Cottonwood Lake Closed to Vehicles Amid Dangerous Ice Conditions

Issue #183

23 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 15

🗞️ Cottonwood Lake Closed to Vehicles Amid Dangerous Ice Conditions

🗞️ Marshall Mobile Home Park Owners Defend Against Allegations in Court

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

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

Cottonwood Lake Closed to Vehicles Amid Dangerous Ice Conditions

Pulver Towing crews have experienced an unusually busy winter, responding to multiple vehicle recoveries from southwest Minnesota lakes.

Over the past several weeks, they’ve assisted in retrieving about five vehicles that broke through the ice, including efforts on Cottonwood Lake. Another recovery is underway after a vehicle went through the ice on Cottonwood Lake on Monday morning.

Effective January 22, 2025, Cottonwood Lake has been CLOSED to all vehicular traffic due to thin ice and open water in many areas.

This restriction includes ATVs, snowmobiles, UTVs, cars, trucks, and any other motorized vehicles, except for removing fish houses currently on the lake. Authorities will monitor ice conditions, and the lake will reopen to traffic only if conditions improve.

Inconsistent ice conditions have contributed to the increase in incidents this winter. While some areas have strong ice, others remain hazardous. Pulver Towing has worked with City Line Towing of Willmar to recover vehicles, including UTVs and a SnoBear recreational vehicle from lakes such as Lake Sarah, Fox Lake, and Cottonwood Lake.

Vehicle recoveries are complex and depend on several factors, including ice thickness, vehicle weight, and water depth. Some operations even require certified divers.

Recovery crews also face harsh weather conditions, as seen during a UTV recovery on Cottonwood Lake this past weekend. The entire process, including setup and takedown, can take hours and is costly.

For instance, the specialized pontoon system used in a recent recovery costs over $1,200 per hour.

Officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution and follow ice thickness guidelines provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

  • Under 4 inches: Stay off the ice

  • 4 inches: Walking, ice fishing, or other foot traffic

  • 5–7 inches: Snowmobiles or small ATVs

  • 7–8 inches: Side-by-side ATVs

  • 9–12 inches: Cars

  • 13–17 inches: Trucks

  • 20+ inches: Large trucks with shelters

These guidelines are for new, clear ice, and no ice is ever 100% safe.

Minnesota State Statute 86B.106 gives county sheriffs the authority to restrict or prohibit motorized vehicles on ice deemed unsafe. Restrictions must be posted at common access points, and violators may face penalties.

Community Reminder: Before venturing onto frozen lakes, ensure your vehicles and equipment are properly insured, and always check the ice conditions.

Marshall Mobile Home Park Owners Defend Against Allegations in Court

A civil trial has begun in Lyon County District Court against the owners of Broadmoor Valley mobile home park in Marshall.

The lawsuit, filed by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in 2021, accuses Schierholz and Associates, along with Paul Schierholz, of failing to meet state standards for maintaining the park and its streets.

The suit also alleges the owners imposed excessive late rent fees and retaliated against park residents.

Tuesday’s proceedings focused on jury selection, resulting in an eight-member jury.

Following this, attorneys from both sides presented their opening statements. Witness testimony is set to begin today, with the trial scheduled to last 11 days.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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

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