DNR Postpones New Electronic Licensing System Rollout

Issue #252

29 Apr

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 59

🗞️ Marshall Schools May Seek Referendum to Address $1M Deficit

🗞️ DNR Postpones New Electronic Licensing System Rollout

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

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

Marshall Schools May Seek Referendum to Address $1M Deficit

Marshall Public Schools is considering pursuing a voter-approved operating referendum to address a projected budget shortfall exceeding $1 million for the 2025-26 school year.

Currently, the district is relying on reserve funds — traditionally designated for emergencies — to cover a $1.1 million deficit for 2024-25. Similar shortfalls are expected next year, driven largely by inflation, new state mandates, and increased costs from contract negotiations.

Although recent legislative changes tied general education funding to inflation, officials say the aid is not keeping pace with rising expenses.

The district’s last operating referendum, approved in 2018, provided $675 per pupil but has since expired.

Superintendent Jeremy Williams and Director of Finance Sarah Kirchner indicated that no substantial increases in state or federal funding are anticipated, forcing the district to plan both reductions and a potential referendum.

In an effort to ease next year’s financial strain, the Marshall school board has directed $350,000 in budget cuts for 2025-26. Approved reductions include trimming software purchases by at least $7,000, cutting supply budgets by 1%, decreasing high school program expenditures by $5,500 (potentially reducing course offerings), eliminating two media aide positions, and reorganizing staffing in custodial and nursing departments for combined savings of $36,000.

Additional revenue strategies include raising preschool fees by $20 per month and increasing Career and Technical Education (CTE) levy reimbursements with a target of $75,000.

The district has also initiated an early retirement incentive for teachers aged 55 and older with at least 15 years of service. Those who opt into the plan may still work as substitute teachers.

Marshall schools could face further budget pressures in the coming years. A recent state forecast projected a potential $6 billion general fund shortfall for Minnesota by the 2028-29 biennium.

One of the proposals under consideration by Gov. Tim Walz includes eliminating the Alternative Teacher Compensation program (QComp), a funding source that provides Marshall with over $700,000 annually for teacher pay and incentives.

District leaders and the school board will continue discussions over the next few months regarding financial strategies and the possibility of placing a referendum on the November 4 ballot. To proceed, they must call for an election by August 12.

DNR Postpones New Electronic Licensing System Rollout

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that the rollout of a new electronic system for fishing and hunting licenses, originally scheduled for March, has been postponed until later this year.

For now, anglers purchasing licenses ahead of the May 10 fishing opener will continue using the current system. However, uncertainty remains for businesses that sell licenses, as they await more details about the upcoming transition.

Some concerns have been raised among customers who prefer traditional, physical licenses over digital options. In the future, the new Electronic Licensing System (ELS), developed in collaboration with Minnesota IT Services and vendor PayIT Outdoors, will allow most licenses to be downloaded to a smartphone or printed at home.

Users will also be able to manage their accounts, including checking lottery preference points.

Once operational, the new system will introduce several changes. Physical harvest tags will no longer be required for species like bear, deer, elk, prairie chicken, sturgeon, and turkey, though hunters and anglers must still validate their harvests at the site of the kill.

Trail stickers for off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles will be discontinued in favor of electronic or printed trail passes, while registration tickets must still be affixed to vehicles.

The DNR is encouraging people to sign up for email updates to stay informed about the launch. More details and updates are available at the DNR’s website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/els.html.

Locally, businesses are monitoring license sales, though it remains unclear if numbers will differ significantly from previous years. Fishing license sales spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since returned closer to normal levels.

Upcoming Area Events

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

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

  • Downtown Marshall Roll In in Main Street & Third Street in Downtown Marshall from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

  • Boulder Creek City Wide Garage Sale

    • Furniture, home decor, clothing, craft, supplies, books & more

    • 604 Village Drive in Marshall from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday, May 2nd

  • Boulder Creek City Wide Garage Sale

    • Furniture, home decor, clothing, craft, supplies, books & more

    • 604 Village Drive in Marshall from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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

Sunday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 4

  • 2025 First Lutheran VBS in Marshall from 4:00-7:15pm (Snack and Supper Included)

Wednesday, June 4th (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

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for being such a fantastic part of our newsletter community.

Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world and it's what keeps us motivated to bring you valuable content every time.

But guess what? We're on a mission to make an even bigger impact on our community, and we need your help!

You can share our newsletter with your friends & family. Together, we can grow our community and reach even more people!

As a token of our appreciation for your support, you'll have the chance to receive a birthday shout out, a $10 gift card from Kwik Trip, or a $25 gift card from Rolling Hills Pizza! 🎉

So help us spread the word!

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.

If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!

Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

👇 Select an option below:

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.