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- Massive COVID-19 Relief Fraud: Feeding Our Future Founder Convicted in $250M Fraud Scheme
Massive COVID-19 Relief Fraud: Feeding Our Future Founder Convicted in $250M Fraud Scheme
Issue #224
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 43
🗞️ Massive COVID-19 Relief Fraud: Feeding Our Future Founder Convicted in $250M Fraud Scheme
🗞️ AI in the Classroom: Marshall Schools Set Guidelines for the Future
📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!
📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!
Massive COVID-19 Relief Fraud: Feeding Our Future Founder Convicted in $250M Fraud Scheme
Aimee Bock, the founder of Feeding Our Future, and her accomplice, Salim Said, are now in custody, awaiting sentencing after being convicted on multiple federal charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy, and bribery.
The pair played key roles in a large-scale scheme that misappropriated $250 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds meant to provide meals for children in Minnesota.
Prosecutors identified Bock as the central figure behind the fraud, alleging that she was responsible for submitting fraudulent claims, issuing payments, and participating in kickback schemes.
Said, meanwhile, falsely reported serving millions of meals to children through his Safari Restaurant food site.
The jury reached a verdict in just five hours, underscoring the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Bock was found guilty on seven counts, while Said was convicted on 21 counts.
Their sentencing will be determined after a pre-sentencing investigation.
Despite the conviction, Bock’s legal team continues to assert her innocence and intends to appeal the verdict.
Her attorney also voiced concern over her immediate detention, arguing that she does not pose a flight risk and lacks the financial resources to flee.
The sentencing date for both Bock and Said has not yet been announced.
AI in the Classroom: Marshall Schools Set Guidelines for the Future
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, Marshall Public Schools is taking steps to integrate it effectively in classrooms.
Recognizing both the benefits and challenges AI presents, the school board recently approved an updated Digital Learning Handbook, set to take effect for the 2025-26 school year.
Marshall Public Schools has been an early adopter of AI tools, implementing MagicSchool AI for staff in January 2024.
This platform, used by educators nationwide, provides more than 80 tools and templates designed to assist teachers in lesson planning and classroom instruction. It includes built-in safeguards, ensuring that identifiable student information is not used.
Building on this initiative, the district has now introduced MagicSchool for Students, initially rolling it out to grades 7 through 12. This AI tool offers a controlled environment where teachers manage student access and monitor interactions.
Among the 50 tools available, students can utilize features such as a research assistant, a chatbot named Raina, and writing feedback tools designed to enhance learning.
The district actively tracks AI usage, noting a steady increase since implementation. In February, staff used MagicSchool AI 1,941 times—the highest activity recorded since its launch.
The most popular tool among teachers has been Raina, used by nearly 45% of educators. For students, the Character Chatbot and Writing Feedback tools have been the most frequently accessed.
With AI becoming a key resource in education, the newly approved Digital Learning Handbook outlines expectations for responsible use.
It highlights AI’s potential to support student learning while also cautioning against over-reliance, emphasizing the importance of developing independent critical thinking and writing skills.
The handbook also reinforces academic integrity, stating that while AI tools may assist with research and organization, students must ensure their work remains original.
Beyond school policies, the Minnesota Department of Education has provided guiding principles for AI in education. The department acknowledges AI’s ability to enhance learning experiences through accessibility and automation while also recognizing challenges such as data privacy, transparency, and the need for teacher training.
Marshall Public Schools remains committed to adapting as AI technology evolves.
The district plans to continue professional development for educators, ensuring they are equipped to use AI tools effectively while maintaining ethical and responsible standards in the classroom.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
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 $14, 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
Tuesday, March 25th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Needle felting from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM ($40)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Wednesday, March 26th
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Saturday, March 29th
Cottonwood Spring Vendor Show at the Lakeview High School in Cottonwood from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Easter Bunny mini photo sessions at the YMCA in Marshall brought to you by Keel Photography from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
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
Sunday, March 30th
The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra presents Concerto da Camera at First Lutheran Church in Marshall at 5:00 PM
Wednesday, April 2nd (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
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Friday - Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Drawing Workshop ($300)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Friday, April 4th
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, April 5th
Habitat for Humanity’s Spring Market at Market Street Mall from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, April 7th
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, April 9th
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Sunday, April 12th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Adult Carving from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($55)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Wednesday, April 16th
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Thursday, April 17th
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, April 18th
Glo-Wild Egg Hunt at location TBD from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 19th
Easter Egg Swim at the YMCA in Marshall at 9:30 AM
Sign up for just $5
Wood Lake Easter Egg Hunt at Freedom Park (weather permitting) starting at 10:00 AM for children 2-7
Bring your basket to collect eggs
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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