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First-Time Finalist: Lynd Public School Shines in Solve for Tomorrow Competition

Issue #159

20 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 9

🗞️ First-Time Finalist: Lynd Public School Shines in Solve for Tomorrow Competition

🗞️ Statewide Minimum Wage Rises to $11.13 in January 2025

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

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

First-Time Finalist: Lynd Public School Shines in Solve for Tomorrow Competition

Lynd Public School has been named a state finalist in Samsung’s 15th annual Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, joining four other Minnesota schools among the 300 finalists nationwide.

This marks the first time Lynd has advanced in the national competition, which encourages students in grades 6-12 to address community issues using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Lynd’s project focuses on creating a self-sustaining school garden featuring self-watering systems powered by solar energy.

The innovative design incorporates a domed greenhouse with STEM-integrated solutions, including rainfall collection systems, automated watering via micro pumps, solar-powered energy systems, and geothermal heating with natural gas.

The garden is envisioned not only as a school resource but also as a community asset during the summer.

The competition initially required schools to identify a local challenge and propose STEM-based solutions. Each state finalist school, including Lynd, received a $2,500 Samsung technology prize package. As finalists progress, they will refine their projects, develop implementation plans, and measure potential impacts.

Lynd now moves to the next phase of the competition, where 50 state winners will be selected in late January to receive $12,000 in Samsung technology.

From there, the top 10 national finalists will be announced in March, culminating in a live pitch event. The final three national winners will be awarded $100,000 in prize packages.

Other Minnesota schools joining Lynd as state finalists include Mounds View High School, Byron Middle School, Eden Prairie High School, and Edgerton Elementary in Maplewood.

Across the country, student projects are tackling issues like climate change, food insecurity, mental health, and housing, showcasing a wide range of innovative solutions.

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to inspire students to explore STEM as a pathway for improving daily life and addressing global challenges. The competition is expected to distribute approximately $2 million in prize value this year.

Statewide Minimum Wage Rises to $11.13 in January 2025

Minnesota's minimum wage is set to increase starting January 1, 2025, affecting workers across the state.

The new rate will rise to $11.13 per hour for all employers, regardless of size, and will also apply to youth workers and J-1 visa holders in the hospitality industry.

Additionally, the 90-day training wage for workers under the age of 20 will increase from $8.85 to $9.08 per hour.

The wage adjustments are indexed for inflation but do not apply to Minneapolis and St. Paul, where local minimum wages remain higher.

For full-time employees earning the state minimum wage, annual earnings will increase to approximately $23,150 in 2025.

Employers are required to notify their employees of the pay rate changes in writing before the new rates take effect.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd

  • Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
    at 2:00 PM

    • Tickets are $5 and are sold at the door

  • Live reindeer at Volstead House Museum in Granite Falls starting at 1:00 PM

    • Meet Santa and get free reindeer food for your yard, so the reindeer can find your home 🦌

Tuesday, December 24th
Saturday, December 28th
Tuesday, December 31st
Sunday, January 5th
Wednesday, January 8th (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

Friday, January 17th

  • 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!

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for being such a fantastic part of our newsletter community.

Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world and it's what keeps us motivated to bring you valuable content every time.

But guess what? We're on a mission to make an even bigger impact on our community, and we need your help!

You can share our newsletter with your friends & family. Together, we can grow our community and reach even more people!

As a token of our appreciation for your support, you'll have the chance to receive a birthday shout out, a $10 gift card from Kwik Trip, or a $25 gift card from Rolling Hills Pizza! 🎉

So help us spread the word!

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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