KTOE Noon News 10-17-25

Top Stories for Noon 10-17-25:

• Health care costs in Minnesota are surging, and seniors are bearing the brunt. The Minnesota Aging Partnership, which assists older adults with Medicare questions, is now fielding a record 2,000 calls per day. This spike in concern comes as Medicare Advantage members face rising premiums, increased out-of-pocket spending, and fewer plan options. Around 200,000 Minnesotans are losing their Medicare Advantage coverage entirely. Another 200,000 could see double-digit premium hikes, unless they switch plans.
• The housing crisis on Minnesota’s Native American reservations is often invisible, yet deeply entrenched. According to a report from Wilder Research, although Native Americans make up just 2% of the state’s population, they represent a staggering 30% of homeless adults. Unlike the visible encampments in the Twin Cities, homelessness in greater Minnesota often takes the form of “couch hopping”, individuals moving between the homes of friends and relatives. For shelter workers in regional hubs like Bemidji, which serves White Earth and two nearby reservations, the findings come as no surprise. They witness the crisis daily. The report also highlights contributing factors such as substance abuse and mental health disorders, which not only increase vulnerability to homelessness but also create barriers to accessing shelter and securing stable housing.
• A “No Kings” rally will take place Saturday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. along Highway 169 at Minnesota Square Park in Saint Peter, part of a nationwide day of nonviolent protest. Organizers say the demonstrations — more than 2,500 across all 50 states — aim to oppose what they call “authoritarian excesses and corruption” in the Trump administration. The Saint Peter event is organized by Indivisible St. Peter/Greater Mankato, with an emphasis on peaceful, lawful protest and accessibility for all participants. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is among those expected to speak at the Minneapolis rally.
• The Mankato Marathon gets underway today, bringing thousands of runners — and some traffic disruptions — to the area. Events begin this afternoon at 4:30 p.m., with races continuing Saturday morning starting at 7:20 a.m. Poplar Street and Sibley Parkway will see closures today, with additional shutdowns Saturday along Front Street, Stoltzman Road, Blue Earth Street, and Highway 1. Drivers are asked to plan ahead, expect delays, and use alternate routes for safety. For course maps and full closure details, visit Visit Mankato’s website or contact race director Mark Bongers at 507-649-2322.
• former Stewartville woman faces four years in prison for a 2023 crash that killed two children riding in an Amish buggy. Prosecutors say Samantha Petersen was high on meth when her SUV hit the buggy near Stewartville, killing 7-year-old Wilma and 11-year-old Irma Miller. Two siblings were also seriously hurt. Petersen must pay nearly $40,000 in restitution. Her twin sister was also convicted and sentenced to 90 days in jail for lying to investigators and trying to take Petersen’s place.
• A Nashwauk woman has pleaded guilty to submitting an absentee ballot for Donald Trump in her late mother’s name. Danielle Miller, 51, entered a Norgaard plea, saying she doesn’t recall the act but accepts the evidence. She was sentenced to three years’ probation, fined over $800, and ordered to read Thank You for Voting and write a ten-page essay on voting.
• Blue Earth County officials are inviting residents to review and comment on the county’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, now available online through October 31. The plan outlines strategies to reduce the impacts of natural disasters such as tornadoes, flooding, and severe winter storms, helping protect lives and property. Residents can explore the interactive draft plan and submit feedback through the Blue Earth County website. Emergency Management Director Eric Weller says community input is key to identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the county remains eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation funding. For details and links to the plan, visit BlueEarthCountyMN.gov.