The incident occurred over two days in September 2024, when Willander barricaded himself inside a residence in Boyd and exchanged gunfire with SWAT officers.

The standoff began after a series of events that started with a report from Willander’s mother, who told deputies he was behaving erratically and armed with a bow and arrow.

By the time deputies arrived at his Clarkfield home, Willander had already fled. According to the criminal complaint, he broke into his great-uncle’s home and stole a shotgun. Willander, who had a prior felony conviction for third-degree criminal sexual conduct, was legally barred from possessing firearms.

The situation escalated when Willander moved to his father’s residence in Boyd, where he was spotted with a long gun. Law enforcement evacuated individuals from the property and deployed a drone that captured Willander holding the weapon in a nearby field. He later re-entered the house and engaged in a prolonged standoff with responding SWAT teams.

During the standoff, Willander fired at a SWAT vehicle, prompting officers to return fire. He was struck multiple times and subsequently airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.

As part of a plea deal, Willander admitted to a single count of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Other charges—including burglary, illegal firearm possession, multiple counts of assault, and attempted murder—were dismissed.

In addition to the prison sentence, Willander was ordered to pay more than $90,000 in restitution for damages to the property where the standoff occurred. Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, he may serve up to one-third of his sentence under supervised release.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Thursday, July 3rd

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music

Friday, July 4th

  • 4th of July Celebration at Independence Park in Marshall starting at 5:30 PM

  • St. John Cantius 4th of July Celebration in Wilno, MN

    • Wilno is located 3 miles north of Ivanhoe on County Hwy 5 & 1/2 mile east on County Hwy 17.

    • The day begins with Mass at 10:00am, a delicious Turkey Dinner will all the trimmings will be served from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

    • Live music by the Midwest Cowboys, Bingo, outdoor games,

    • Lunch stand with Lingen's Dairy Ice Cream. Pie + More auction at 1:30pm, Kiddie Tractor Pull at 2:30pm, Cash Raffle at 4:30pm.

Thursday, July 10th

  • Ivanhoe Community Pork Chop Feed Fundraise at Gilson Field in Ivanhoe

    • Serving from 5 to 7:30 PM or until gone

    • Free Will Donation

    • All proceeds will go to Lincoln County Relay for Life & American Cancer Society

    • Menu: Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Ice Cream, Pop & Water

Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th
Thursday, July 17th
Tuesday, September 30th and Wednesday, October 1st

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - September 30, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Pipestone

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - October 1, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Marshall High School Theater in Marshall

  • RSVP by contacting Jennifer Nelson at [email protected] or 507-532-1243

Special Community Events

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

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