Breaking News

Vietnam War – Norman Teigen – Extra duties and the orphanage

We have been learning about Norman Teigen, who grew up in Mankato, graduated from Mankato State College, and accepted a teaching position at Marshall High School. When his local draft board notified him in 1968 that he would be drafted, he enlisted in the Army and became a chaplain assistant ...

On the Porch

According to the History Channel, Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on Oct. 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to drive away ghosts. The Celts celebrated their new year on Nov. 1, a date that ...

Purrington finds a home for displaying art

Last January the Independent reported on the Marshall City Council voting to approve a lease agreement with Marshall Area Fine Arts Council for the use of vacant office space on the second floor of City Hall. The agreement also allowed for MAFAC to use the common area outside the office for ...

Inviting readers, community to be a part of SMSU strategic planning

Southwest Minnesota State University and the City of Marshall have shared a special relationship since the university’s founding. Marshall is the birthplace and home of SMSU, and the university’s history, growth, and future are closely connected to the community that has supported us along the way. As we begin developing our next strategic plan, we recognize that our future is not something SMSU will shape alone. It is something we must build together. We are beginning an important conversation about the future of SMSU, including our mission, vision, values, and strategic ...

A scary season

We’re afflicted with oodles of scariness and creepiness at this time of year. And I’m not just talking about Halloween; Election Day is also looming in the gloom. It’s bizarre that these bizarre things occur at roughly the same time. But I’m OK with that. Let’s get all the frightening stuff out of the way and be done with it. Kids dressed up as superheroes such as Batman or Spider-Man or Taylor Swift are honest when they ring your doorbell and chant “Trick or treat!” Adults who are running for elected office are basically saying the same thing except that they often ...

Go where the grass grows

The first in a string of waterfowl production areas northwest of town was a small square, just 40 acres or so connected to the main road by a small walkable easement style strip with a two wheel track to access the federal parcel. I had walked it last fall while visiting the area, and to my ...