Screenshot from Studio 1 Broadcast. Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Gruhot, DFL candidate Andrea Boettger, and Republican candidate Braxton Seifert. MARSHALL, Minn. – Minnesota Senate District 15 candidates Andrea Boettger, a DFLer, and Republican Braxton Seifert discussed taxes, government fraud, childcare and rural services during a candidate forum Wednesday at the MERIT Center in Marshall. The candidates offered differing approaches to the state's tax climate, with Seifert calling for lower taxes and fees while Boettger emphasized responsible spending and reviewing existing programs. Seifert said Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states for property, income and sales taxes. [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Minnesota House District 15A candidates Nathan Schmig (DFL) and Brad Hennen (Republican) discussed taxes, health care, child care, education and government spending during a candidate forum Wednesday. The forum featured questions from Marshall Independent editor Mike Lamb and community members. The candidates differed on taxes, with Hennen arguing Minnesota has a spending problem rather than a revenue problem. He said state government should focus on using existing tax dollars more effectively. “I don't believe that there's anybody in Minnesota who's currently undertaxed,” Hennen said. Schmig said taxes should remain as low as possible but would not rule out [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Five area veterans will receive Quilts of Valor during a community program Saturday in Marshall.  The recipients are Marshall residents Ken Schultz, Barry Nauman, Curt Fried and Steve Simmons, along with David Erp of Hazel Run.  The Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded more than 400,000 quilts to U.S. veterans since 2003. The quilts are made and presented by local groups to recognize veterans for their service and provide comfort and healing.  The local group, Pieces for Heroes, has awarded more than 500 quilts across southwest Minnesota since 2019.  Saturday’s presentation begins at 10 a.m. at the Marshall [...]

Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach and Democratic challenger Erik Osberg offered contrasting views on agriculture, healthcare, immigration, foreign policy and federal spending during a debate for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. The debate, moderated by Dave Thompson and presented by Prairie Public, covered a range of issues facing voters ahead of the November 3 election. Fischbach emphasized her record in Congress and efforts to advance rural Minnesota priorities, while Osberg called for greater congressional oversight of the executive branch and changes to federal policies. Osberg said he entered the race because “I believe that we can do better.” He pointed to his [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Several blood drives are scheduled across southwest Minnesota over the next week.  On Monday, October 19, drives are scheduled at the Community Center in Redwood Falls from noon to 6 p.m. and First Lutheran Church in Marshall from noon to 5 p.m. Redwood Falls will host another drive Tuesday, October 20, from noon to 6 p.m.  The Community Center in Wabasso will host a drive Wednesday, October 21, from noon to 6 p.m.  On Thursday, October 22, drives are scheduled at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Community Center in [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University reports fall 2026 enrollment of 8,300 students, down 2.8% from last year’s record levels. The university’s 30-day enrollment figures include 2,490 undergraduate students, 476 graduate students and 5,270 students enrolled through College Now and Postsecondary Enrollment Options programs. Another 64 non-degree-seeking students are taking classes. Undergraduate enrollment remained relatively steady, while graduate enrollment declined 12%. International enrollment fell 15.2%, from 132 students last fall to 112 this year. SMSU President Dr. David P. Jones said the university anticipated a possible decline after several years of enrollment growth. “Although we experienced a modest decline this [...]

Michele Tafoya (R) and Peggy Flanagan (DFL) debate, hosted by MPR News. SAINT PAUL, Minn. — With just over two weeks until Election Day, Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan faced off in their only scheduled debate, hosted by MPR News and moderated by politics editor Brian Bakst. Tafoya said she supports eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, along with expanding the child tax credit. She also criticized Flanagan’s approach to government spending and taxation.  "No tax on tips, I’m for that. No tax on overtime, I’m for that. The expanded child tax credit, [...]

Andrea Boettger (DFL) of New Ulm, Braxton Seifert (R) of Marshall, from Pioneer PBS MARSHALL, Minn. — DFL candidate Andrea Boettger and Republican candidate Braxton Seifert are offering contrasting priorities in the race for Minnesota Senate District 15, with affordability, education and government spending among the key issues. The candidates discussed their backgrounds and policy priorities in Pioneer PBS’ “Meet the Candidates” program, which features interviews with candidates running for office. Boettger serves as New Ulm City Council president and has experience in economic development, banking, finance and nonprofit management. She says her local government experience has helped address [...]

MARSHALL, Minn. — The Highway 19/College Drive reconstruction project in Marshall is scheduled to open by the end of the day Monday, October 19, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The $25.7 million project began in 2025 as a partnership between MnDOT and the City of Marshall. Work included reconstructing Highway 19/College Drive from Marlene Street through Bruce Street, building a single-lane roundabout at Country Club Drive and South Second Street, and replacing water and sewer utilities. The project also added an electric vehicle charging station, improved sidewalk accessibility, enhanced traffic safety features and a bicycle lane between Marlene Street [...]