Attorney General Blocks Broadmoor Valley Closure Over Improper Notice

Issue #178

16 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

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🗞️ Attorney General Blocks Broadmoor Valley Closure Over Improper Notice

🗞️ $465M Funding Push: Minnesota State’s Plan to Transform Education and Workforce

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Attorney General Blocks Broadmoor Valley Closure Over Improper Notice

The closure plans for Broadmoor Valley mobile home park have been delayed after the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office found that the owners did not meet legal requirements for notifying residents.

This determination, outlined in a letter to the city of Marshall last week, has led the city to cancel a public hearing initially scheduled for February 18.

During a closed session on Tuesday evening, the Marshall City Council reviewed the Attorney General’s findings with the city attorney. The council decided that the hearing could not proceed without a valid closure notice in place.

Mayor Bob Byrnes noted that the city would reschedule the hearing if proper notice is submitted in the future.

In November, Schierholz and Associates, owners of Broadmoor Valley, announced plans to close the park by December 2025. Minnesota law requires the city to hold a public hearing as part of the closure process.

However, the Attorney General’s Office has found the announcement to be unlawful due to a lack of specific information about alternative housing options in the area.

According to the Attorney General’s letter, the closure notice failed to include details on the cost and availability of housing in nearby mobile home parks. While the notice referenced parks in Minneota and Cottonwood, it provided no information about the number of available spaces or housing costs.

Consequently, the required 12-month notice period for the park’s closure has not yet started.

Marshall City Attorney Pam Whitmore explained that it is the Attorney General’s Office, not the city, that determines the validity of closure notices.

State law mandates that the city schedule a hearing once a closure statement is received, but no formal acceptance or validation of the notice is required.

In response to the Attorney General’s findings, the council voted to cancel the scheduled February hearing and await further developments.

Council member Craig Schafer emphasized the importance of ensuring the notice complies with legal requirements before proceeding.

Meanwhile, Schierholz and Associates are also facing a separate legal battle.

The Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit against the park owners, accusing them of failing to maintain the property to state standards and imposing unlawfully high fees for late rent payments.

The case is set to go to trial next week in Lyon County District Court.

$465M Funding Push: Minnesota State’s Plan to Transform Education and Workforce

Minnesota State is making a significant push for $465 million in new funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year, aiming to strengthen education, workforce readiness, and infrastructure across its 26 colleges and seven universities.

This bold funding request reflects the pressing need to prepare students for high-demand careers while addressing critical gaps in Minnesota’s workforce.

Chancellor Scott Olson visited Marshall to discuss the proposal, joined by Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) President Kumara Jayasuriya and Minnesota West Community and Technical College President Terry Gaalswyk.

The visit underscored the close collaboration between SMSU and MNWest in serving the region’s educational and workforce development needs.

Workforce development is a cornerstone of the proposal, with $40 million earmarked for initiatives like modernizing equipment, expanding workforce scholarships, and supporting high-demand programs.

The importance of these investments was emphasized by local leaders, who highlighted the role of Minnesota State institutions in training graduates who live, work, and raise families in the region.

In response to the growing need for healthcare and social service professionals, SMSU plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Social Work program in Fall 2026. The nursing program will partner with Avera Health to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, while the social work program will focus on mental health services and leadership in social work organizations.

Both programs aim to meet workforce demands while creating new opportunities for students.

Meanwhile, MNWest is preparing to expand its HVAC and early childhood education programs, addressing critical needs in technical and educational fields. Plans include integrating HVAC training with plumbing and carpentry programs at the Pipestone campus and offering early childhood education courses in Luverne through flexible online and hybrid formats.

The college is also doubling down on its agricultural studies, leveraging partnerships like the Ag Learning Lab and its farm business management program, which serves hundreds of area producers.

The proposed funding builds on the success of Minnesota State’s previous biennial budget request, which secured $293 million of the $350 million sought for 2024-25.

Local leaders are optimistic about the potential impact of this latest proposal, noting its ability to drive community vitality and workforce readiness across southwest Minnesota.

The Minnesota legislative session runs from January 14 to May 19, with the Minnesota State Board of Trustees set to review the proposed budgets in May.

Final approvals are expected in July, and the outcome could shape the future of education and workforce development in the state.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Friday, January 17th
Saturday, January 18th
Monday, January 20th
Thursday, January 22nd

  • YMIC Business Tour Day

Saturday, January 25th

  • 4 Person Puzzle Challenge at the Cottonwood Community Center starting at 1:00 PM

    • Registration begins at 12:30

    • Deadline to register is January 17th - Register here

  • Mid-Winter Community Celebration at The Rock: Dining and Events in Granite Falls from 5:30 - 9:00 PM

    • Social Hour with Appetizers, Silent Auction & Entertainment

    • Tickets are $39.19

  • Live music with Strictly Herbal at the Bluenose Gopher Public House in Granite Falls from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

    • No cover charge

Wednesday, February 5th (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 Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Friday, February 7th

  • Valentine’s Day Artistry Spa Event at the Iverson Tree Farm in Belview from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

    • Enjoy a night of pampering at this open house style spa event

    • Skincare assessment with suggested regiment, facial, massage, make up tutorial and snacks/refreshments!

    • Only $10 at the door

    • First 25 guests receive a free gift!

Saturday, February 8th
Friday, February 14th
Saturday, February 15th

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