gomarshall.net! - Community Announcement

Back to GoMarshall Home Page

I Want to Know....
We get many emails from our visitors asking questions about situations or about places in and around Marshall. Whether it is about a business or service or just a "how come" question, we try to answer it. This has prompted us to begin a new section on GoMarshall.net called "I Want to Know...". We hope you enjoy this new section and find it valuable as well as entertaining. We will need your help with your burning questions and what you "Want to Know"!

7-28-2010
I want to know...
When is the Marshall Aquatic Center closing this year?

We contacted Marshall Community Services and they stated the pool will
close on Sunday August 22nd for the season.

7-27-2010
I want to know...
Is the pond at Independence Park ever stocked with fish?

We contacted Harry Weilage, Director of Marshall Community
Services to get the answer to your questions.

Here is Harry's response to this question: No the pond at Independence Park is not stocked as it is part of the city’s flood control process. This means, in the case of the 3” of rain that we received last week, we lose fish to the system and we get natural fish from the system. During fishing contests we have caught bull heads, crappies, perch, bass and carp to name a few.

Why are there so many weeds in the pond at Independence Park?

Harry's response:
The pond was constructed as a natural holding pond for area development. The community wanted the pond fenced for fear of unsupervised swimming. The community was assured that the natural reeds would serve two purposes:
Filtration and along with the clay bottom, discouraging anyone from wanting to swim in the pond. That is why the sizable fishing pier was built to give access for fishing. Unfortunately ice heaves have pushed the pier up so that the public cannot use a portion of it. We requested City budget dollars to fix the pier last year but they were denied. We will request funds again this year. The two bridges do give additional access to the pond as does the sand beach located by the warming house.

Thank you Mr. Weilage for the answers to our questions.

6-16-2010
I want to know...
When will the Farmers Market be open and how do I get signed up to be a vendor?

The Farmer's Market will be open on Saturday mornings starting at 7:30am July 3rd and running towards the end of October. There is no fee or sign up required. Vendors can show up and start selling their goods. Please keep in mind to clean up after yourself. We are looking forward to the fresh produce from our local farmers and gardeners!

5-17-2010
I want to know...
When is the Marshall SkyFest? How much will it cost? Will the Red Baron planes be coming back?

Thank you all for the many questions.
The answers to the Skyfest questions can be found by clicking here.

4-5-10
I want to know...
When do the Marshall A's start playing at Legion Field? Is there a schedule posted somewhere?
Thanks for asking! Looks like their schedule starts May 22nd, 2010. Here is a link to the Marshall A's baseball site. Click here visit MarshallAsBaseball.com

1-16-10
I want to know...
When is the new Bar/Restaurant going to open in Cottonwood?

We spoke with Tom Handeland and he has been very busy working to get LeRoy's open in Cottonwood. The bar at LeRoy's actually opened earlier this week 1-13-10. LeRoy's currently is open from 4pm Monday - Friday and 11am on Saturdays. The kitchen at LeRoy's will be completed sometime in late February. At that time LeRoy's will be open at 11am daily. We will let you know when the kitchen at LeRoy's is open adn hope to have the menu online for you too!

Great addition to the area Tom! Thanks for all your hard work.

1-13-10
I want to know...
What is going on at the former Lyon County Museum location on 3rd Street?

We found out that Van’s Soundroom will be relocating from their current location on Main Street to 114 3rd Street in the former Lyon County Museum building. Van informed us that this new location will add about 40% or 600 square feet more than his current location. Van has expanded into Band Instrument Rentals and Repair and now has 4 music instructors teaching guitar, bass and percussion. If the construction goes as planned Van’s will be moved over sometime in February 2010. There is more space available in that building for office or retail space. Interested? A lot is happening on 3rd street with Studio One, Prairie Yoga and MAFAC all right there!

Thanks for the question!

1-12-10
I want to know...
What's happening downtown next to Sam's Place in the old bank building? It was vacant for so long.

