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Local Columns

A Vesta Boy – Dave Hansvick – Family beginnings

We have begun learning about Marshall’s David Hansvick, the second of three children born to Dottie (Penske) Hansvick and John Hansvick. Dave grew up in the small town of Vesta. Like most of us in southwest Minnesota, Dave’s ancestors came from overseas. “I have a family tree for the ...

Coach Webb setting the standards at SMSU

Not every great coach had great playing careers. In fact, some were better players in a different sport that the sport they ended up coaching in. Take former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. He was a better lacrosse player than a football player. He did become a sub-par ...

On the Porch

The temporary exhibit, “Organizations of Lyon County” is open on the 2nd floor of the Lyon County Museum. The exhibit will close in 2027. The exhibit features objects, photographs, and documents from the Lyon County Museum’s collection related to organizations in Lyon County. Examples ...

Leadership Academy grads make a difference

The headline I wrote for the May 8 edition of the Independent: Klobuchar listens to child care needs. The U.S. senator paid a visit to Marshall on May 7 and held a roundtable discussion with local leaders and business people to discuss child care needs. “Housing and day care are our largest ...

Here’s a history lesson on the Minnesota state flag

As the Vice-Chair of the State Emblems Redesign Commission — the group tasked by the Minnesota Legislature to redesign the state’s flag and seal — I find it necessary to respond to the false information our local legislators continue to spread about our new state flag. Since our new ...

What is social anxiety?

It is not unusual to feel a bit uncomfortable around certain people or in certain groups. There may be a good reason for that discomfort based on past experience or the nature of the situation. Having significant discomfort when interacting with other people most or all of the time is a ...