MINNESOTA – There were 29 new COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. Just over 400 new cases of coronavirus were also reported, including 2 in Cottonwood and Jackson Counties, 1 in Murray County, and 4 in Nobles County.

Deaths across the state have reached 1,115, with 896 of those occurring in long-term care centers. As of Thursday there were 512 people hospitalized due to the virus, with 244 of those patients in ICU.

WORTHINGTON – Summer is here and the sun is out, which means it is time to take advantage of a beautiful amenity of Worthington – Lake Okabena. Thanks to the Lake Okabena Improvement Association, the Radio Works Beach Bash and the city of Worthington, there’s a new way to play in the lake.

The Beach Nook is now renting out paddle boards, canoes and kayaks. Public Works Director Todd Wietzema said the rental program started Tuesday. The Beach Nook, open from noon to 9 p.m., will handle the rentals, but the equipment is actually owned by the city, purchased with money donated by the Lake Okabena Improvement Association.

WORTHINGTON – For the first time in a long time, the Nobles County Commissioners met Tuesday morning in the board room of the Nobles County Government Center to take care of county business.

And it was back to business for the commissioners. A proposed property tax abatement through the Nobles Home Initiative was approved, as was the designation of a surplus vehicle and a motion to apply for funds for a bridge on County State Aid Highway 15.

WORTHINGTON - The Moment of Peace and Solidarity March that took place Tuesday evening in Worthington was both peaceful and powerful, and included community members and leaders, law enforcement, neighbors and friends.

Contrary to the rumors that circulated before the event, there were no outside agitators, no busloads of people from other places and no property damage.

MINNESOTA - Minnesota health officials Wednesday reported 14 more deaths from COVID-19, putting the toll at 1,086 since the pandemic began.

The Health Department says 537 people are currently hospitalized, with 254 in intensive care, numbers roughly the same as Tuesday.