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Marshall and meaning of community

These past few months, through celebration, and even sometimes challenge, Marshall has been an example of what makes a great community. In June, the city sponsored, for the second year, the celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. The date and meaning of Juneteenth are relatively new to some of us since it has only been a federal and state holiday since 2021 and 2023 respectively. Even so, it was an opportunity to bring people together with food and music in hopes of creating a new community of people honoring a time in ...

Leave No Trace speaks out strongly for resource protection

This weekend we embark on the last big weekend of the summer, the three-day Labor Day weekend with all of its normally nice weather and fun times. Many of us will spend at least part of the holiday outdoors. We’ll camp, hike, swim, go boating or fishing, or have a picnic. We’ll connect with the natural world. As we’re enjoying ourselves, it’s good to take at least a few minutes to think about how we treat our natural resources, We should ask ourselves if we’re using them responsibly, if we’re preserving them in a way that will make them pristine for many years to ...

Disposing batteries and chemical jugs

Batteries seem so innocent, but yet they can cause some pretty hazardous situations not only at home but also with our trash and recycling. Recently, we have had some issues surrounding battery packs that are made available to the public to purchase. These battery packs can break open and can cause fires if they are thrown away. It is important to note that batteries that are rechargeable are becoming so common that as residents, we need to be careful on watching for those items that they may be used in. Rechargeable batteries can come from the tiny AAA lithium batteries all the way up ...

The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Around school and around town

We have been learning about Marland Burckhardt, who grew up in rural Russell. He attended Russell Public Schools (RPS) and described some of his early school experiences in relation to where they were living. “When I started 1st grade we were living in a downtown apartment. This was right after WWII and Dad was working in Iowa in a veterans-preference job. Then we moved to a farm site on the east side of town. Finally, we moved to the farm north of Russell. I was in third or fourth grade. It was about two miles to school. I used a school bus and sometimes my bicycle to get to ...

On the Porch

According to the United States Department of Labor, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.” On the front page of the News-Messenger of Lyon County on Sept. 2, 1921, there is an article about a big celebration to be held in Tracy for Labor Day. Below are excerpts from the ...

Statement from Bishop Zielinski on Annunciation school shooting

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with Annunciation School as well as the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis following the tragedy that took place this morning. We extend heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families, the school community, and the local Church. May Christ, the Divine Healer, bring peace, comfort, and strength in the midst of this unimaginable sorrow. In moments like this, we are reminded of the sacred trust placed in us to care for and protect the children in our Catholic schools. Please be assured that in the Diocese ...