Basement Fire Damages Marshall Office Building

Issue #240

14 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light rain with a high of 48

🗞️ Basement Fire Damages Marshall Office Building

🗞️ Lyon County Sees Spike in REAL ID Requests Ahead of Deadline

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

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

Basement Fire Damages Marshall Office Building

A basement fire caused damage to a business located at the corner of East College Drive and Carrow Street in Marshall on Thursday morning.

The incident temporarily redirected traffic as firefighters worked to control the situation.

Marshall firefighters responded quickly, staging a fire engine on East College Drive and connecting hoses to a nearby hydrant. The building sustained smoke and water damage, but there were no immediate signs of structural harm.

Investigators determined that the fire originated in the basement, likely involving an appliance such as a sump pump or dehumidifier.

The fire was reported at the Farmers Union Agency insurance office after a tenant in the building noticed a strange noise and discovered the fire.

Emergency response was somewhat complex due to the building's layout, which included two separate suites. Fire crews had to inspect and ventilate both units.

Additionally, large trees and the building's close proximity to East College Drive made it challenging to position fire equipment. A nearby hydrant’s location added to the difficulty.

To ensure safe and efficient access for emergency vehicles, authorities temporarily closed Carrow Street and one lane of East College Drive.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Marshall Police Department assisted with redirecting traffic around the scene.

Lyon County Sees Spike in REAL ID Requests Ahead of Deadline

With a new federal ID requirement taking effect May 7, Minnesotans are increasingly visiting the Lyon County Government Center to apply for REAL ID cards.

The Lyon County driver’s license office, part of the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, has seen a recent rise in daily visitors, many of whom are either applying for REAL ID or seeking information about how to do so.

Starting next month, individuals aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID, an enhanced driver’s license, or another federally approved form of identification, such as a passport, in order to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities like military bases. Standard state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards will no longer meet the new security requirements.

As of March 1, approximately 40% of Minnesota residents had obtained a REAL ID. While not mandatory for everyone, the new ID is essential for those who wish to fly within the U.S. or access restricted federal sites.

Minnesota residents also have the option of applying for an enhanced driver’s license, which meets REAL ID requirements and offers additional travel benefits. Enhanced licenses allow land and sea travel into Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean destinations. Despite this, REAL ID remains the more popular option in Lyon County.

Currently, it takes about six weeks for REAL ID cards to be delivered. While residents can still apply after the May 7 deadline, anyone planning to fly soon is encouraged to apply as early as possible.

To apply for REAL ID, applicants must provide several forms of documentation. These include proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of citizenship), proof of Social Security number, and two documents verifying current Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, tax return, or bank statement).

Those whose legal names differ from the name on their birth certificate must also bring certified documents verifying name changes, including marriage certificates or court orders. Multiple name changes require documentation for each one.

More information, including appointment scheduling and a full list of acceptable documents, is available on Lyon County’s website: https://www.lyonco.org/departments/driver-license-and-identification-cards.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Monday, April 14th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company auditions for the summer musical Willy Wonka at St. Stephen Lutheran, 1401 South 4th Street Marshall from
    6:00 - 8:30 PM. For more information

Tuesday, April 15th

  • “Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall” a historic presentation by Frank Sachs at the Lyon County Museum at 6:30 PM

    • free will donation

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

  • Lynd Fire Department Fish Fry at Lynd Public School from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

    • Free Will Donation

    • All you can eat (or until gone)

    • Featuring Fish, Baked Potato, Coleslaw, Dinner Roll, Pop & Juice

    • Proceeds benefit Lynd Fire Relief Association to help offset the cost of repairs, equipment & training.

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
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

Thursday, May 8th - Saturday, May 10th

  • Spring 2025 Rummage Sale in Cottonwood

Saturday, May 10th
Special Community Events

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