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- Scam Suspects Caught in Olivia Following Attempted $40K Extortion
Scam Suspects Caught in Olivia Following Attempted $40K Extortion
Issue #204
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 22
🗞️ Scam Suspects Caught in Olivia Following Attempted $40K Extortion
🗞️ Tracy Officials Push for $12M in State Bonding for Repairs
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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!
Scam Suspects Caught in Olivia Following Attempted $40K Extortion
Two individuals were taken into custody on February 17, 2025, after an intricate phone and computer scam resulted in a significant financial loss for a local resident.
The scheme began when the victim’s computer was compromised, leading them to believe that making a cash payment was necessary.
On February 11, the victim handed over money to a courier, unaware they were being deceived. Days later, the scammers attempted to collect an additional $40,000, triggering police intervention.
Law enforcement responded to the victim’s residence shortly after 1:00 PM when the courier returned.
Officers, with support from Renville County Deputies, located two male suspects in a vehicle with out-of-state plates and took them into custody on fraud-related charges.
One of the individuals is also facing an immigration hold by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Officials emphasize that scams of this nature are becoming increasingly sophisticated and encourage residents to remain vigilant, verifying financial requests with trusted contacts or authorities.
Tracy Officials Push for $12M in State Bonding for Repairs
City officials are seeking state bonding funds to address long-standing infrastructure issues, including deteriorating clay sewer pipes and streets in poor condition.
The request was presented to the Lyon County commissioners on Tuesday, where support was sought for a letter backing the funding effort.
Commissioners approved and signed the letter.
To advance the initiative, Tracy recently hired a lobbyist to assist in bringing the bonding request before state lawmakers.
The city’s last successful request for state bonding funds was several years ago, and officials are hopeful for progress this year.
Last week, a group of Minnesota state senators introduced a bill proposing a $12 million appropriation for infrastructure updates in Tracy.
If approved, the funding would support projects such as replacing water and sewer mains, upgrading storm sewers, and improving roads. A companion bill is also being sponsored in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
City representatives have a scheduled meeting with a legislative committee to discuss the proposal. In preparation, they are gathering letters of support from local organizations, including the Tracy Area School District, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Sanford Tracy Hospital.
One of the city’s most pressing concerns is water infrastructure.
Older sections of Tracy have significant inflow and infiltration issues, particularly during heavy rains when aging clay sewer pipes allow excess water to enter the system.
Many of these pipes, both in the streets and on private property, are in poor condition, contributing to strain on wastewater treatment facilities.
Along with water and sewer upgrades, the city sees an opportunity to rehabilitate roadways, particularly on the east side of town, where streets are in critical need of repair.
With county commissioners now backing the effort, city officials remain focused on securing state support to move forward with these essential improvements.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
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
Friday, March 7th
KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll
Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9
Saturday, March 15th
Downtown Marshall St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 3:00 PM
Friday, March 21st
KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll
Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9
Saturday, March 22nd
Spring Fling Pet Event at Animal Health Center in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
FREE Photo Booth: Bring your kids and / or pets for spring themed pictures
Free goodie bags for all pets
Free juice and cookies for humans
…and more!
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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
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