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Election preview highlights Greater Minnesota coalition conference

NEW ULM — The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference (CGMC) drew officials from cities across the state for three days of networking, policy discussions and recognition of local advocacy efforts. CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson opened the conference with an election preview. He said that all 201 legislative seats, the governor’s office and other statewide offices are on the ballot this fall. Peterson said the current Legislature is evenly divided in the House at 67-67 with a one-seat DFL majority in the Senate. That balance has led to more collaborative ...

Springfield woman sentenced to five years in prison

NEW ULM — A 44-year-old Springfield woman originally charged with 14 criminal sex counts was sentenced to five years, four months in prison in Brown County District Court July 13. Sarah Marie Riederer was convicted of one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. She pled guilty to the charge May 27 and 13 first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges were dismissed. Riederer was sentenced to 64 months at the Shakopee Correctional Facility, credited with one day served and must serve 32 months supervised release. Her prison time may be extended to eight full years for ...

A twist on a fairy tale

LAKE BENTON — Longtime actors but first time co-directors Jenna Kor and Tom Schmitt debut for the Opera House putting on the musical “Into the Woods” for the Lake Benton Opera House’s summer musical. The musical follows the fairy tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and ...