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Local Columns

On the Porch

This year, the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial” of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation. “America’s 250th ...

Arts council and city of Marshall should forge stronger ties

Sometimes an organization has to take a step back in order to eventually grow. That’s the case with the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council. I read with interest a Deb Gau article in the Independent this month about how MAFAC plans to lease space at City Hall. MAFAC can no longer afford the ...

Walking the mile together: A reflection from United Way of Southwest Minnesota

The other weekend, as I sat in church with my family, something unexpected happened. A hymn I’ve heard countless times before suddenly felt new. Maybe it was the quiet of the sanctuary, or the peaceful weight of my granddaughter on my lap — but when the congregation sang this verse, it ...

Spring fever

Midwinter is known for bringing on a bout of spring fever, but the focus on the season ahead of warming, melting and thawing isn’t necessarily what I have in mind. Rather, time on the ice still remains and good fishing can still be had with a bit of finesse and a combination of tools both old ...

Little steps

All of us have begun a journey by doing exactly the same thing. We all began whatever adventure by taking little steps before we are confident enough to take big steps. I doubt if any of us can recall taking our first steps. The one thing I’m sure of is that there was always someone there ...