Music you can march to

THUMBS UP:

Another outstanding performance by the Marshall High School at Saturday’s Pursuit of Excellence marching band competition at Southwest Minnesota State University. This year’s show was about Amelia Earhart. Actually, all the marching bands put on a great show.

Getting a Head Start in Marshall

THUMBS UP:

The Heads Start program in Marshall is finally getting a home of its own. United Community Action Partnership broke ground on Tuesday near its main office. This is good news for all the families with young children who need help with day care and early childhood education.

Messages from our farmers

THUMBS DOWN:

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison held an agriculture listening session on Tuesday at the Allen Deutz farm in Marshall. The session attracted almost 50 people — mostly those involved in agriculture. That large of turnout was not surprising. What was surprising was who wasn’t there. We assume politics kept some people away. Too bad, because the stories shared by these struggling farmers need to be heard. Not only do they need help, but our Main Streets need help. It was always agriculture that kept our Main streets busy.

Share your concerns

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

We urge residents concerned about a level 3 sex offender moving to Marshall to show up at the community meeting at Marshall Middle School at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 1. The Marshall Police Department announced this week that Daniel Martinez, 42, level 3 sex offender will be living on Main Street. Representatives form the Minnesota Department of Corrections and the police department will be at the meeting to provide information and answer questions. This an opportunity to voice your concerns.