Good economic development news

THUMBS UP:

While this week’s news of the closing of the Del Monte peas and corn plant in Sleepy Eye was disturbing, a number of good news events on the economic development front are hitting close to home. First, on Wednesday Avera Marshall showed off its newly expanded emergency department and Ashley HomeStore held a grand opening ceremony at its location near Highway 23. More excitement will build on Monday when Hobby Lobby will hold its grand opening celebration at the same location. Meanwhile, Action Trackchair shared details on its expansion plans in Marshall.

Investing into supporting history

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Preserving history is always a good investment. The Lyon County board of supervisors made that investment on Tuesday when it approved an appropriation of $5,000 to the Balaton Area Historical Society to help fund needed repairs on its center. “We have certain obligations to the county,” Commissioner Paul Graupman said.

Tough conversation in Milory

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Minnesota has a real problem when it comes to rural education. The latest evidence of that is now playing out in Milroy. The Milroy School board held a public forum Monday over the district’s future. Petitioners in this community want voters to make a decision on whether or not to get rid of the district’s referendum revenue. “Doing so will end this district,” former school board member Jason Lavoy said. While others disagreed at the forum, this is a difficult conversation to have in small communities.

SMSU students return

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Time to welcome students back to Southwest Minnesota State University and into the Marshall community. The students and faculty play a big part in supporting our retail businesses. They buy food at our restaurants and grocery outlets and buy merchandise and purchase gasoline at the local gas stations.