MARSHALL — With recent heavy rainfall across southwest Minnesota and more storms possible in the coming weeks, Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen is urging residents to stay alert and use available safety tools.

“We’ve seen a lot of rain the last few weeks, and thankfully a dry spell is nice,” Wallen said. “The ground needs time to catch up and disperse that water. Some rivers and water holding areas are full, so any more rain could certainly result in flash floods.”

He stressed the importance of avoiding flooded roadways. “We do not know what’s under the water,” he said. “It’s very easy for a road to wash out and have a big hole. Vehicles can stall out and then you’re stuck in a pool of water. It’s best to avoid those.”

Wallen also reminded residents to pay attention to watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. “A watch means the ingredients are there, the conditions are right. A warning means they’ve come together. The thunderstorm or tornado is confirmed by radar or trained personnel,” he said.

One of the best ways to stay informed during weather emergencies is through the Code Red alert system, according to Wallen.

“Code Red is a mass notification system that Lyon County subscribes to. If you sign up, you’ll receive any severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings directly to your phone,” he said. “It’s also used for missing persons, snow emergencies, and other notifications.”

The system is free, but users must register. Residents can sign up through the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office website at lyonco.org/departments/sheriff. The City of Marshall also shares the link on its social media pages.

Wallen said the system was used recently during a public safety incident in Tracy. “We had a suspect on the loose who posed a danger to the public, so we used Code Red to alert residents and encourage caution,” he said.

Traffic Alerts for Lyon County Fair

Wallen also shared a reminder about traffic and safety concerns ahead of the Lyon County Fair, which will draw large crowds to Marshall.

“Road construction near West College Drive by the Armory is still ongoing and that’s one of the main routes to the fairgrounds,” Wallen said. “There’s only one way in and one way out, so traffic congestion is likely. Just plan ahead.”

Alternative routes from the west near the airport or via Legion Field Road and Highway 19 may be open depending on construction timelines.

Project Lifesaver Now Available

Wallen also announced the official rollout of Project Lifesaver, a new program designed to help locate individuals who are at risk of wandering, such as those with dementia or autism.

“It’s a bracelet with a small transmitter. If someone goes missing, we can use a tracking device, enter their frequency, and locate them within about two miles,” he said. “Whether they’re in the woods, water, or elsewhere, the signal should work.”

There is a cost to join the program. Participants purchase the equipment through the Sheriff’s Office and pay a small annual fee for battery replacement. “It’s very reasonable. Batteries are about five dollars each,” Wallen said.

To learn more or sign up, residents can call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 507-537-7666.