We spoke with Sarah Enthaitphong at Hunan Lion and found out that sometime this spring they will be moving Hunan Lion into the new larger location! The building is being remodeled and will be much larger and the menu will stay the same. We will let you know when it gets closer to a opening of the new location. The construction is not far enough a long to get a good date for opening.

Thanks for the question!

12-30-09
I want to know...
What happened to the pedestrian bridges near the Marshall Aquatic Center and the one the crossed near Liberty Park?

The City has removed the walk bridges at Liberty Park connecting Marshall Street and the Legion Field Park connecting 5^th Street. We plan to replace them with new steel truss bridges similar to the one in stalled in 2008 at Liberty Park. They are scheduled for delivery early in the spring of 2010. However, we needed to remove the old bridges to construct the foundation abutments for the new ones. Unfortunately, the winter weather set in rapidly once it came and the foundations have yet to be constructed. Once completed the City will have two new very functional and great looking bridges for people to use all year.

12-30-09
I want to know...
What happens to all of the snow that the city removes from the streets downtown?

We asked Shane Waterman the Assistance City Engineer.

One of our primary locations for dumping snow is a City owned lot on the west end of Main Street (Hwy 68) bridge on the south side of the road. Stop out and see the huge mountain of snow!

11-25-09
I want to know...
Is there an update on Clarence Miller?

We contacted the Marshall Police Department and we received the latest news release on him. Mr. Miller's address is the 1400 block of East College Drive.

Click here to see the the information.

Thanks to the Marshall Police Department for the information!

11-10-09
I want to know...
What were the results of the Tobacco Sting that took place on Oct 1st??

We contacted Rob Yant and we were informed that six businesses were found to be in non-compliance; Casey’s General Store, County Fair, Hy-Vee Gas Station, Ampride Main, Express Way, and Freedom. Casey's was caught three times in two years and will face a 30 day suspension from selling tobacco products.

Thanks to the Marshall Police Department for trying to keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.

Updated 10-22-09

I want to know...
How much power does the City of Marshall use from the Wind Towers just South of Marshall?

We contacted Brad Roos from Marshall Municipal Utilities and found out that 12.6% of the power used by the city of Marshall in 2009 will come from Wind Energy. In 2008 Wind Energy accounted for only 1% of the city's power. Projections for 2010 call for 13.6% of Marshall's energy to come from the wind and will grow each year until 2020 when the city will expect to be using 25% Wind Energy to power the city. The wind power does not come directly from the towers south of Marshall.

Click here to learn more about the towers just south of Marshall.

Attend a free energy efficiency savings seminar Nov.9th. Click here for more information about the event.

Updated 10-21-09

I want to know...
When will the work be done on College Drive and Main Street intersection?

Wow! This road work sure generated some attention! We spoke with the City today 10/21/09 and found out there is a bit of work yet to do at that intersection. The curb and gutter need to be poured and the blacktop or the correct term "bituminous overlay" will of course need to be put down. Then the street lights need to be reinstalled. Weather permitting it will be sometime next week. We will try and let you know when the street will be opened up again.

Updated 10-15-09

I want to know....
What's with the "Husbands Need Wives" Billboards coming in to Marshall?

We received a lot of emails from our visitors asking about this billboard. We actually had another email about a billboard West of Marshall that reads "Sons Need Mothers". I think you'll agree these messages have an hint of coming from an Anti-Same Sex Marriage group. We did contact Lamar Outdoor Advertising and we were told it is part of a teaser type ad and the "Big Reveal" will be coming soon.

UPDATE 10-16-09

We had over 500 people read this message already today and one person finally set the record straight! However, we would like to wait until Monday and roll with the whole campaign efforts. "It will all make perfect sense then"!! We promise.

UPDATE 10-19-09

The Billboards have been updated now to complete the sentence to say that "Husbands Need Wives to Get Yearly Mammograms". This is all part of a huge Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.   Encourage the women you know and love to make an appointment and get scheduled!   Call 1-877-537-9189 today!

Let us know what you "Want to Know"!

