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Federal Court Rules in Favor of Marshall Schools in Discrimination Case, Appeal Considered

Issue #100

30 Sep

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 83

🗞️ Wild Game to Custom Cuts: C&K Smoke House Set to Open in Russell

🗞️ Federal Court Rules in Favor of Marshall Schools in Discrimination Case, Appeal Considered

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Wild Game to Custom Cuts: C&K Smoke House Set to Open in Russell

This summer, Corey and Kay Johnson of Russell, MN, have been hard at work transforming the former Russell Mini Mart into C&K Smoke House, a custom meat processing business.

The Mini Mart had been vacant since 2019, making their endeavor a welcome revitalization for the community.

Corey, who has processed wild game for over 13 years, saw an opportunity to turn his experience into a part-time business. C&K Smoke House will focus on processing wild game like deer but is also licensed to process pork and beef, offering services such as smoking meats and producing sausages, jerky, and snack sticks.

Renovating the inside of the Mini Mart has been a labor of love for the couple, who completed all the work themselves over the summer. By installing food-grade equipment and updating the space, they have transformed the old building into a fully functional smokehouse.

While C&K Smoke House won’t be selling meat products directly, they will provide custom processing services to a growing list of customers. Local residents have expressed excitement about the new business, and Corey already has customers lined up for the grand opening.

Federal Court Rules in Favor of Marshall Schools in Discrimination Case, Appeal Considered

The dismissal of Mary Kay Thomas’ lawsuit against the Marshall School Board brings to light an extended conflict that began in 2021.

Thomas had alleged that her reassignment from her role as Marshall Middle School principal stemmed from her refusal to remove a rainbow LGBTQ+ flag and support for a student gay-straight alliance.

She also claimed sexual harassment by a former board member. Despite the lawsuit’s dismissal, her attorney suggests they may pursue claims in state court or an appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The court’s decision ruled that Thomas’ claims didn’t meet the scope of Title VII or Title IX, which protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and other factors.

It also ruled that her First Amendment rights were not violated, and dismissed her allegations with prejudice, making the dismissal final. However, some claims were dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open for future legal action.

The district, in a statement, emphasized its commitment to moving forward and focusing on fostering a positive learning environment.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, October 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Tuesday, October 1st

  • Local Candidate Forum (MPS School Board, Mayor & City Council, and County Commissioner) at the Marshall-Lyon County Library from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Thursday, October 3rd

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 484 Craig Avenue on HWY 14 in Tracy from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, October 4th

  • Granite Falls Home Companion Comedy Show at the American Legion st 7:30 PM, free admission

Saturday, October 5th
Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th
Monday, October 7th
Wednesday, October 9th

  • Legislative Candidates Forum at Charter Hall, Room 201 at SMSU from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    • Candidates for the Minnesota Legislature House District 15A will present their ideas and respond to questions from the audience and the local news media.

    • The program will be held in Charter Hall, Room 201 on the campus of SMSU.

Thursday, October 10th

  • Marshall Fire Department Annual Open House

    • From 5:30 to 8:00 PM at 201 East Saratoga Street

    • Featuring tours, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 344 West Main Street in Cottonwood from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th

  • Fleet – Tune Into Magic at the Red Baron Arena & Expo from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

  • 21st Quilt & Trunk Show at the Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Saturday, October 12th from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

    • Sunday, October 13th from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

    • $5 admission - included with your admission is a TRUNK SHOW Featuring Bev Krog

    • If you have a quilt you’d like to display at our show contact:

Thursday, October 17th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at the Minneota Farmers Market from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th
Saturdays, starting July 6th - October
Thursday, October 24th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at Knudson-Bosley Park (HWY 14) from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

  • Moonlight Madness in Downtown Marshall starting at 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 26th
Thursday, October 31st

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
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