62 Lives Lost on Minnesota Roads in First Quarter of 2025

Issue #234

04 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌧️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light rain with a high of 42

🗞️ Despite Cuts, Local Social Security Office Remains Accessible

🗞️ 62 Lives Lost on Minnesota Roads in First Quarter of 2025

🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Despite Cuts, Local Social Security Office Remains Accessible

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is undergoing major changes, including a nationwide reorganization and plans to reduce its workforce by thousands.

Despite these shifts, the SSA field office in Marshall remains open and continues to serve residents in the area.

Earlier this year, the SSA announced its intention to lower staffing levels from around 57,000 to a target of 50,000 employees. As part of the restructuring, the agency also plans to move away from its current system of 10 regional offices and instead operate under seven Deputy Commissioner-level organizations.

While these structural changes are significant, SSA officials have confirmed that no local field offices, including Marshall’s, have been permanently closed or scheduled for closure.

Though the SSA has not released specific information about how these changes will affect the Marshall location, representatives have directed the public to official press statements. Staff at the local office have also stated they are unable to provide additional details beyond what has already been shared publicly.

In March, the SSA rolled out updates aimed at making it easier for people to apply for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Starting April 14, applicants for these programs will be able to complete their claims over the phone, reducing the need for in-person visits.

However, those who cannot use a personal “my Social Security” online account may still be required to verify their identity in person when applying for certain benefits, including Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary benefits, or when updating direct deposit information.

The SSA also noted that in some exceptional cases—such as individuals with terminal conditions or those in pre-release from incarceration—it is developing processes to waive in-person identity proofing.

To support these updated policies and ensure adequate staffing for in-person services, SSA frontline employees are now required to work onsite five days a week. This move is part of the agency’s broader effort to improve customer service and streamline operations.

The Marshall SSA office, located on Jewett Street, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. While many services—such as applying for benefits, updating information, or requesting a new Social Security card—can be done online at www.ssa.gov, some still require an appointment at a local office.

Marshall’s field office remains a key resource in southwest Minnesota, with the next closest SSA locations in Sioux Falls, Fairmont, and Mankato.

As the SSA continues its internal changes, the agency has emphasized its commitment to serving communities through both digital services and in-person support where it’s needed most.

62 Lives Lost on Minnesota Roads in First Quarter of 2025

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Despite mild winter weather and generally favorable road conditions in early 2025, Minnesota has recorded a concerning number of traffic fatalities. In the first three months of the year, 62 people have lost their lives on state roadways, underscoring the persistent dangers that go beyond snow and ice.

Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and the failure to use seat belts continue to be leading contributors to fatal crashes. Even with clear roads, these risky behaviors have proven deadly.

April brings renewed attention to distracted driving, as law enforcement ramps up efforts to reduce preventable accidents. Distractions come in many forms—visual, manual, and mental—and cell phone use is especially hazardous because it combines all three. The state’s hands-free law makes it illegal for drivers to hold their phones for any reason, whether adjusting GPS, changing music, or reading a message.

While the winter has been relatively tame, recent slushy conditions have still caused problems. Vehicles sliding off the road are often linked to worn tires or driving too fast for the conditions.

Another often-overlooked danger is drowsy driving, which can become more prevalent after daylight saving time changes. Lack of sleep affects drivers of all ages and experience levels, reducing reaction time and increasing the risk of crashes.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to stay focused, obey speed limits, avoid impairments, and always wear seat belts to help make Minnesota roads safer for everyone.

Upcoming Area Events

 đź—“️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday - Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6th
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
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

Saturday, April 12th

  • Eggstravaganza at Lakeview Schools in Cottonwood from 9:00 - 10:30 AM

  • Granite Area Arts Council classes: Adult Carving from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($55)

  • Eggstravaganza at Boulder Estates in Marshall from 1:00 - 3:00 PM

    • Fun games, face painting, snacks, get your photo taken with the Eater Bunny

    • Recommended for kis 8 and under

  • Chick Days at Runnings in Marshall

    • pictures with the Easter Bunny from 11 AM - 1 PM

    • Ask questions with the Chicken Experts from 10 AM - 2 PM

    • Take pictures with bunnies & lambs from 11 AM - 1 PM

    • and more

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

Friday, April 25th
Tuesday, April 29th

  • Hope Harbor's Dessert Frenzy at 5:30 P.M. in the Upper Room in Marshall

    • Enjoy a night of fellowship, music, stories, appetizers and delicious gourmet desserts in support of Hope Harbor.

    • There is not cost to register for this fundraising event. During the program and entertainment, we'll ask that you consider a monetary donation to Hope Harbor.

    • Registration is required to ensure seating.

    • Adults only event.

    • Your support will make a difference in the lives of the families Hope Harbor serves.

    • Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HopeHarbor1/DessertFrenzy

Special Community Events

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