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Manhunt Underway After Apparent Political Assassination in Minnesota
Issue #286
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
🌧️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light rain with a high of 83
🗞️ Manhunt Underway After Apparent Political Assassination in Minnesota
🗞️ Developers Eye Marshall, But Gaps Remain in Affordable and Senior Housing
Developers Eye Marshall, But Gaps Remain in Affordable and Senior Housing
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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!
Manhunt Underway After Apparent Political Assassination in Minnesota
A high-profile manhunt is underway in Minnesota after a man allegedly impersonating a police officer fatally shot former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a former political appointee who once served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman. He is accused of using a vehicle that resembled a police SUV and wearing a uniform-like outfit to gain access to the victims.
Officials believe the shootings were politically motivated, noting the presence of flyers opposing political figures and a manifesto listing several lawmakers and officials. Both Hortman and Hoffman were named in the writings, according to investigators. The incident has prompted warnings to elected officials across the state and cancellation of political events.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, including tactical units, were deployed across the northern Twin Cities suburbs on Saturday in pursuit of the suspect. Police have since recovered multiple firearms, including AK-style rifles, from Boelter’s vehicle. He is believed to still be armed and dangerous.
Authorities said the suspect exchanged gunfire with police before fleeing from the Hortman residence. A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for residents in the area.
State leaders and members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation issued statements condemning the attack and urging unity against politically motivated violence. Governor Tim Walz characterized the shootings as an assault on democracy, pledging full support for the investigation led by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and federal agencies.
Melissa Hortman, a long-serving member of the Minnesota Legislature and prominent Democratic leader, was first elected in 2004 and served as House Speaker. Senator Hoffman, a Democrat elected in 2012, has been a key advocate for healthcare and disability services. Both legislators were respected by colleagues across party lines.
At a time of rising threats against public officials nationwide, the shootings underscore growing concerns about political violence and domestic extremism. Investigators are still examining the suspect’s writings for further details on potential targets or affiliations.
The FBI and the Minnesota BCA continue to lead the investigation. Sentiments of shock and grief poured in from across the state as officials vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Developers Eye Marshall, But Gaps Remain in Affordable and Senior Housing
A 2021 housing study identified a clear need for more housing in Marshall—across all sectors, including single-family homes, rentals, and senior living options. While new development projects have helped meet part of the demand, community leaders say significant challenges remain.
The study, conducted by Maxfield Research & Consulting for the Marshall Economic Development Authority (EDA), projected demand for up to 140 new single-family homes and 191 rental units by 2030. Since then, 37 single-family homes and 87 rental units have been built. An additional 164 rental units are under construction or planned.
However, rising construction costs, inflation, and fluctuating interest rates continue to create barriers for both builders and buyers. Real estate professionals in the area report low inventory and a lack of homes in the mid-range price bracket of $100,000 to $300,000—what some call the “missing middle.” The tight market is compounded by higher mortgage rates, which discourage current homeowners from upgrading.
On the rental side, developers are responding to demand. The 108-unit Stone Meadows apartment complex is underway near Clarice Avenue, and the Block One apartments opened in downtown Marshall in 2023. The city has also recently reviewed zoning requests for townhome projects on Donald Street and near Canoga Circle.
Affordable housing remains a key gap. While no subsidized units have opened since 2021, the Minneapolis-based Tapestry Companies is seeking funding to develop a 60-unit affordable housing project near London Road. The complex would serve families earning up to 50% of the area median income. The city has committed land for the project, and Lyon County has pledged $144,000 in state housing funds. The developer is currently awaiting word on tax credit approval from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
Tapestry officials say Marshall is an underserved market for affordable housing and has lacked significant new projects in this category for decades. The proposed development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units.
The need for senior housing is also growing. The 2021 study estimated demand for up to 335 additional senior units, including market-rate, subsidized, assisted living, and memory care housing. So far, few new senior units have been added.
Marshall’s Public Housing Commission (PHCCM) continues to manage 145 units of public housing, which typically remain full. Waiting lists are common, and turnover varies depending on unit type and tenant demographics.
Local leaders emphasize that housing availability directly affects economic development. A shortage of affordable and workforce housing limits the ability of businesses to recruit and retain employees. While market-rate apartment projects are a positive step, officials stress that more investment in affordable housing is needed to meet the community’s broader needs.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
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
Western Fest PRCA Stampede Rodeo in Granite Falls
starting each night at 7:00 PM
Gates open at 5:30 PM
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
Friday, July 4th
4th of July Celebration at Independence Park in Marshall starting at 5:30 PM
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
Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th
Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show at Murray County Fair Grounds
Thursday, July 17th
Marshall Crazy Days - Downtown Marshall starting at 7:00 AM
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)
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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