Busy Highway 23 Intersection Could See Major Safety Upgrades

Issue #146

03 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly Cloudy with a high of 29

🗞️ Busy Highway 23 Intersection Could See Major Safety Upgrades

🗞️ Minnesota's Split Legislature: What It Means for the 2025 Session

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

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

Busy Highway 23 Intersection Could See Major Safety Upgrades

The City of Marshall is backing a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) proposal to improve safety at the busy and hazardous intersection of Highway 23 and Tiger Drive.

Last week, the Marshall City Council approved a letter of support for MnDOT's grant application to fund the construction of a J-turn at the intersection.

The Tiger Drive intersection, positioned between Marshall High School and Southwest Minnesota State University, has been identified as a high-risk area. Concerns over safety at this location were a focal point during a Highway 23 safety meeting earlier this year.

Participants, including members of the Marshall Area Transportation Group, local stakeholders, and MnDOT representatives, highlighted critical safety issues along the highway.

The city had previously applied for funding to construct a J-turn at the intersection but did not secure the grant. Now, MnDOT is taking the lead by applying for a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant to address the issue.

A J-turn, also known as a restricted crossing U-turn, aims to reduce potential collision points at intersections by redirecting left-turn and through-traffic movements.

MnDOT has already conducted significant research on the Tiger Drive intersection and plans to further evaluate its design and impact on traffic flow and safety, including the current 35 mph speed limit in the school zone.

City officials expressed optimism about MnDOT’s efforts and agreed to formally support the grant application, emphasizing the need for immediate action to improve safety at the intersection.

Minnesota's Split Legislature: What It Means for the 2025 Session

The upcoming Minnesota legislative session in January promises to bring a significant shift in dynamics, with a tied House of Representatives and a narrow Democratic majority in the Senate following recent elections.

This altered political landscape could open doors for Republicans to revisit and potentially revise some of the legislation passed in recent years.

Local legislators believe the divided government may limit the introduction of new laws while providing an opportunity to amend or roll back regulations, including those concerning paid family and medical leave.

These new requirements, which have been contentious among business owners and rural communities, are expected to be a major focus during the session. Legislators have highlighted concerns about compliance costs and the law's impact on small businesses and agricultural operations.

Key Republican lawmakers representing the region have voiced a sense of urgency in addressing these concerns early in the session. They also emphasized the importance of fostering stronger relationships between businesses and employees through marketplace solutions rather than government mandates.

The session’s backdrop includes additional complexities, such as the resignation of a Democratic senator who shifted to a congressional campaign, which temporarily tied the Senate earlier this year, and the legal challenges facing another senator. These factors could further influence the legislative process in 2025.

Federal policies may also play a role in shaping Minnesota’s legislative agenda.

Speculation about potential federal budget cuts under the next presidential administration, particularly to programs like Medicaid, infrastructure, and education, could have ripple effects on the state's funding and priorities.

With a divided legislature and significant issues on the table, the session is expected to feature intense debates and strategic negotiations, with both parties aiming to balance their objectives while addressing Minnesota's evolving needs.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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
Saturday, December 28th

Light Up The Night

  • 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!

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!

Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

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