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Community Voices

Lynd parents, students deserve answers

Editor’s Note: This letter read to the Lynd School Board was submitted as a letter to the editor. Because of its length it’s being published as an op-ed The last time I was in front of this school board was shortly before my son finished his eighth grade year here in Lynd. He read a statement to the board asking them to consider adding a high school option even if it had to be an online learning environment. Never did I think I would be standing here again while watching Lynd School be torn apart. I chose Lynd even though the bus came at 6:40 a.m. I chose Lynd because Caren ...

Roaming the Ye olde renaissance fest

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 raggedy man sashayed through the crowd, hawking his “scented programs.” Whenever someone took him up on his offer, he’d say, “OK, I just have to add the scent.” He then rubbed the paper program on his armpit. “We’re all gonna smell like that by the end of the day!” the raggedy man ...

Summer reading remains important for both children and adults

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 summer reading season on Wednesday. Entertainment was provided by a string band called The Skally Line. They performed songs and told stories that focus on Minnesota. In an age when many people fixate on electronics, it’s good to know that reading is alive and well. I hope kids still enjoy library ...

Something’s Bloom(ing) in downtown Marshall

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 ...

Addressing the Sons of Norway

I was recently asked to speak at a meeting of a secret society. I was surprised when they invited me as it’s widely known that I can’t keep a secret. My wife and I went to an innocuous building located in the midst of a sleepy college town. We descended a set of concrete stairs that led ...

Hospitals should continue to build strong community ties

Hospitals have been a major part of Minnesota’s statewide news in the past few weeks, as both large and small facilities adapt to changing times. The news about Hennepin County Medical Center and Sanford is a major development. There have also been articles about smaller facilities in places like Madelia in south central Minnesota and Virginia on the Iron Range. Health care has seen vast changes in the past 20 years. It’s become more expensive with higher insurance premiums and higher out of pocket costs. It’s also become more corporate. There are far fewer municipal ...