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Finally my day

Please, Odin, may I have my day? Lately, the calendar seems to be crowded with meetings, volunteering, programs, shopping and whatever else finds its way into the month. I realize much of that overflowing calendar happenings is my fault, so maybe I shouldn't complain too much. However, its still needs to be addressed. Along the way, I've read that the way to self satisfaction is self evaluation. There's a lot of wisdom in those few words so let's meander a bit. First of all, I just opened a bottle of McManis Pinot Grigio. It's not the first time I have tasted this wine, and it ...

The life cycle of a recycling cart

If your recycling cart could talk, what stories would it tell? It might talk about the hundreds if not thousands of bottles, cans, paper and cardboard boxes it has carried through the years. Perhaps it could complain about the -20 degree winters or the 90+ degrees days in the summer and it might simply say, “I’m tired. I’ve recycled enough for one lifetime.” I get it. There is a great story behind our recycling carts because we have been using most of them for well over 20 years. If we think about that time frame, smartphones were just getting going, social media was just ...

Some food for thought at the Atlantic Place

Back in May, one of the Independent’s more loyal readers sent me an email request for this column. “A group of senior center (Adult Community Center) members visited the Atlantic Place for a tour and taste event. It  would be of interest to others, I think, to learn more about the new ...

Strong schools, strong community, strong future

As the school year gets underway, there is a great deal of excitement and positive momentum across Marshall Public Schools. From welcoming our youngest learners to celebrating student success in academics, activities, and athletics, our staff and students have been hard at work building a strong foundation for the year ahead. Park Side Elementary First-grade students had the opportunity to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, and become familiar with the school before the year began. Kindergarten and early childhood teachers spent the first week meeting with students and ...

Country School Kids – Larry Van Moer – Creating a partnership

We have been learning about Larry Van Moer who grew up in rural Amiret. He attended the nearby country school and finished school at Marshall’s Central Catholic High School. He recalled that transition. “It was a big school, but I wasn’t scared. Sister Saint Joseph was my 8th grade ...

On the Porch

The official organization of Grandview township took place in August of 1873 at the first town meeting in the home of Jacob Thomas. The village of Grandview was founded in the spring of 1878 and the town site was plotted by the railroad on July 5, 1878. Grandview was the name chosen for the ...