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The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Army enlistment and Italy

We have been learning about Marland Burckhardt, who grew up in rural Russell. He lived with his paternal grandparents while he completed school, graduating with the Russell High School class of 1959. Marland enrolled at the University of Minnesota, but his first college experience did not take. “I was burning the candle at three ends, working too much to pay for college and attending too many parties, which didn’t go well with studying or work. After fall quarter of ’60, I traveled to Los Angeles, where my Dad and brother were. I thought about going to school there, but ...

4 money moves to make before you turn 30

For most young adults, your 20s are all about learning — who you are, who you want to be and where you want life to take you. Maybe you just landed your first “real” job, are moving out of your childhood home or working on a degree to consider a new vocation. It’s an exciting era filled with growth and exploration. As you navigate these big life changes, it’s important to use this time to also consider your financial future. You’re never too young to get your finances in order, and the decisions you make now can help you develop positive habits to build wealth down the ...

On the Porch

The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from The News Messenger of Lyon County on Sept. 14, 1900: Miss Maud Fredenburg is in Mathews & Patterson’s law offices as stenographer during the illness of Tom Davis. Miss Freida Bangs, from St. Paul is the new milliner in charge of J.R. Wolff & Co’s millinery department in Langland’s store. Miss Bangs arrived ...

Funding cuts hit sustainable Agriculture Partnership with University of Minnesota

A significant setback to Minnesota’s growing sustainable agriculture sector is in the works as part of budget cuts being enacted at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. Sustainable agriculture community partners recently received a letter from the college’s dean, Brian Buhr, announcing that he is discontinuing funding for the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) and distributing its projects and endowed chair funds elsewhere. The dean cited budget cuts as the reason, with federal and state funding reductions ...

Fields of dreams

Although it went unnoticed, it was there. As a young lad, I liked walking through the fields on our family farm. After a long day of work, those fields offered me solace and hope. It was quiet. There was hope. There was beauty. Strolling through a field of corn, there was a sense of hope. We hoped the weather would cooperate and the yield would be enough for us to feed our livestock for a year. The hushed walk was enriched by the tall stalks of corn, the large ears of developing corn and the occasional slap in the face by a corn leaf. Yes, a bit annoying, but the dream of a good ...

Momentum in our schools: The choice ahead for MPS

A new school year is always a special time. There’s a distinct pulse in the hallways, focus in the classrooms and a sense of possibility for what lies ahead. Our teachers and staff are ready to build on the progress we’ve made together as a district. At every level, we are seeing our efforts have a real impact in the classroom — from stronger reading skills among our younger learners to growing participation in career and technical education pathways that connect students to real opportunities in our community. We are strengthening support systems that have led to improved ...