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Marshall’s Vision for 2025: Parks, Aquatic Center, and Major Upgrades in 2025

Issue #186

28 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 47

🗞️ Marshall’s Vision for 2025: Parks, Aquatic Center, and Major Upgrades in 2025

🗞️ Marshall Schools Lawsuit Moves Forward as Principal Files Federal Appeal

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

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

Marshall’s Vision for 2025: Parks, Aquatic Center, and Major Upgrades in 2025

The City of Marshall is looking ahead to significant projects and initiatives in 2025, ranging from infrastructure upgrades to community development efforts. Mayor Bob Byrnes recently outlined several priorities guided by the city’s strategic plan, including park improvements, major construction projects, and addressing challenges in housing and childcare.

New Aquatic Center on Track for 2026

A highlight of the city’s strategic plan is the development of a new aquatic center, funded through the local option sales tax approved by voters. Initial designs exceeded budget limits, prompting a redesign to balance costs while meeting community expectations. Final plans are expected this month, with construction beginning in 2025 and a projected opening by summer 2026. The new facility will remain centrally located near Saratoga Street and College Drive, ensuring easy access for residents.

Comprehensive Park Plan in Progress

Marshall’s park system is slated for thoughtful updates with the development of a comprehensive park plan, expected to be completed by 2026. This initiative will assess current amenities and consider new recreational needs, such as growing demand for activities like pickleball. The city plans to use the upcoming year to identify funding and outline a long-term vision to ensure parks remain vibrant and adaptable as the community grows.

Highway 19 Reconstruction Project

A major two-year reconstruction project on Highway 19 is set to begin this spring. The $25 million project will overhaul the roadway and replace critical infrastructure like stormwater and sewer systems. A federal grant of $15.5 million is helping to reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers. Additional improvements to surrounding streets, such as Charles Street and Minnesota Street, are also planned, with construction to start this spring.

Combating the Emerald Ash Borer

Marshall continues efforts to manage its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation, first identified in 2023. The city is removing and replacing ash trees over a 10- to 15-year period, aiming to protect public spaces and diversify the local tree canopy. So far, approximately 200 ash trees have been replaced with 400 new ones. Residents can access rebates for tree removal and replacement through a DNR grant.

Liberty Park Bandshell Replacement

The aging bandshell at Liberty Park, originally built in the 1950s, is a top priority for replacement. Structural concerns have prompted the city to request state funding through legacy funds to support the project. City leaders hope for approval during the current legislative session to begin planning for a safer, more modern facility.

Economic Development Efforts

Marshall’s economic growth continues with several active projects. Among the most notable is the redevelopment of the former Shopko building into a Marshalls retail store, slated to open in April. Other initiatives include discussions about a new hotel near Red Baron Arena and efforts to attract businesses to the area. The Solugen project, a large-scale industrial venture, also promises job creation and economic expansion over the next several years.

Addressing Housing and Childcare Needs

The city faces ongoing challenges in housing and childcare availability. Affordable housing options remain limited, and long waiting lists for childcare continue to burden families. New rental developments are in progress, but city leaders are working with organizations like UCAP to provide down-payment assistance for families looking to transition into homeownership.

Marshall’s strategic initiatives reflect its role as a regional hub for employment, education, and recreation. City leaders are committed to addressing these challenges and maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

Marshall Schools Lawsuit Moves Forward as Principal Files Federal Appeal

A former Marshall Middle School principal is continuing her legal battle against the Marshall Public School District by appealing the dismissal of her lawsuit.

Attorneys for Mary Kay Thomas recently submitted a brief to the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, challenging a prior ruling by a federal judge. The brief argues that Thomas’s actions—supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in the school—were protected under the First Amendment and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Her legal team seeks to overturn the previous court decision and bring her claims to trial.

Thomas filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that the school district removed her as principal after she refused to take down an LGBTQ+ pride flag displayed in the middle school cafeteria and supported a student-led gay-straight alliance. According to the complaint, these actions led to retaliation from district leaders and other groups within the community.

In October, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed Thomas’s claims, stating that her allegations of discrimination did not meet the criteria under the Civil Rights Act.

The appeal asserts that the court misinterpreted the circumstances, arguing that Thomas acted as a private citizen when advocating for LGBTQ+ students and was subjected to retaliation by the school district. The brief also cites testimony and communications from school personnel, district leaders, and community members to support claims of opposition to her advocacy.

The school district, its board members, and Superintendent Jeremy Williams have until February 20 to submit their response to the appeals court.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Saturday, February 1st

  • VIP Event at Ashley Homestore in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    • Enjoy refreshments and amazing discounts

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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