Casey’s Staff Alerts Police to Methamphetamine Discovery in Olivia

Issue #181

20 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light snow with a high of -8

🗞️ Casey’s Staff Alerts Police to Methamphetamine Discovery in Olivia

🗞️ City Crews Remove Trees to Stay Ahead of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

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

Casey’s Staff Alerts Police to Methamphetamine Discovery in Olivia

A Willmar woman was taken into custody on last week after a baggie of methamphetamine was discovered at a Casey’s General Store in Olivia.

Store employees at the Lincoln Avenue location noticed the baggie on the floor around 8:1o AM and contacted local authorities.

When officers arrived, the substance, weighing approximately 25.85 grams, was tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.

Security footage from the store was used to identify the suspect, a 59-year-old woman from Willmar. She was arrested later that day by the Willmar Police Department.

Following her arrest, she was transported to the Renville County Jail, where she faces charges for second-degree possession of a controlled substance.

City Crews Remove Trees to Stay Ahead of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

Last week, crews temporarily closed a portion of Saratoga Street to remove several trees from the city’s right-of-way. Among the trees taken down were one with a rotting trunk and four ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer infestations.

Tree removal has become an essential task in Marshall as the city continues to combat the spread of emerald ash borer, a destructive pest confirmed in the area in 2023.

To date, nearly 200 ash trees have been removed from public property.

Despite these efforts, more than 1,700 ash trees remain on city property, and approximately 6,500 ash trees, including those on private property, are at risk.

The city has also focused on replacing lost trees with a long-term goal of maintaining urban greenery.

Over the past three years, 130 ash trees were removed from parks, and more than 300 new trees were planted, with around 700 ash trees still standing in park areas. Similarly, the street department has removed 68 ash trees and several dead trees from other locations.

Winter offers the ideal conditions for removing infested ash trees. The cold temperatures reduce the activity of emerald ash borers, and city workers have more time to dedicate to the task during this season.

Tree removals typically pause during the warmer months, between April and October, to prevent the spread of the beetle.

In addition to tree removal, residents have been encouraged to address ash trees on private property.

A city program, funded by a $329,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, reimburses residents for some costs related to ash tree removal or replacement.

Eligible residents can receive up to $200 for tree removal or $100 for planting a new tree. So far, the program has supported 28 tree removals and the planting of 17 new trees.

With funding available for up to 400 ash tree removals and the planting of 800 new trees, the city anticipates continued interest from residents eager to contribute to the fight against emerald ash borer and maintain Marshall’s tree canopy.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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
Sunday, February 16th

  • Bingo at Echo, MN Community Center starting at 11:30 AM

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