Proposed Bill Seeks to Ease Childcare Hiring Requirements in Minnesota

Issue #210

03 Mar

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 54

🗞️ Proposed Bill Seeks to Ease Childcare Hiring Requirements in Minnesota

🗞️ Marshall Extends Partnership with TKDA for Airport Engineering Services

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

Proposed Bill Seeks to Ease Childcare Hiring Requirements in Minnesota

A bill introduced in the Minnesota House aims to revise qualifications for working or volunteering in licensed childcare centers, with supporters saying it could ease childcare challenges in the state.

Authored by Representative Paul Torkelson of Hanska, the bill seeks to simplify the current mix of statutes and rules governing childcare.

Advocates argue that loosening some regulations could reduce costs, while maintaining safety as the primary focus.

Proponents suggest that experienced leaders should have the flexibility to hire and train individuals willing to learn and positively impact children's development, rather than limiting staff to those with formal education.

Opponents, however, question whether the bill would make childcare more affordable without cutting wages. Concerns have been raised that cost savings might come at the expense of fair pay for workers.

The bill was set aside for possible inclusion in a broader legislative package.

Marshall Extends Partnership with TKDA for Airport Engineering Services

Marshall City Council has chosen to continue its partnership with St. Paul-based engineering firm TKDA for architectural and engineering services at the Marshall airport through 2030.

Council members approved a professional services agreement with TKDA, extending a relationship that has been in place since 1992.

The selection followed a request for qualifications from consulting engineering firms to provide services over the next five years, a process required by the FAA either on a five-year term or per project basis.

Two firms, TKDA and Bolton & Menk, submitted proposals for consideration. Both proposals were reviewed by the Marshall airport commission and forwarded to a selection committee.

The committee ultimately recommended TKDA, citing the firm's long-standing relationship with the city and its experience with airport projects.

While the agreement establishes the terms of services TKDA will provide, it does not include specific dollar amounts.

Payment terms for engineering and planning work are outlined within the contract.

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

Tuesday, March 4th

  • 39th Annual Meatball Fundraiser at Granite Falls UCC (210 9th Avenue)

    • Takeout & delivers 3:30 - 6:00 PM

    • Limited seating from 4:30 - 6:30 PM

    • $15 for adults; $10 for kids under 12

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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