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Marshall’s Career and Technical Institute valuable educational resource

“When will I use this skill in real life?” That’s a common question asked by high school students everywhere. A renewed emphasis on vocational education is on the rise in Marshall. After overcoming several hurdles, the opening of the Marshall Public Schools’ new Career and Technical Institute is providing substantial opportunities for regional students to get hands-on training in a variety of professions and is sure to be a boon to the community. Located on North U.S. Highway 59 in Marshall, the CTI currently offers advanced training in automotive repair, welding, and ...

Pool referendum investment for the future

Marshall residents make a big decision on Tuesday, Nov. 7, as they vote to approve or reject a special referendum to raise sales taxes to fund a new city aquatic center. Their decision will determine whether Marshall will be able to provide the community with state of the art summer recreation at a prolonged cost, or avoid increased sales taxes at the expense of city amenities. There are pros and cons to the current proposal, but funding a new aquatic center means an investment in the city’s future. There is little disagreement that the current aquatic center is no longer viable ...

School resource officers needed in schools, not choke holds

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison provided needed clarity last week about what measures school resource officers (SROs) are allowed to use to restrain unruly students. His briefing is the latest state effort to reassure officers and schools that they will not be prosecuted for using force when needed against violent students. An education bill passed earlier this year bans any restraint that puts students into prone positions, restricts their breathing or ability to communicate, or places pressure on the neck, head or upper torso. This change prompted over 40 Minnesota ...

Looking to future of educational success at MPS

The recent release of 2023 statewide school testing scores reveals some bright and dim spots for Marshall Public Schools. Since the last testing cycle students have made gains in math scores, and reading scores have improved for English language learners. But testing scores in science and reading for other learners indicate that many students have lost ground. These losses are not entirely surprising. Efforts to boost testing scores were no doubt hampered by the move to digital classrooms during the COVID-19 virus epidemic, which led many students to struggle while adapting to the ...

State and local nursing shortage gets vital boost — more can be done

The state of Minnesota and the city of Marshall recently took important steps for growing the number of nurses and certified nursing assistants amidst a statewide shortage. This includes a CNA training course offered at the Marshall Avera Medical Center, made possible by an $88,000 grant received by Minnesota West from the MN Department of Health. The One Minnesota Budget passed this state session also includes $20 million over the next two years to support the “Drive for Five Workforce Fund”, to prepare Minnesotans to enter 5 of the most critical occupational categories, including ...

Crazy Days brings cause for community celebration

It’s coming up on July 20th, which heralds Crazy Days, 2023, in Marshall. This is always a good time to catch discounted prices on things all over town, as well as watch those cute kiddos in the Kiddy Parade as they march and stroll down Main Street. But this year Crazy Days is even more special because of so many other projects that are in progress or newly completed around town. Downtown has a new city hall that took some time to finish. There were surprises uncovered by the destruction of the original foundation, but the new building is sharp and spiffy. A similar process is ...