Swift County Monitor News

Luverne J. Flower Luverne J. Flower, 89, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026 at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson, Minnesota, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continued at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the funeral service that followed at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Herb Rotunda  officiated. Burial was at the Benson City Cemetery.

Sadie Mathilda Philbrick Sadie M. Philbrick, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Grand Arbor in Alexandria, Minnesota. Visitation was Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Evangelical Free Church in Benson, Minnesota, with the funeral service that followed at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Daniel Runke officiated. Burial was at the Benson City Cemetery.

Darin Hippe lines up under center for the Braves during their scrimmage against MACCRAY in Benson Aug. 29.

The Benson City Council used an $80,000 donation from Lake Central Bank to construct two pickleball courts at Lathrop Park. The Park used to have two tennis courts, but were removed due to their condition. Now a fully enclosed pickleball complex with two courts has been installed and ready for play. Led by Clontarf native Terry Cameron, a group of pickleballers who typically play in Glenwood broke in the new pickleball courts Aug.

Lead Summary Ava Oakes rips a backhand over the net for Benson/KMS during the one singles match at home against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in Benson Aug. 28.

Lead Summary Tim and Erin Nagler are this years Farm Family of the Year. They are pictured with their children Grace, Aubrey and Graham. After graduating from South Dakota State University, Tim Nagler began farming in 2001. His wife, Erin, graduated from South Dakota State University in 2005 and joined Tim in the operation. Both were graduates of Benson High School. Together the two farm approximately 1,700 acres of corn and soybeans and manage a small cow-calf operation.

At their Oct. 18 meeting, the Swift County Board of Commissioners took two actions to help study and improve the parks it oversees. The parks committee has been discussing ways to better understand who is using the Appleton Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park. They wanted to see who was using it and where they were coming from, Swift County Rural Development Authority Director Leanna Larson said. To read more, subscribe to the Swift County Monitor News.

Naglers are the Farm Family of the Year

Approximately $40,000 in grants are available through the Benson Area Community Foundation, the Dr. R. Galen Hanson Donor-Advised Fund and the Robert Sonsteng Donor-Advised Fund to organizations serving the needs of people in the area. “The boards of these three entities are providing grant monies on a competitive basis, similar to what has taken place in the past” Laura Ostlie, president of the Benson Area Community Foundation said. To read more, subscribe to the Swift County Monitor News.

For the first time in recent memory, if not the city’s history, the Benson City Council is proposing assessing property owners who live along a street to pay part of the cost of its upgrade. Upgrades can include replacing sanitary sewer, stormwater, and drinking water lines, paving the street, installing curb and gutter, and improving sidewalks. As proposed, a total street project could cost homeowners between $10,000 and $31,000. To read more, subscribe to the Swift County Monitor News.