Train Halted, Power Pole Damaged in Large Balaton Grass Fire

Issue #250

25 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 61

🗞️ Train Halted, Power Pole Damaged in Large Balaton Grass Fire

🗞️ Xcel Plans Backup Power Facility to Complement Southwest Minnesota Transmission Line

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

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

Train Halted, Power Pole Damaged in Large Balaton Grass Fire

A grass fire near Balaton scorched up to 300 acres on Tuesday, drawing a response from nine local fire departments and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The blaze broke out near Lyon County Road 7 and quickly spread across a mix of wildlife habitat and private conservation property. Fire crews faced challenges due to wetland areas that made access difficult. A DNR helicopter was used to help control the fire along its northern perimeter.

Although no homes were affected, the fire did damage an electric pole and temporarily halted a nearby Canadian Pacific train. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Xcel Plans Backup Power Facility to Complement Southwest Minnesota Transmission Line

A proposed high-voltage transmission line in southwest Minnesota aims to boost access to renewable energy while maintaining a reliable power supply.

As part of the Minnesota Energy Connection project, Xcel Energy plans to build a 420-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant and a new electrical substation near Garvin.

The power plant is intended to serve as a backup energy source, operating primarily during periods when renewable sources like wind and solar are not generating sufficient power.

The facility will not run continuously and will be subject to operational limits, including an expected cap of around 20% of annual hours, pending permit approvals.

An informational meeting about the proposed infrastructure was held in Garvin Tuesday evening, drawing around 20 local landowners. Xcel representatives presented details about the transmission line, generating plant, and substation, which will be located about a mile north of town.

The company plans to file for a certificate of need and site permit in May with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Additional applications for route permits for both electric transmission lines and gas pipeline connections are also in the works. Xcel will seek approval from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for environmental permits as well.

Construction is expected to begin with site grading in 2026, followed by installation of combustion turbines and generators in 2027 and 2028.

The goal is to have the plant operational by 2028. During peak construction, approximately 200 workers will be employed. Once completed, the facility is expected to support about five full-time positions.

Meeting attendees raised concerns and questions about various aspects of the project, including water use, drainage, and noise.

The plant is expected to produce noise levels around 55 decibels at the fence line, roughly comparable to moderate rainfall.

Xcel is also considering on-site well drilling to supply water for evaporative cooling, with alternative plans in place depending on test results.

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.

Thursday, May 1st
Saturday, May 3rd

  • Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser for Food4Kids at Applebee’s in Marshall from 8:00 - 10:00 AM

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

Sunday, May 4th
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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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

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