Downtown Marshall Businesses Find Ways to Stay Open Through Road Closures

Issue #307

17 Jul

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌤️ Marshall, MN Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 69

🗞️ Downtown Marshall Businesses Find Ways to Stay Open Through Road Closures

🗞️ Motorcyclist Injured After Striking Stopped Vehicle in Cottonwood

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

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

Downtown Marshall Businesses Find Ways to Stay Open Through Road Closures

As construction crews continue work on the Highway 19 reconstruction project in Marshall, local businesses along West College Drive and Country Club Drive are navigating disruptions to access and customer traffic.

The ongoing project, led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the city of Marshall, began this summer and is expected to span two construction seasons. The current phase focuses on the stretch between Fairgrounds Road and Main Street, with road closures and detours impacting several businesses along the corridor.

Some establishments, like the Ag Plus Marshall West convenience store, have seen a noticeable decline in foot traffic since construction began. Others, such as Dairy Queen on Country Club Drive, report quieter daytime business, despite maintaining open doors. In response, businesses are adapting by offering customer incentives, adjusting hours, and finding alternative access points.

Farther along West College Drive, businesses like Carrow’s Marshall Cleaners and Arnold Motor Supply have had to get creative. Temporary customer entrances have been established off Hamden Street, and staff are stepping up efforts to maintain service despite limited access. At Arnold Motor Supply, the downturn in walk-in traffic has been offset with increased outreach to customers.

At The Upper Room, an event venue located in the Atlantic building at Main Street and College Drive, staff have been working closely with contractors and MnDOT to ensure clients can safely access the space for events scheduled well in advance. Managing partner Mindy Knochenmus and venue coordinator Renee Sanders said the ever-changing conditions have required constant communication with clients and contractors alike. Parking, deliveries, and event logistics have all been impacted by the construction, but clients have remained understanding.

Businesses in the Atlantic building—including Ralco, U.S. Bank, Echelon Wealth Partners, Atlantic Place, and Wings Axe Company—have also felt the effects, particularly in terms of parking availability. Weekly construction update meetings hosted by MnDOT, the city, and R and G Construction have served as a valuable forum for addressing concerns and coordinating solutions.

According to R and G Construction, efforts have been made to minimize disruptions and maintain access, including door-to-door updates, informational flyers, and regular email communication. The construction team continues to coordinate closely with business owners when temporary utility shutdowns or closures are necessary.

While the impact has been challenging for many, not all businesses are reporting slower traffic. Casey’s on East Main Street has seen a noticeable uptick in customers, possibly due to detoured traffic or seasonal patterns. Store staff noted a significant increase in morning visitors and have found themselves offering directions to motorists navigating the altered routes.

Despite the inconveniences, many local business owners expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the infrastructure improvements. Construction on the current phase of the Highway 19 project is scheduled to pause in late October and resume next spring. The next phase, expected in 2026, will continue along East College Drive between Main Street and Bruce Street.

Motorcyclist Injured After Striking Stopped Vehicle in Cottonwood

police

A Balaton man sustained serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Friday evening near Cottonwood, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 8:38 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 9 and County Road 22. Authorities say a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle was traveling southbound on County Road 9 when it struck the rear of a 2014 Kia Forte that was stopped at a stop sign in the same lane.

The 55-year-old motorcycle rider was transported to Avera Marshall Hospital with serious injuries. The 49-year-old Cottonwood woman driving the Kia was not injured.

Authorities noted that the motorcyclist was operating the vehicle with a canceled license. The case has been forwarded to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for potential charges.

Emergency response was provided by the Minnesota State Patrol, Cottonwood Fire Department, and Cottonwood Ambulance.

Upcoming Area Events

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

Thursday, July 17th
Friday, July 25th

  • Par 3 Golf Scramble Fundraiser in Cottonwood

Saturday, July 26th - Sunday, July 27th

  • The Society for the Preservation of Minneota's Heritage (SPMH) is sponsoring a special weekend to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Icelandic settlement in our area

Wednesday, August 6th

  • Intentional Leader Summit at Grace Life Church in Marshall

  • Poetry Bus in the evening in Granite Falls (time to be determined)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group at the Adult Community Center in Marshall from 10 - 11:30 AM

Saturday, August 16th

  • Squid Fest in Granite Falls

    • Todd wants to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Park so we’re moving the party there from 11-4.

    • The party continues downtown with live music at 6 PM. For more details check out the website!

Saturday and Sunday, August 16th and 17th

  • Victory at Sea at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls starting at 1pm

Tuesday, September 30th and Wednesday, October 1st

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - September 30, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Pipestone

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - October 1, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Marshall High School Theater in Marshall

  • RSVP by contacting Jennifer Nelson at [email protected] or 507-532-1243

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

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, first Wednesday of every month, 10 - 11:30 AM at the Adult Community Center 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.