County honors local hero, hears nonprofit reports and funds community programs

Marshall County commissioners used part of their March 16 meeting to recognize community achievements and hear nonprofit updates.

Resolution 2026‑3: The board unanimously approved a resolution of recognition for Colin Barkley, who is credited with pushing Marshall County Deputy Matthew Brown out of the path of an oncoming van on Feb. 23, 2026. The sheriff presented a recognition of excellence and a state senator provided a flag flown over the statehouse as part of the presentation.

Nonprofit updates: Sandy Garrison, director of the Marshall County Museum, reported more than 500 visitors and over 600 volunteer hours in the first two months of the year, outlined a communications initiative to increase awareness across county communities, and previewed upcoming exhibits including a May lobby exhibit on local high‑school history.

Andrew Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County, and staff described program growth, the new teen center at the Breamman site, and a recent Youth of the Year competition that will send a local winner to the state contest. Fitzpatrick asked the board to continue including the clubs in county budget support; staff instructed the clubs to submit an invoice for processing.

Chastity Keller, CASA director, requested and received permission to plant a pinwheel garden at the courthouse for Child Abuse Awareness Month to represent 84 children served by DCS in 2025; commissioners approved leaving the display in place for the month of April and noted a related event at Bowen Health Center on March 31.

Janice Holidayiday, director of the Marshall County Council on Aging, presented Q4 statistics and a claim totaling $81,385; commissioners approved the quarterly report and the claim. Maryanne Peters and Sheree Ramirez of Solid Waste received approval to host a 'Paddle for a Purpose' Yellow River cleanup in June in partnership with local businesses.

What happens next: Nonprofit partners will submit invoices or follow-up materials as needed for budget processing, and county staff will coordinate logistics for the courthouse pinwheel display and the river cleanup.