KTOE Noon News 10-15-25
Top Stories for Noon 10-15-25:
- Second No Kings Day Demonstrations Planned in St. Peter and in other locations for Saturday, October 18th
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Second Half of 2025 Real Estate Taxes Due Today in Blue Earth County
- As Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season approaches, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says hunters can expect favorable conditions across much of the state. More than 400,000 hunters are anticipated to don blaze orange when the season opens on November 8th, with many areas offering strong chances for a successful harvest. Deer populations in central Minnesota are especially robust, thanks to a productive season and a mild winter. Populations are also thriving in southern Minnesota and remain solid in the northwest. However, northeastern Minnesota continues to experience lower deer numbers, and hunters in that region may face more limited opportunities.
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is launching the largest fundraising initiative in its 160-year history. The five-year, $100 million campaign, titled Empower What’s Possible, aims to dramatically expand support for Minnesotans in need. A cornerstone of the campaign is a new multi-service center in St. Paul, which will offer more than 25 essential services—including housing assistance, mental health care, early childhood education, and more. The center, projected to cost over $7 million, is expected to serve approximately 1,000 individuals annually. Founded in a church basement in Sweden, Lutheran Social Service has grown into one of the state’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. This ambitious campaign marks a new chapter in its mission to uplift communities across Minnesota.
- Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip continues to increase its number of gas stations in Minnesota. Five additional locations are scheduled to open this year. Officials say new stores are opening in Baxter, Pine City, Dilworth, Maple Plain, and a second location in Moorhead. There are currently 218 Kwik Trips in the Gopher State.
- Governor Tim Walz is expected to join state farmers in southern Minnesota today to discuss the impact of tariffs on soybeans. The state’s top agricultural export is expected to lose purchasers due to recent tariffs imposed by President Trump on China. Last year, China bought over 12 billion dollars’ worth of soybeans. The tariffs have caused the country to stop its orders. President Trump accuses China of purposely not buying American soybeans. Minnesota is home to 26 thousand soybean farmers, and 60 percent of their crop is sent overseas.