Updated 9-28-09

I want to know....
Is it illegal to be texting while driving a motor vehicle?

We get this question a lot.    Yes it is illegal to text, email or surf the web while operating a motor vehicle.   This is a primary offense which means you can be pulled over and stopped for this.   Remember A.D.A.M?   Attentive Driving Always Matters!

For more information about this law CLICK HERE

Let us know what you "Want to Know"!

Updated 9-23-09

I want to know....
What's the deal with the bubble at the Regional Event Center?

Will it be installed this winter.    We spoke with the Public Relations Department at SMSU today and were told that the facility was designed so the bubble "could" be added at a later date to cover just the playing field. When this will happen will depend on private donations to the fund the next phase. This is currently not a priority on the fund-raising list.     Enjoy what we do have there and the business that it brings to Marshall.

Let us know what you "Want to Know"!

9-16-09
I want to know....
What are the painted "Filled by MCF" signs on the road around Marshall?

The Marshall Community Foundation (MCF) helped the City of Marshall fill potholes Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. In an effort to increase Marshall residents’ awareness of the foundation, the MCF purchased asphalt for the city to help repair some of the potholes around town. MCF board members painted the potholes with an identifying logo. For more information about the Foundation visit their website below.
www.Marshall-CF.org

9-16-09
I want to know....
When is the Craft Show at the Ice Arena this year?
The Craft Show has been put on by the Marshall Area Hockey Association for many years. They did not hold the Fair this year as the amount of work that went into the event by volunteers was not worth the dollars it brought back to the organization. Thanks to MAHA for the past years of the Craft Show!

9-14-09
I want to know....
What is the plan for the underpass between SMSU and the Marshall High School? I heard it was not approved.

According to the Minnesota DOT The Minnesota Department of Transportation is proposing to construct a pedestrian underpass under Trunk Highway 23 in the vicinity of Wefald Drive in the City of Marshall. The proposed underpass would facilitate pedestrian traffic between Marshall High School and Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). This project is planned for 2010 in conjunction with the overlay of Highway 23 in that area.

9-12-09
I want to know....
I heard that Highway 23 was going to be a 4 land all the way to Pipestone in 2010 or 2011. Is that True?

According to the MN Dot Website Minnesota DOT website there is nothing planned at this point. This is a pretty decent stretch of Highway and has a very good shoulder. That is one reason the speed limit has been set at 60 mph.

9-1-09
I want to know....
When will Highway 23 be open?

According the Marshall DOT office the road is planned to be open Friday Sept 4th! Just in time for school. I am sure those that travel that stretch every day will appreciate the upgrade that took place this summer.

8-20-09
I want to know....
Can you give us an update on The Refuge? We have not heard a lot recently.

The Refuge – A Fresh Start is extremely pleased that GoMarshall subscribers are taking an interest in its progress. To date, the Board and committee members have secured more than $130,000 through donations, grants, and fundraising efforts. A spring 2009 groundbreaking was planned and delayed because of the organization’s overall financial position.

The Refuge Board wants to be especially prudent about its decisions, especially because there is truly so much as stake. People are counting on The Refuge and efforts must be carried out correctly. The Refuge Board is in the process of heightening its capital campaign efforts to raise additional construction funds and a minimum two years operating income. Additionally, The Board is working to improve the overall branding of The Refuge with plans to unveil a new logo and website later this summer.

The Refuge is especially thankful to businesses, organizations, and community members who have stepped up to help. GoMarshall.net has been instrumental in keeping its readers informed; Graphic Designer Donna Sletten is creating the logo; and Jacob Boomgaarden of Morning Summit is designing and developing the new website. The Best Western Marshall Inn and Larson’s Furniture have made numerous furniture donations and just last week Carrow’s made a large clothing donation. While information about The Refuge and the construction progress have been on the lighter side, people remain supportive of the community’s desperate need for a shelter. Information about this important initiative is going to become more prominent soon.

For more information about The Refuge initiative or to make a donation contact Liz McLaughlin (507) 532-3869 or email at liz.mclaughlin@charter.net.

