$1.98M Approved for Safety Upgrade on Highway 23

Issue #246

21 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 66

🗞️ $1.98M Approved for Safety Upgrade on Highway 23

🗞️ SMSU President to Retire in 2025 After Six Years of Growth and Innovation

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

$1.98M Approved for Safety Upgrade on
Highway 23

A major safety upgrade is planned for a busy intersection near Marshall High School, thanks to federal funding awarded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced over $1.9 million will go toward the construction of a J-turn at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 23 and Tiger Drive.

The J-turn design is intended to reduce the risk of severe side-impact collisions, commonly known as “T-bone” crashes. The project is scheduled for construction in 2028.

This initiative is one of three road safety projects in southwestern Minnesota receiving a combined total of $2.686 million in HSIP funds.

In addition to the Highway 23 project, the funding will support the development of a roundabout at the U.S. Highway 212 and Highway 15 intersection in Brownton, and the addition of safety features like chevron signs, rumble strips, and improved lighting across District 8.

The plan to build a J-turn at Tiger Drive stemmed from community input gathered during a stakeholder meeting organized by the Marshall Area Transportation Group in 2024.

Residents and local officials identified the intersection near the high school as a high-risk area, particularly during peak school traffic hours.

Due to the volume of turning vehicles and the complex traffic patterns at the site, the intersection was seen as a priority for improvement.

Other J-turns installed along the Highway 23 corridor have shown a significant reduction in serious accidents, making this a proven solution for enhancing safety in the area.

SMSU President to Retire in 2025 After Six Years of Growth and Innovation

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) President Kumara Jayasuriya will retire on May 15, 2025, concluding a six-year tenure marked by efforts to boost enrollment, expand academic offerings, and strengthen community and industry partnerships.

Since taking office in 2019, Jayasuriya has overseen notable progress at SMSU, including a nearly 20% increase in enrollment—reaching the university’s highest fall enrollment in 14 years—and significant advancements in fundraising, with close to $24 million raised toward a $30 million campaign goal.

His tenure also saw the introduction of new academic programs, strategic collaboration with local industries, and key improvements to campus infrastructure.

Jayasuriya brought experience from leadership and faculty positions at West Virginia State University, Purdue University-North Central, and Indiana University East.

Under his guidance, SMSU navigated a complex higher education landscape with a focus on innovation, student success, and community engagement.

Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson announced that an interim president will be appointed to lead SMSU starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The selection process is open to current and former employees within the Minnesota State system, in line with administrative personnel policies.

Applications and nominations must be submitted by noon on May 12, 2025, with interviews scheduled for May 29.

The interim president will fulfill the duties of the university’s chief executive officer, which include advancing institutional goals, managing resources, and engaging with both campus and local communities.

Those serving in the interim role may also be considered for the permanent position.

A national search for SMSU’s next permanent president will launch in early fall. Chancellor Olson plans to visit the Marshall campus to meet with university stakeholders and gather input to help inform the search process.

Community members are encouraged to share their perspectives directly with the system office.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Friday, April 25th
Saturday, April 26th
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

Wednesday, April 30th and Thursday, May 1st

  • GIVEAWAY Garage Sale on the parking lot at First Lutheran in Marshall from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

    • 100 Church Street Marshall

    • This is a GIVEAWAY, FREE garage sale. All items will be unmarked.

    • We ask that people take only what they need and can use.

    • If you wish to make a donation, they will be accepted for Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp.

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
Saturday, May 17th

  • Made in Minnesota Craft Beer & Wine Festival at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall from 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Special Community Events

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