Lyon County and Marshall Elections Shape Future of Local Projects

Issue #128

07 Nov

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 50

🗞️ Lyon County and Marshall Elections Shape Future of Local Projects

🗞️ Higher Learning Commission Evaluates SMSU’s Educational Standards for 10-Year Accreditation

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

Lyon County and Marshall Elections Shape Future of Local Projects

Lyon County voters selected officials for several critical roles in this week’s election, including County Commissioner and Soil and Water Supervisor seats.

In District 2, incumbent Todd Draper won re-election, as did Gary Crowley in District 4, which covers northern Lyon County.

In District 5, Rick Anderson narrowly held his seat, securing 53% of the vote in a contested race against Tom Chandler. Anderson plans to prioritize local energy developments, broadband, and childcare needs during his new term.

In Marshall’s city election, longtime Mayor Bob Byrnes decisively won re-election over Noel Ayala with 72% of the vote.

Byrnes, mayor since 1992, looks forward to advancing economic development, housing, and the upcoming Aquatic Center project.

Amanda Schwartz also claimed a seat on the Marshall City Council in Ward 2, leading in a three-way race, while current council members Amanda Schroeder and James Lozinski were re-elected unopposed.

The Soil and Water Supervisor elections across Lyon County saw Gary Laleman, Mason Johnson, and Justin Hively each winning their respective districts in uncontested races.

Township and school board elections also concluded with incumbents or unopposed candidates securing leadership.

Higher Learning Commission Evaluates SMSU’s Educational Standards for 10-Year Accreditation

Southwest Minnesota State University recently hosted a visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to evaluate its accreditation, a vital process allowing SMSU to remain operational and compliant with Department of Education standards.

The HLC, which accredits colleges on a 10-year cycle, last confirmed SMSU’s accreditation in 2014, with a mid-cycle check in 2018.

The evaluation spans five core areas, including:

  • mission alignment

  • ethical standards

  • educational quality

  • continuous improvement, and

  • institutional effectiveness.

SMSU invested months in preparing an assurance report detailing these areas, which HLC reviewers assessed on-site.

During the visit, a team of five HLC representatives reviewed SMSU’s practices, engaged with students, and gathered feedback from community members.

Results, expected in spring, will include an evaluation report. If SMSU meets criteria “with concerns,” the university may need to address issues through a follow-up monitoring report.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Thursday, November 7th
Saturday, November 9th

  • Lincoln County VFW Post #2980 in Ivanhoe, MN is hosting a Deer Hunter's Supper from 5:30 Pm - 8:00 PM

    • Menu: 8oz New York Strip Steak for $18.00 or Country Fried Steak with Country Gravy - $13.00. Both meals are served with a Lettuce Salad, Bake Potato, Green Beans & Dinner Roll.

    • The Post is located at 116 E. Saxon St. in Ivanhoe.

  • Lefse and Kringla sale at Clarkfield Mall from 1:00 - 7:00 PM

Sunday, November 10th
Friday, November 15th - Sunday, November 17th

  • Kananaskis Christmas Market at the Redwood Area Community Center in Redwood Falls

    • Friday, November 15th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM - residents only

    • Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    • Sunday, November 17th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, November 16th

  • Fall Vendor Show at KB’s Ballroom in Ghent from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday, November 17th
Thursday, November 21st
Thursday, November 21st - Saturday, November 23rd
Friday, November 22nd
Saturday, November 23rd

  • Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care’s A Light to Remember events

    • Legion Lion Park in Balaton at 4:30 PM

    • Veteran’s Memorial Park in Tracy at 6:00 PM

  • The 12th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk at the Lyon County Museum in Marshall from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    • The trees and museum will stay decorated through December 31.

  • Holiday Kick Off in Granite Falls from 3:00 - 6:00 PM in downtown Granite Falls

Sunday, November 24th

  • Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care’s A Light to Remember events

    • Memorial Park in Minneota at 4:30 PM

Friday, November 29th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:— - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

Saturday, November 30th
Sundays, November 3rd - March 9th

  • Open Gym at YME for School District Residents from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

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