I want to know...
I see some surveying being done on Hwy 59 North of Marshall.   Are there plans for road construction there soon?

We spoke with the MN DOT Regional Office here in Marshall and found out that a survey crew is out gathering data for plans to widen the shoulder in 2010. At this time they do not see a need for a detour and at the most a one mile stretch of one lane traffic would be in order during the construction next year.    The crew gathering data will provide the state with how much fill and surface material they will need to complete the project.

I want to know....
I heard Studio 1 is moving out of their current location in the Library basement.   Where are they moving to?

Studio One, Marshall’s Community Access Channel, will be moving to 113 N 3^rd Street in Marshall.   Creative Images recently vacated that location and remodeling is underway to prepare for Studio 1.    Studio One will be able to offer more services to the community like recording local artists.   More information will be made available soon.

I want to know...
When is the Farmers Market starting?

We found out the Farmers Market will open Saturday July 11th at 7:30am until noon in the Schwan parking lot where it was held for the last few years.

I want to know...
When is the Garden Tour this year?

The Garden Tour, sponsored by Prairie Home Hospice, takes place on Wednesday July 15th. A new "Flower Pot" Contest will take place this year too.

I want to know...

Where in Marshall can we recycle batteries. NOT car batteries, but regular batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9 volt etc). We were told Walmart but I took them there and they wouldn't accept them. These batteries are supposed to be recycled, not tossed in the garbage. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

We spoke with the Lyon County Environmental office today and found out that the regular alkaline batteries are safe to dispose of in the trash.   The rechargeable batteries and button batteries for watches etc need to be recycled and can be taken to the Lyon County Environmental office.    Great Question!

I want to know...
When is Schweser's going to open next to Kmart?

We spoke with the folks at Schwesers today and found out they will be open for business on Saturday May 16th. Schwesers also sent us a valuable $5 off coupon for purchases of $10 or more good only until May 31st! Let them know you printed this coupon off of GoMarshall.net!

I want to know...What is happening on Highway 23? How long will it be closed?

Construction on Highway 23 from Marshall to Cottonwood is scheduled to begin, Monday, May 4, weather permitting.
Highway 23 traffic will be detoured east on Highway 19/Highway 68 in Marshall and north on Lyon County Road 9.
The first segment of the project will extend the four-lane highway in Marshall from north of Highway 19 to one mile north of Lyon County Road 33. The project includes grading, surfacing and lighting.
R & G Construction of Marshall was awarded to contact with a bid of $3.8 million.
The second portion of the project, from north of Lyon County Road 33 to Cottonwood County Road 24 south of Cottonwood, includes mill and overlay, lighting and construction. Crews will construct passing lanes near Cottonwood County Road 22 to south of 360th Street.
PCI Roads, LLC, is the prime contractor for the $7.7 million project.
The entire project is scheduled to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting.

News release and detour map is available http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d8/news.html.
Mn/DOT urges motorists to plan ahead, watch for detour signs, and be alert for workers in the work zone. For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information, visit www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.mndot.gov.
From the MNDOT Website.

I want to know...When will the new recycling carts be delivered in Marshall?

We spoke with the Lyon County Environmental office and found out the carts are being delivered in surrounding towns around Marshall first. Marshall residents should see the carts being delivered starting around mid-May. Keep in mind they the service will switch to every other week. Please see the link below for the service calendar for your neighborhood. Also the green totes that you use today are yours to keep!

Click here for more information

I want to know...What is going on over at the former Middle School location. Looks like something is being built.

We spoke with Shane Waterman the Assistant City Engineer and found out the former Middle School site will be turned into green space until someone is interested in developing the space. At this time the City of Marshall has no plans to do anything with the land. The land is available for development if anyone is interested!

I want to know...What is the progress with the library getting a new building? It seems like we have not heard anything for a long time.

