Historic Vesta Church Reduced to Ashes in Early Morning Fire

Issue #144

29 Nov

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 14

🗞️ Historic Vesta Church Reduced to Ashes in Early Morning Fire

🗞️ December 1 Deadline - Recognizing Selflessness: Nominate a Dementia Caregiver for a Holiday Surprise

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

Historic Vesta Church Reduced to Ashes in Early Morning Fire

A significant fire destroyed the former First Presbyterian Church building in Vesta early Tuesday morning.

Firefighters from Vesta, along with crews from Seaforth, Lucan, and Echo, responded to the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The blaze, reported around 1:15 a.m., fully engulfed the unoccupied structure. The fire's intensity was evident as it could be seen from miles away.

Cold temperatures posed additional challenges, creating icy conditions for the firefighters working to extinguish the flames.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an investigation, but the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The church, a historic fixture in Vesta, was originally constructed in 1900, following the congregation's founding in 1899. Over the years, membership dwindled, and in 1991, the congregation merged with another in Redwood Falls.

The Vesta church building officially closed in 1992.

The fire marked the end of a building with over a century of history, but thanks to the coordinated efforts of the responding fire departments, the situation was handled safely and effectively.

December 1 Deadline - Recognizing Selflessness: Nominate a Dementia Caregiver for a Holiday Surprise

The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for those caring for loved ones with dementia, it can also be a time of significant challenges.

The constant demands of caregiving—often around the clock, 365 days a year—leave little room for rest or self-care, especially during the holidays.

To honor the dedication and resilience of these caregivers, the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network is bringing a bit of holiday cheer to their lives.

This year, the organization invites the community to nominate dementia caregivers to receive holiday cheer baskets, thoughtfully prepared as a gesture of appreciation.

Caregiving for someone with dementia can be isolating, especially during a season when others are surrounded by festive gatherings.

These holiday cheer baskets serve as a reminder that caregivers are seen, valued, and supported by their community.

If you know someone who tirelessly cares for a person with dementia, you can nominate them for this heartfelt gift by completing a nomination form by December 1st.

This small but meaningful gesture could brighten their season and let them know they are not alone in their journey.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Friday, November 29th

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

Saturday, November 30th
Sunday, December 1st
Monday, December 2nd
Tuesday, December 3rd
Wednesday, December 4th (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

Thursday, December 5th
Saturday, December 7th

  • Christmas in the Village in Montevideo from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Vendors, Crafters, Bake Sale, Candy Sale, Gift Shop, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa and so much more…

    • Admission: adults - $8, Kids 5+ $5, kids 4 and under are free

  • SMSU Holiday Revels at the Schwans Community Center For The Performing Arts in Marshall starting at 3:00 PM

  • Bazaar and Danish-inspired bake sale at the historic Danebod campus in Tyler, MN starting at 2:00 PM

    • Address: 140 Danebod Court, Tyler, MN.

    • Afternoon coffee and three-meat supper at 4:00 PM followed by local entertainment and singing Christmas carols

    • For questions, take out meal reservations, or overnight accommodations please email [email protected] by December 5.

Sunday, December 8th
Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th

  • 2024 Canby Hometown Holidays

    • Saturday, December 7th

      • Christmas Cookie / Candy Sale at St. Peter’s Catholic Church 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

      • Holiday Movie: The Santa Clause 2 FREE Admission at Canby Theatre starting at 2:00 PM

      • Free Bowling For Kids at Lancaster Lanes & Event Center from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

        • 1 free game per person

      • Roller Skating at Canby High School (Old Gym) from 4:00 - 6:00 PM ($5 per kid)

    • Sunday, December 8th

      • Craft & Vendor Fair and Scotty Biggs BBQ Food Truck at former Schott’s building from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

      • Santa Clause Appearance at the Canby Theatre from 2:00 - 5:30 PM

      • Believe in Magic at the Wellness Center Building Conference Room from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

      • Kids Shopping Mall at Canby Community Center from 3:00 - 5:00 PM

      • Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Candy in downtown Canby starting at 5:00 PM

      • Living Nativity on the corner of Saint Olaf Ave and 2nd Street at 5:30 PM

      • Parade of Lights in downtown Canby starting at 6:00 PM

      • Tree Lighting following the parade at Lake Sylvan

      • Fireworks Display following the parade at Lake Sylvan

Saturday, December 14th
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th

  • Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker 

    • At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School

    • Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

    • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 15th
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd

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