Brush Fire Burns 146 Acres Near Highway 167 in Yellow Medicine County

Issue #262

13 May

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 90

🗞️ Brush Fire Burns 146 Acres Near Highway 167 in Yellow Medicine County

🗞️ Broadmoor Valley Residents Push Back Against Closure Plans

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Brush Fire Burns 146 Acres Near Highway 167 in Yellow Medicine County

A significant brush fire scorched approximately 146 acres of wildland near Highway 167 in Yellow Medicine County on Sunday afternoon.

The Granite Falls Fire Department responded to the scene at 2:20 PM and called in support from multiple neighboring departments and agencies.

Firefighting efforts included assistance from several local fire departments—Hanley Falls, Sacred Heart, Wood Lake, Clarkfield, Renville, Maynard, and Montevideo — as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Granite Falls Police, Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, MnDOT, Xcel Energy, Upper Sioux Emergency Management, and Wildland Fire crews.

The blaze caused damage to fence posts, power poles, and hunting stands.

Thanks to defensive operations, nearby buildings were protected and no structures were lost. No injuries were reported.

Response efforts involved 23 grass rigs, numerous fire engines and tankers, and two helicopters. DNR crews and aircraft remain on the scene to monitor the area due to continued fire risk.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though authorities say there is no indication of foul play or intentional ignition.

Broadmoor Valley Residents Push Back Against Closure Plans

Residents of the Broadmoor Valley mobile home park in Marshall voiced strong opposition to the park’s planned closure during a public hearing held by the Marshall City Council on Wednesday night.

The hearing, attended by more than 60 people, was part of the legal process required before the mobile home community can be officially closed.

The park’s owners, Schierholz & Associates, have announced plans to shut down Broadmoor Valley next year. In response, residents and supporters gathered to express concerns about displacement, affordability, and the potential loss of a tight-knit community.

Some residents submitted written comments to be read aloud, citing fears of retaliation and intimidation.

Council members refrained from commenting during the hearing but voted to appoint Angela Larson, family services director at United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), as a neutral third party to help guide residents through the closure process and provide relocation support.

City Attorney Pam Whitmore noted that some residents may qualify for state relocation assistance, depending on their circumstances.

However, many residents expressed that relocation would be financially difficult and emotionally distressing, especially for those who have lived in the community for decades.

Testimony also highlighted long-standing concerns about poor road conditions and inadequate maintenance within the park. Residents claimed their complaints had gone unanswered for years.

The park’s manager defended the owners, suggesting they were open to making improvements but needed additional resources.

Paul Schierholz, representing Schierholz & Associates, was present but did not speak publicly during the hearing. He later indicated that financial support would be necessary to keep the park open.

Schierholz & Associates are currently involved in a legal dispute with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, which alleges the company violated the terms of a 2022 grant agreement.

Larson introduced herself at the close of the hearing and stated that she and UCAP staff would be available to help residents understand their options and complete any necessary applications if relocation becomes unavoidable.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Friday, May 16th

  • Boulder Estates Community Health & Wellness Fair at Boulder Estates in Marshall, 601 Village Drive from 2:00 - 4:00 PM

    • Free event

    • Over 20 vendors, free resources and information

Saturday, May 17th

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

Tuesday, May 20th

  • Needle Felt class in Granite Falls

    • Register for this fun class and take home a needle felted frog. $40 includes all materials. Register here: www.granitefallsarts.org

Sunday, June 1st
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

  • Ramsey Park Jamboree at Ramsey Park Campground Area in Redwood Falls from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Thursday, June 5th

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music by Clark Machtemes

Saturday, June 7th
Thursday, June 12th
Saturday, June 14th

  • Ribfest in Echo, MN at Echo Community Park

    • Rib meal will be ready ay 4:00 PM

Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
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

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

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