Minneota School Seeks $24.8M Bond for Critical Repairs and Expansion

Issue #185

27 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 41

🗞️ Minneota School Seeks $24.8M Bond for Critical Repairs and Expansion

🗞️ Jurors Hear Testimony on Conditions at Marshall’s Broadmoor Valley

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Minneota School Seeks $24.8M Bond for Critical Repairs and Expansion

Minneota Public School is seeking approval for a $24.815 million bonding bill to fund critical building repairs and site improvements. Residents will vote on February 11 at the Minneota Community Center.

The referendum has two parts, requiring separate votes. The first question requests $11.725 million for ADA-compliant restroom upgrades, asbestos removal, improved HVAC systems, roof and window repairs, parking lot reconstruction, and energy-efficient features like a dual-fuel boiler and air-cooled chiller.

The second question, dependent on the first, asks for $13.090 million for interior updates, including three new elementary classrooms, a STEM lab, a redesigned cafeteria, CTE workshop upgrades, a wrestling room, a storm shelter, and a larger parking lot.

Funding will come from taxpayers and the Ag2School tax credit, which provides a 70% credit to agricultural landowners. If approved, the credit would cover $13.1 million—53% of the cost. Tax increases are estimated at $0.16 per acre for agricultural homestead land valued at $15,000 per acre, and $12.27 per month for a $200,000 home.

With nearly 600 K-12 students, the district highlights the urgent need for modernized facilities to support growing enrollment and evolving educational needs.

Construction could start in summer 2026, with the first phase completed by January 2027. Early absentee voting runs through February 10, with a final listening session on February 4 at the school’s conference room.

Jurors Hear Testimony on Conditions at Marshall’s Broadmoor Valley

Witnesses took the stand Thursday in the lawsuit against Broadmoor Valley mobile home park owners, Schierholz and Associates, accused of failing to meet state maintenance standards.

Filed by the Minnesota Attorney General in 2021, the case highlights alleged neglect of park infrastructure.

Testimony included environmental health manager Jason Kloss, who previously noted inspection reports citing standing water and potholes at the park.

However, attorneys for the owners presented later reports from 2022-2024 that showed no road issues. Kloss confirmed that in a prior lawsuit, he testified the roads permitted travel.

Former resident Kristina Strandmark, who lived at Broadmoor Valley from 2014 to 2019, described unplowed streets after snowstorms and porch damage caused by a falling tree branch she had asked management to trim.

Shawn and Misty Butler, local residents who helped tenants form the Residents United association in 2018, also testified.

Shawn recounted a cleanup event followed by a potluck on vacant lots, after which a nearby resident was billed for using the space. He noted a decline in association meeting attendance afterward.

Misty Butler discussed organizing events like a “Walk for Dignity” and collaborating with city officials and nonprofits to support tenants.

Attorneys questioned whether residents hoped the lawsuit would force a sale of the park; she stated the Attorney General’s Office ruled out that possibility.

The trial will proceed with further witness testimony, according to Judge Tricia Zimmer.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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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