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Summer solstice: an underrated special yearly occasion

Last weekend we had the summer solstice, the longest day of the year with the light of day lasting until late in the evening. The solstice is one of the most underrated days of the year. There’s very little special celebrating, no day off for wage earners. I think there’s a bias against solstices and equinoxes because they were a part of pagan religion. They were a time for reckless celebration, something that went too far for conservative religious beliefs. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about it in his short story “The Maypole of Merrymount” about a Puritan minister who led ...

Thinking about boxes

I’ve been thinking about boxes quite a bit lately. First and foremost is the cedar treasure box that I’ve been building for our 5-year-old grandson. It’s finally done — at least I’ve decided to call it done — after intermittently working on the thing for several months. This project involved some big challenges. Chief among them was that I have no training or experience in the art of woodworking. My carpentry abilities are roughly on par with those of Wile E. Coyote. When I look at the box, all I can see is its imperfections. Then there was the issue of design. Not ...

Wrapping up another successful school year

At our board meeting this week, the board approved a resolution to run an operating referendum this fall. We’ve been addressing the financial challenges that not only Marshall, but all schools are currently facing. In 2022, when we approached the community with a similar request, we had a $1.8 million need. At that time, we were still navigating the pandemic and received COVID funds that bridged the gap for a few years. Those funds have now expired, and with rising costs and no additional funding from state or federal sources, we are once again facing that budget deficit. As we ...

Attending a 50-year reunion

I walked into the room and was struck by the preponderance of graying hair and balding heads. Who were these old people? And what were they doing at my high school class reunion? It was difficult to comprehend that it’s been half a century since my classmates and I walked across the stage in our high school’s gymnasium wearing those goofy hats and our goofy grins. Perhaps no one was happier with my graduation than our school administrators. This was especially true for our principal, Mr. Grebner. I spent so much time in his office that my name was stenciled on one of its ...

Craziness fit for a king

At the end of 2024, Congress passed a “Continuing Resolution” to fund the government. This was back when Congress still had a heartbeat. The one thing both parties agreed on was that farmers would get $21 billion. I’m all for free money. So, I looked forward to my tiny piece of the pie. Then came Inauguration Day. Elon Musk was suddenly the most powerful person in our country. He was given free rein to cut agencies and programs that both parties had built up over decades. He did this with the subtlety of a herd of bulls in a China shop and all the thoughtfulness. DOGE was ...

PTSD and domestic violence: Understanding lasting impact

By Becci tenBensel June is recognized as PTSD awareness month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and support for those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, impacting individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and daily lives. This month serves as a vital reminder to break the silence and stigma surrounding trauma and mental health, promote early intervention, and encourage conversations. By raising awareness, we can foster empathy, improve access to care, and support ...