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Graduation rates rise in state, SW Minn.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently released the graduation data for last year’s class of 2025, revealing a state record-high graduation rate. Local area schools of southwest Minnesota also reported positive rates. Minnesota collectively reported an 84.9% graduation rate statewide for 2025, accounting for 61,935 students, which broke 2024’s previous record of 84.2%, now with over 2,000 more students crossing the stage. “We are delighted to announce that Minnesota graduation rates, once again, broke a record for the highest percentage of students graduating at ...

Lyon Co. approves aid for wetland restoration

A project to enhance water storage at wetlands south of Marshall came before Lyon County Commissioners this week. On Tuesday, commissioners approved the use of about $10,500 in riparian aid for work on a series of ponds on land owned by Greg Taylor. Lyon County Soil and Water Conservation District administrator John Biren said he was asking for commissioners’ approval to use buffer riparian aid toward the project. The aid would be $10,500, or up to 75% of the cost share, whichever amount was less. “I know the board has expressed a desire to do (water) storage projects with that ...

An ‘impressive’ recognition

It all started out as a project to help provide beds for area children without a place to sleep. Over the past three years, the Help Tuck Them In program has grown – and the nonprofit is getting some regional recognition. This week, Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative announced that Help ...

‘Changes needed’ to paid medical and family leave law

Area state legislators said they aren’t optimistic about the chances of passing reforms to Minnesota’s paid medical and family leave laws this session. “I still think we need to make some common-sense changes to this bill,” Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, said Wednesday. However, Dahms said there has not been interest at the Legislature to make those changes. Paid leave was one of the topics Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, and Dahms discussed in a mid-session legislative update on Wednesday. In a Zoom call with area residents and in interviews with the Independent, Dahms and ...

‘It’s important that we support the community’

The name of the business is Rick’s Welding, located in Lake Benton. The predominant product, however, is PowerLift Doors. “It’s our top product,” said Amanda Bennett, the corporate administrator for Rick’s Welding. “We also offer farm repair welding, full-service for farmers, ...

Three MPS board seats up for election

MARSHALL — There will be a trio of Marshall Public School school board seats up for election this upcoming November. The school board approved the resolution at Monday’s meeting, calling for the school district general election for three school board members on a four-year term each. Sara Runchey, Jeff Chapman and Sara Brink’s seats will be open. Runchey and Chapman will not be seeking to renew their terms due to personal decisions for fulfilling their time serving the district. Brink, who serves as the board treasurer, plans to run for election again, seeking to renew her ...