Alcohol Suspected in Olivia Rollover Crash

Issue #209

28 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 45

🗞️ MCC Considers Four-Day School Week to Address Budget Challenges

🗞️ Alcohol Suspected in Olivia Rollover Crash

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

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

MCC Considers Four-Day School Week to Address Budget Challenges

The Murray County Central (MCC) School District is exploring the switch to a four-day school week starting next school year, pending approval from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

The proposal follows months of research, public meetings, and community feedback, with the district submitting its application to the MDE. A decision is expected by late April.

The initiative stems from the district’s efforts to cut costs amid declining enrollment. The 2023-24 school year saw a drop in student numbers, resulting in a revenue loss of $210,000.

Rising inflation and insurance costs have further strained the district’s budget.

Community input played a key role in the process.

Three public meetings were held, and 657 survey responses were collected. Among the top concerns was child care for young students on the extra day off.

The district is working with Shetek Environmental Education Center to offer a day program for grades K-6, though at an additional cost. Another major concern was the potential reduction in hours for hourly staff, which could affect their income.

If the four-day schedule is approved, the district will add 30 minutes to each of the four school days to meet the state-required 1,020 instructional hours.

Bus routes will remain largely the same, with most of the extra time added at the end of the day. Extracurricular activities will continue as usual, and the district will expand its backpack program to provide extra meals for students in need.

Cost savings, improved staff retention, and potential mental health benefits for students and staff were identified as possible positive outcomes.

The district estimates saving approximately $3,500 per day on transportation alone, with around 30 fewer school days in the calendar.

Currently, seven Minnesota school districts operate on a four-day school week, with others considering the transition.

The MCC school board voted 5-1 in favor of submitting the application to the MDE. If approved, the new schedule would take effect in the 2025-26 school year.

If denied, the district will continue with the five-day week and pursue alternative budget cuts.

Alcohol Suspected in Olivia Rollover Crash

police

A high-speed crash on Monday evening resulted in serious injuries for an Olivia man. The Renville County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a speeding vehicle followed by the sound of a crash around 9:14 PM

The incident occurred on the 330th block of 820th Avenue near the southern edge of Olivia in Troy Township.

Preliminary investigations indicated that 27-year-old Aaron Randgaard of Olivia was driving a 2006 Pontiac Prix westbound when he lost control of the vehicle.

The car veered off the roadway, struck a power pole, and rolled over. Randgaard, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries.

He was initially transported to Olivia Hospital before being airlifted to St. Cloud for further treatment.

Authorities believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

Emergency response was provided by Olivia Ambulance, Fire Department, and Police Department, along with North Air Care and the Minnesota State Patrol.

The Renville County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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
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!

  • Youth Sports Activities & Expo at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Saturday, March 29th
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th

  • 2025 Culligan Water Marshall Home Show at the Red Baron Arena and Expo Center in Marshall

    • Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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