Marshall Aquatic Center Construction Progresses Toward 2026 Opening

Issue #280

06 Jun

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌧️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light rain with a high of 71

🗞️ Marshall Aquatic Center Construction Progresses Toward 2026 Opening

🗞️ Marshall Schools Forecast $1.7M Budget Shortfall for 2025–26

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

Marshall Aquatic Center Construction Progresses Toward 2026 Opening

Construction activity continues at the site of the new Marshall Aquatic Center, with crews and heavy equipment busy preparing the ground ahead of the next stage of development.

Located at the intersection of College Drive and Saratoga Street, the project began earlier this spring and is expected to move into building construction this summer.

Plans for the facility include new pools and buildings, with the overall goal of completing the project in time to open to the public next year.

The Aquatic Center construction is one of two major projects currently underway in the area. Road work on Minnesota Highway 19 (College Drive) is also in progress this summer.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), recent preparations include removal of light poles and the traffic signal system at the Saratoga Street intersection to accommodate upcoming construction on a nearby segment of the roadway.

In March, the Marshall City Council approved a $19.17 million construction budget for the Aquatic Center. This followed a redesign of the project after initial bids came in over budget last year.

The new, scaled-down design allowed the city to move forward without exceeding its funding limits.

Marshall residents previously approved the use of up to $18.37 million in local sales tax revenue for the project. In addition to public funding, a community-led fundraising effort has contributed $420,000, with another $200,000 in pledged donations to support the center's development.

With ground work underway and vertical construction expected soon, the new Aquatic Center is on track to become a key recreational destination for the region.

Marshall Schools Forecast $1.7M Budget Shortfall for 2025–26

Marshall Public Schools is facing a projected $1.7 million deficit for the 2025–26 school year, as declining enrollment, inflation, and reduced funding contribute to ongoing financial challenges.

The district ended the current fiscal year with a $1.1 million shortfall, which was covered with reserves. Officials caution that using reserves is not a sustainable long-term solution.

State funding through the general education formula continues to lag behind inflation. The 2025 allowance of $7,281 per student unit falls short by nearly 19% compared to inflation-adjusted rates.

While it will rise to $7,481 in 2026, the gap remains significant. Additionally, federal COVID relief funding that previously helped stabilize budgets has now ended.

Enrollment is expected to decline by another 26 students in 2025–26, further reducing revenue. Open enrollment trends show more students leaving the district than entering, which also impacts funding.

To address the shortfall, the school board approved $350,000 in cuts to staffing, supplies, and programming, and plans to use another $800,000 from reserves. However, officials warn that by 2027, the district may not have sufficient cash flow to meet large financial obligations like payroll and bond payments.

The board is now considering an operating referendum. If pursued, it would need to be placed on the November 4 ballot, with a decision due by August 12. A successful referendum could provide new revenue starting in FY 2027.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the middle school.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Saturday, June 7th
Monday, June 9th

  • The History and Significance of Juneteenth at the Marshall-Lyon County Library at 6:30 PM

Thursday, June 12th
Friday, June 13th
Saturday, June 14th

  • Ribfest in Echo, MN at Echo Community Park

    • Rib meal will be ready ay 4:00 PM

  • Lucan Pretzel Days in the Lucan City Park

    • all day Saturday

    • Enjoy Bounce houses, petting zoo, kids pedal pull, firemans breakfast feed, lions bbq supper friday night. Baseball tournament and more

  • Movie Club: classic movie screening with snacks and discussion at the Marshall-Lyon County Library at 11 AM

Tuesday, June 17th

  • Walk for Memories – Dementia Awareness Event at Marshall Area YMCA from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

    • What to Wear: Purple, to show support for dementia awareness

    • Free to attend, no registration needed

    • First 200 attendees get a swag bag

    • Includes vendor booths, live music, giveaways, drawings, and food for purchase

    • T-shirts available for sale

    • Donations: Free-will donations accepted, benefiting the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (checks payable to A.C.E. of SW MN)

    • More Info: Visit the Facebook pages for Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network, Act on Alzheimer’s Marshall, or A.C.E. of SW MN – Lyon/Lincoln County

    • Contact: Jane Nelson Como at 507-829-1143 for questions.

Tuesday, June 17th - Thursday, June 19th

  • MADAN's Dementia Awareness Week Hosted by: Boulder Creek Assisted Living (Memory Care)

    • Event: Virtual Dementia Tours (by appointment only) from 11 AM - 3 PM

    • To Schedule: Call Jan at 507-929-1234

Wednesday, June 18th

  • Poet Cassie Williams at the Marshall-Lyon County Library at noon

Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Saturday, June 21st

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Sunday, June 22nd

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Monday, June 23rd

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Thursday, June 26th

  • The Spoon Man Entertainer at the Marshall-Lyon County Library at 10:30 AM

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Friday, June 27th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Sunday, June 28th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Sunday, June 29th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Thursday, July 3rd

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

Thursday, July 10th

  • Ivanhoe Community Pork Chop Feed Fundraise at Gilson Field in Ivanhoe

    • Serving from 5 to 7:30 PM or until gone

    • Free Will Donation

    • All proceeds will go to Lincoln County Relay for Life & American Cancer Society

    • Menu: Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Ice Cream, Pop & Water

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)

    • Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church - June 8-March 12

    • VBS at Living Word in Marshall - June 1 - 4

    • VBS at Echo Alliance Church - June 15-19 from 6:30 - 7:45 PM

      • SCUBA: Diving into Friendship with God

      • Registration is at 6 PM on Sunday June 15th

      • Pre-K through 5th/ 6th grade

      • Parents are welcome to sit in with their kids or join the adult class during that time.

      • For more information call Pastor Marty at 507-925-4176

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