To the editor:
On Nov 6, residents in the community of Marshall will be given the opportunity to provide funding for two significant economic development projects that will allow Marshall to continue to grow, prosper, and thrive for years to come.
By approving the local sales tax on the ballot, the citizens of Marshall will provide the necessary funds for the development and operation of the MERIT center expansion as well as the development of Southwest Minnesota Regional Amateur Sports Complex.
Marshall has an excellent reputation as an amateur sports host and destination. The community has a rich history of hosting top-caliber tournaments and events. One of the vital components in hosting any type of amateur sporting event is the availability and condition of the facilities. Amateur sports have continued to grow and prosper nationwide from the youth levels, to high school, to colleges, and to the amateur adult levels. This growth has spurred facility development by more and more communities who recognize both the recreational and economic value hosting amateur sporting events bring to a community.
Marshall has the opportunity to invest in the future by developing new and enhancing existing facilities that will allow the community to remain a viable venue for all types of sporting events. There is competition regionally to attract quality amateur sporting events. Youth sports provide positive recreational experiences for young student-athletes, and help build memories that last a lifetime. By expanding and adding quality facilities in Marshall, we will be able to expand and add to the number and type of events that we host.
These events provide lasting experiences for our youth, our region, and for the visitors young and old to our community. Our ability to remain a leader in this part of the Upper Midwest is dependent on growing and enhancing our facilities.
Fact Box
Political letters notice
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 24, no letters on old issues or about the candidates themselves will be published; the deadline for submission of letters on new issues is Oct. 26, and they will be published Oct. 27. The submission deadline for rebuttals is Thursday, Nov. 1, and they will be published on or before Nov. 3. No letters pertaining to the election or candidates will be published after Saturday, Nov. 3.
The quality of the venue for amateur sports is probably the single most important aspect in the overall experience for both participants and fans. Approval of the funding for the amateur sports will provide us the avenue for long-term growth as a tournament venue. It will also provide the community with a proven source for economic growth and development for years to come.
Please join in my support of this project on Nov. 6.
Bruce Remme, activities director,
Marshall Public Schools
Terry Bahlmann, head football coach
Dan Westby, head volleyball coach and
head girls basketball coach
Jack Houseman, head softball coach
Nicole Peterson, head swimming and diving coach
Dave Coudert, head boys hockey coach
Kevin Schroeder, head girls hockey coach
Scott Mellenthin, assistant boys hockey coach
Andrew Larson, assistant soccer coach
Michael Weiss, assistant boys hockey coach
Mitch Maxwell, assistant football and
assistant baseball coach
Kari Ehlers, assistant boys and girls golf coach
Blaine Schnaible, assistant football coach