Cottonwood Lake Rescue: Catie Dahl’s Quick Actions Prevent Tragedy

Issue #193

06 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 25

🗞️ Cottonwood Lake Rescue: Catie Dahl’s Quick Actions Prevent Tragedy

🗞️ Lyon County Sees Surge in Traffic Enforcement, Arrests, and 911 Calls

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

Cottonwood Lake Rescue: Catie Dahl’s Quick Actions Prevent Tragedy

Catie Dahl is being recognized for her heroic actions after saving a man from drowning in Cottonwood Lake.

On January 20, Dahl rushed to help when a vehicle broke through the ice, despite the sub-zero temperatures. She left her home, crawled to the edge of the open water, and held onto the man, keeping him calm until Cottonwood Fire Department rescuers arrived.

In recognition of her bravery, Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen, along with the Cottonwood Fire Department and Ambulance Service, presented Dahl with a life-saving award during the February 3 city council meeting.

Lyon County Sees Surge in Traffic Enforcement, Arrests, and 911 Calls

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to over 2,000 more incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a significant increase in traffic stops contributing to the surge.

Sheriff Eric Wallen attributed much of the rise to an effort to enhance traffic safety throughout the county.

Traffic stops conducted by deputies more than doubled, jumping from 1,655 in 2023 to 3,942 in 2024. These stops led to a combination of warnings and citations, and in some cases, arrests for driving without a license or DUI.

Speeding was the most common violation.

In an annual report presented to county commissioners, Wallen provided insights into law enforcement activities, including 911 dispatch operations and jail populations.

The Sheriff’s Office received a total of 8,134 calls for service in 2024, up from 5,679 the previous year. This total reflects only calls handled by the Sheriff’s Office and does not include incidents managed by other law enforcement agencies such as the Marshall, Minneota, or Tracy Police Departments.

Lyon County’s 911 dispatch center also saw a high volume of activity, receiving 5,893 emergency calls in 2024. Dispatchers maintained an average call pick-up time of three seconds, ensuring swift responses for law enforcement and emergency responders across the county.

The Sheriff’s Office met its contracted patrol hours in Balaton, Cottonwood, Ghent, Lynd, and Russell, despite occasional staffing challenges.

Jail bookings remained relatively stable year over year. Inmates were booked into the Lyon County Jail 761 times in 2024, a slight decrease from 796 in 2023. On average, the jail housed about 33 inmates per day, with most serving an average stay of 15 days.

Wallen noted that while the number of people booked into jail has remained consistent, inmates are spending less time in custody.

Changes in the criminal justice system, particularly adjustments to bail amounts, have played a role in this trend. Minnesota’s bail system includes both conditional and unconditional bail options, allowing some individuals to be released under specific conditions such as drug testing and sobriety requirements.

While this approach aims to balance fairness and public safety, it has shown mixed results, with some individuals successfully maintaining compliance while others reoffend.

Lyon County continues to house inmates from Murray County under a contract agreement, with 65 Murray County inmates booked into the jail in 2024.

The Sheriff’s Office remains focused on traffic enforcement, public safety, and efficient emergency response as law enforcement demands continue to rise across the county.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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

  • Pre-Valentine’s Weekend Comedy Show at The Rock: Dining & Events in Granite Falls at 8:00 PM

    • Special Event with David Harris

  • Wood Lake Fire Department Fish Fry from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Wood Lake Community Club

Thursday, February 13th
Friday, February 14th
Saturday, February 15th

  • It’s Always Summer Somewhere Bingo at Cottonwood Community Center starting at 7:00 PM

    • Nacho Bar or Potato Bar plus Bingo snacks available

  • Lake That Speaks Candlelight Hike at Group Camp 2, Lac qui Parle State Park from 6:30 - 8:30 PM

  • South Western Prairie Outdoors Club Ice Fishing Contest on Wood Lake (4 miles north of the town of Wood Lake) from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • $20 / person entry fee

Sunday, February 16th

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

Saturday, February 22nd

  • 2025 Mustang Gold Rush Raffle at R/A Facility at SMSU social hour starting at 6:00 PM

    • Tickets are $100/ person which includes entry into the event & into the reverse raffle.

    • Enjoy live and silent auctions, along with casino games and a variety of other fun games.

      • The grand prize of $5,000 is awarded to the last remaining raffle ticket holder.

      • $2,000 is awarded to the second remaining ticket holder.

      • 3rd, 4th and 5th remaining ticket holders will each be awarded $1,000.

      • A $100 prize will be awarded seven other times during the raffle.

      • $500 will be awarded for the 350th ticket drawn.

Sunday, February 23rd

  • Brunch at the Wood Lake Community Center from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

    • free will donations

Wednesday, February 26th

  • 2025 State of the City Address at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Upper Conference Center starting at 11:30 AM

    • Tickets are $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for Non-Chamber Members

    • Lunch included

Monday, March 3rd

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, March 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

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