April and May are traditionally regarded as the ideal months for spring cleaning. However, adopting a consistent decluttering habit throughout the year proves to be far more effective in reducing clutter and alleviating stress. We encourage residents to regularly assess items you may no longer ...

A dragon holding a silver ball in its terrifying teeth was perched next to the gate. It was the first hint that we were in for a day of weirdness and wonder. My wife and I recently attended the Siouxland Renaissance Festival. While we waited in line to buy tickets a guy dressed as a medieval ...

Summer is the season for lots of things like swimming, boating, baseball, ice cream, picnics, parades and outdoor fun. It’s also a perfect time to read. Someone can read on a beach, in the shade or at home with the air conditioning. The Marshall-Lyon County Library kicked off its 2026 ...

We have been learning about David Hansvick, who grew up in the small town of Vesta during the 1950s and ‘60s. He described Vesta’s businesses during those years. “Vesta had a lively downtown. We had three (automobile) garages. Main Street had two hardware stores; Marquardt’s Hardware, ...

The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from The News Messenger of Lyon ...

Sometimes the well runs dry for a columnist. That happens every so often when I did reporting in Barstow, California. When that happened, I would take a stroll in the downtown area. Besides checking out businesses that might be closing or opening up, I’d talk to homeless people with ...