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- Crash Near Clara City Sends One to Avera-Granite Falls Hospital
Crash Near Clara City Sends One to Avera-Granite Falls Hospital
Issue #235
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 36
🗞️ Local Libraries Face Uncertainty as National Funding Shrinks
🗞️ Crash Near Clara City Sends One to Avera-Granite Falls Hospital
📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!
📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Local Libraries Face Uncertainty as National Funding Shrinks

The interlibrary loan system is a vital resource for readers across southwest Minnesota, allowing thousands of books and materials to be shared between libraries each year.
But concerns are growing among regional library leaders over how long this popular service can continue amid federal funding cuts.
The Plum Creek Library System (PCLS), which serves nine counties in southwest Minnesota, currently processes around 11,000 interlibrary loans annually through a statewide program.
This program depends in part on federal funding distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that supports both libraries and museums across the country.
While local library services haven't yet felt the impact, recent changes at the IMLS have raised serious questions about the future. In March, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump called for reductions in several federal agencies, including IMLS, directing them to scale back operations to only those required by law.
Shortly afterward, CBS News reported that a majority of IMLS staff had been placed on administrative leave, signaling deeper cuts ahead.
In 2024, IMLS awarded over $4.7 million in federal funding to support library and museum services across Minnesota. That total included more than $3.1 million to the Minnesota Department of Education’s library services and over $1.5 million for various museum programs.
Local beneficiaries included institutions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Lower Sioux Indian Community, which received funding for educational events.
The potential consequences of these funding cuts were a major point of discussion this week among Minnesota’s regional library directors. While interlibrary loans between PCLS member libraries will continue unaffected, broader services provided through the MNLINK system may be at risk.
MNLINK, which allows patrons to request materials from libraries statewide, is run by Minitex, a library organization based at the University of Minnesota. Minitex receives federal funding through the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by IMLS.
That funding supports much more than just book loans. It helps maintain access to eBooks, historical archives, and digital databases like eLibrary Minnesota, which provides access to magazines, newspapers, and academic resources statewide.
Library leaders across the region, along with many patrons, have begun voicing concerns about what these changes could mean for the future. While funding is expected to continue through June, the uncertainty has prompted local and state library systems to begin considering potential adjustments.
For now, services remain intact, but with so many resources tied to federal support, library leaders are keeping a close eye on developments—and preparing for possible changes ahead.
Crash Near Clara City Sends One to Avera-Granite Falls Hospital

A Boyd resident was injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday evening near Clara City in Chippewa County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the collision happened around 8:30 PM at the intersection of Highway 23 and Highway 7.
A 2016 Hyundai Elantra was heading south on Highway 23 while a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan was traveling west on Highway 7 when the vehicles collided in the intersection.
The driver of the Dodge, a 74-year-old man from Boyd, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Avera-Granite Falls Hospital for treatment.
The occupants of the Hyundai, a 17-year-old driver from Willmar and a 16-year-old passenger from Granite Falls, were not injured in the crash.
Emergency responders from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and Clara City Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
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)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
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
Sunday, April 13th
Palm Sunday and Brunch at First Lutheran in Marshall
Brunch is from 8:45-9:30am and 10:30am-11:15am. Free will offering for brunch
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
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 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
Good Friday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 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
Sunday, April 20th
Easter Sunday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Both services include Holy Communion (livestream available at 9:30 AM).
Friday, April 25th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Pressed Flowers at - 6:00 PM ($25)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
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
Monday, May 5th
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, May 7th (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
Special Community Events


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