We spoke with Wendy Wendt and found out the fundraising for the project is still underway. The estimated project is expected to cost $6.2 million and they have raised $4.0 million. The plan still calls for the building to be built on the property on the middle school property. If you would like to help contribute to the final $2 million please feel free to contact Wendy at the Marshall Lyon County Library at 537-7003.

I want to know...What the marks on the highways all over MN are for ....They are a big X and a number spray painted in pink and also some have a stick in the ditch and a little pink flag on them ...There are some on Hwy 23 and also saw them in SE Minnesota.

We contacted Stu Peterson at the Marshall Regional Office of the MN Department of Transportation. DOT uses aerial photography to take photos of roads and ditches and the lay of the land from time to time. The large X on the roads tells the photographer in the air where to target the photo. The x’s are in a strategic pattern to cover all the highways in a given area. Thanks for the question and also thanks to Stu Peterson at MN DOT for answering this question.
Now we know!

I want to know... When is Marshall's City Wide Rummage Sale dates.

The first weekend in May has been Marshall's City Wide Rummage Sale dates. This year is no different. The dates are Friday and Saturday May 1st and 2nd.

I want to know...
Why Marshall brought in Schweser's instead of a department store like Kohl's or Herbergers. Can't some good tax incentives be offered to these other stores to draw them in? What about a Target? Old Navy? This town has a four year university so some of these stores should be able to make it. Or, is it about politics that Marshall is protecting the local businesses because they never seem to have any good sales or business hours and they know they would lose in competition to these stores? Do people here not want the community to grow?

We forward your questions to Dan Schenkein, President and CEO of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Dan was glad to offer some insight and answers to your questions.

The person asking the question makes several assumptions.

1. “Marshall” didn’t go out and recruit Schweser’s. I believe that they were recruited by commercial property owners with vacant space to lease. It was a business transaction. No tax dollars or incentives from local government were extended to Schweser’s.

2. Schweser’s is a retail clothing store founded in 1880. They have 27 stores in 6 states. There aren’t many retailers who can claim 130 years of continuous operations, and therefore should be seen as a solid business addition to our community. Welcome Schweser’s!

3. Tax incentives for business development in our community have traditionally focused upon business and industry that create primary jobs in the manufacturing and production sectors. However, some communities are now offering some incentives for retail development based on quality of life priorities rather than job creation. For Marshall to do so would require a shift in priority policies.

4. Schweser’s business plan seems to suggest that they focus upon communities with populations of 25,000 or less. The major retailers mentioned in the question tend to set their sites on communities with much larger population bases than Marshall.

5.One thing we as a community can focus upon to improve our chances of bringing more retail businesses begins this year with the new census data collection. I have been told that 10 years ago Marshall and its residents were reluctant to provide accurate data to census takers. Not only does the census provide population numbers, but also other demographical information (age, income, education, buying habits) that national retailers look at for future store development. I believe it’s in our community’s best interest and economic future to complete census data completely and as accurately as possible. That’s everyone’s responsibility, not just that of public officials.

I Want to Know.....
What are those red boxes marked Clothes and Shoes that have popped up all over town? We received several emails asking us who put these containers there and if they are part of the Marshall Goodwill. We have the Avera Thrift Store and a Goodwill and soon the Wear It's At store will be opening in Marshall that serve our residents here. Why do we need more places do drop off our no longer needed items?

Here are four containers that we found at:
County Fair Food Stores
Sioux Nation Vet Supply
Across from Freedom Gas
East College by the Marshall Truck and Trailer Repair

We found out from their website that this is a commercial company that collects our unused items and sells them through a company in Atlanta GA. They do have offices in Minneapolis as well.
Their mission statement is as follows:
To run a modern commercial business in a professional and profitable manner, while contributing to and participating in the absolute win win phenomenon of recycling.

Do we need another avenue to donate our unused items that leave Marshall or should we continue to support our local organizations and help out people here in Marshall?
Click here to find out more about this business from Atlanta, GA.

What do you Want to Know?
Email us here

Be the first to hear about the Rumors and Community Announcements.
Sign up for our email newsletter below.

Back to GoMarshall Home Page