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- Lyon County Scales Back Proposed Hikes for Police Services After City Feedback
Lyon County Scales Back Proposed Hikes for Police Services After City Feedback
Issue #063
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
🌤️ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly sunny with with a high of 69
🗞️ Lyon County Scales Back Proposed Hikes for Police Services After City Feedback
🗞️ Soybean Research and Sustainable Practices Take Center Stage at Farmfest
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Lyon County Scales Back Proposed Hikes for Police Services After City Feedback
Lyon County cities are grappling with rising law enforcement costs, as discussed in a recent county commissioners' meeting.
Sheriff Eric Wallen presented new rates for sheriff's patrol services from 2025 to 2027. Initially, the suggested increases were 3.5% in 2025, 3.75% in 2026, and 4% in 2027.
However, feedback from contracting cities indicated these hikes were too steep, with some communities advocating for a cap at 3% to manage the tax levy impact.
Contracted law enforcement service costs vary by city population and patrol hours. For example, a city with 201 to 400 residents would require a minimum of 10 patrol hours per week, with rates covering salaries and benefits for deputies.
Proposed base costs for such a city were $26,452.80 in 2025, rising to $28,545.60 by 2027. Larger cities, like those with 1,301 to 1,800 residents, would see costs increase from $158,716.60 to $171,273.60 over the same period.
Taking the concerns into account, commissioners approved more moderate rate increases of 3% in 2025, 3.15% in 2026, and 3.25% in 2027, instead of the initially proposed higher rates.
This decision aims to balance the financial impact on municipalities while ensuring adequate law enforcement coverage.
Soybean Research and Sustainable Practices Take Center Stage at Farmfest
On the first day of Farmfest, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council shared updates on the soybean farming industry, current goals, and unveiled a SYNLawn mini-golf course to highlight agricultural sustainability.
SYNLawn promotes environmental stewardship by incorporating soybeans into its products, replacing up to 60% of traditional polyurethane with polyols.
Farmers and researchers are working to expand the global market for soybeans, recently exporting 150 metric tons to Uzbekistan. Soybeans are also used to produce biofuels, which support various economic and rural infrastructure needs.
Each hole of the mini-golf course presented facts about sustainable soybean usage. The council emphasized the importance of maximizing the value of soybeans and highlighted the willingness of Minnesota farmers to innovate and take risks in advancing soybean applications.
Rose Wendinger, treasurer for the Minnesota Soybean Growers and a soybean farmer from St. James, emphasized the role of educational efforts in showcasing how checkoff dollars support industry advancements and advocacy goals.
She drew parallels between the precision required in golf and soybean farming.
Mike Youngerberg, director of product development at Ag Management Solutions, discussed the evolution of soybean oil into biodiesel, addressing the challenges of marketing and federal standards.
He noted the development of renewable hydrocarbon diesel, which has caught the attention of the airline industry for its potential to produce jet fuel with lower carbon emissions.
Gail Donkers, farmer leader for the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and an outreach organizer for the Minnesota Farmers Union, explained the checkoff program, which funds promotion and research for farmers.
She highlighted the financial benefits of the program, noting that each dollar contributed by soy farmers yields a significant return.
Farmfest will continue, offering various products, demonstrations, activities, educational sessions, and technologies.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
Tuesday, August 6th - Thursday, August 8th
Thursday, August 8th
University of Minnesota Manure Applicator Certification Program, Wick Building Farmfest Center, 8:00 - 10:30 AM
Beef Quality Assurance Training & Certification, Livestock Tent, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, August 8th
Reception for artist Blayze Buseth at Riverside Gallery in K.K. Berge Building, Granite Falls from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Monday, August 12th
Miss Rodeo Minnesota Fundraiser Pork Chop Dinner at the Hitching Post from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, August 7th
Singing Qs at Liberty Park in Marshall starting at 7:00 PM
Food Truck available from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, August 14th
Red River Boys at Liberty Park in Marshall starting at 7:00 PM
Food Truck available from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday, August 15th
Thursdays on 3rd in Marshall from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Artist Reception at Berge Building in Granite Falls from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, August 14th - Sunday, August 18th
Lyon County Fair in Marshall, MN
Saturday, August 17 - Senior Citizen’s Day at the Lyon County Fair in the Hoop Barn starting at 10:30 AM
Special Presentation by Quilts of Valor
Awards for MWA Hometown Hero, Veterna Award and Lyon County Outstanding Citizen Awards
Music: Vocalist Kash Richards & Boulder Estates Choir
Bingo with cash prizes sponsored by Hill Street Place
Digital Photo Booth & Props
Route 68 Big Band at 12:30 PM
Friday, August 16th - Saturday, August 17th
Echo Days at the Echo Lions Park in Echo, MN
Friday, August 16th
Show and Shine Car Show, Registration 4:30 PM, Show begins at 5:00 PM
Echo Legion Burger Stand and Beer Garden - 5:00 PM
Bingo in the Park - 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 17th
5k Walk / Run, 8:00 AM start
Kids Events - all day
Medallion Hunt - clues given throughout the day
The Zoo Man - shows at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM
Larry Olson Band, Community Center, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Vendors in the Park, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Little Scrappers Pedal Pull
Registration 3:30 PM - Start: 4:00 PM
Grand Parade, 5:00 PM
Annual Hog Roast Meal, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Two Rivers Entertainment, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday, August 19th - Wednesday, August 21st
Wood Lake Fair in Wood Lake, MN
Coloring Contest, pick up coloring sheets at the City Office starting August 1st, coloring sheets to be turned in by August 19th between 5:30 and 7:30 PM
Scavenger Hunt: Monday - Wednesday
Wednesday, August 21st
Kiddie Parade, line up 5:45 PM, start 6:00 PM
Grand Parade, 6:30 PM
Thursday, August 22nd - Sunday, August 25th
Sounds of Summer, Marshall MN
Wednesdays in August and September
Farmers Market in Granite Falls at the Riverwalk from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturdays, starting July 6th - October
Marshall Farmers Market, Parking Lot between YMCA and Schawn’s, 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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