Overnight Fire Destroys Hog Barn and 4,000 Hogs

Issue #195

11 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 3

🗞️ Overnight Fire Destroys Hog Barn and 4,000 Hogs

🗞️ Minnesota Inventor Introduces Chemical-Free Water Purification

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

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

Overnight Fire Destroys Hog Barn and 4,000 Hogs

A late-night fire last Wednesday resulted in the total destruction of a hog barn and the loss of approximately 4,000 hogs.

Firefighters responded to a call around 11:50 PM on the 31000 block of 570th Avenue, arriving to find a 102-by-148-foot barn fully engulfed in flames.

Despite extensive efforts from multiple fire departments, the structure and all livestock inside were completely lost.

The property owner has not yet assessed the financial impact of the fire.

Fire crews from Austin and Rose Creek assisted Brownsdale firefighters, with Mayo Ambulance also providing support. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Emergency crews remained on the scene until approximately 4:50 AM.

Minnesota Inventor Introduces Chemical-Free Water Purification

A groundbreaking prototype designed to rapidly clean lakes and other bodies of water has been developed by Mark Gaalswyk, a local entrepreneur and founder of multiple innovative businesses.

His latest company, Easy Modular Manufacturing, launched Easy NanoVoid Technology, a system that utilizes microscopic bubbles to purify water without the use of chemicals or filters.

Gaalswyk, who has a background in physics, first became interested in nano bubbles in 2012 but did not fully pursue the concept until 2020.

With his sons and general manager taking on more responsibilities at Easy Automation, he had the time to focus on developing the new technology.

The system works by creating minuscule bubbles—so small they are only visible under a laser beam—that stay suspended in water for an extended period.

Unlike conventional aerators that produce larger bubbles dissipating quickly, these microscopic bubbles remain active for up to a month. When introduced into a body of water, they interact with algae and bacteria, promoting the growth of oxygen-loving bacteria that naturally break down algae.

Initial tests of the prototype showed promising results.

A local pond covered in algae began clearing after four days of treatment, and within a month, the water had fully cleared even without the unit running.

The technology has since been tested on a larger lake, golf course ponds in Arizona, and even a swimming pool, all with successful outcomes.

The system is designed to be adaptable for different needs, with four unit sizes now available. The smallest model, showcased at the Minneapolis Boat Show, can treat 16,000 gallons of water per hour and is suited for private lake property owners.

Larger units are capable of treating entire lakes, golf courses, and swimming pools. The technology is also remotely monitored and controlled, similar to automation systems used in feed mills.

Beyond algae control, the system has shown potential in other applications, including using nitrogen bubbles to break down oil, which could lead to more effective oil spill cleanup.

Interest in the technology has already been expressed from other states and international markets, including Africa, where access to clean water is a major concern.

Manufacturing of the units is beginning in southern Minnesota, with automation control panels being produced at Gaalswyk’s facility in Welcome.

He hopes the development of this technology highlights the innovation happening within small-town businesses, showing that solutions with global impact can originate from local communities.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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

  • Tea & Sweets at the Lyon County Museum in Marshall from 2:00 - 4:00 PM

  • 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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