Breaking News

Opinion

Our doors always open to veterans

Community Voices

When you look at the calendar, it seems like time is flying — not only in weeks and months, but definitely in years. This September will mark twenty-five years since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, a day that reshaped our nation and the lives of countless service members and families. In our work serving veterans in this area, the passing of time becomes very real. We are still meeting a surprising number of Vietnam Veterans who have either not been to the office for many years or have never stepped into the VA system at all. It amazes us because so much help is available, and it ...

New downtown merchant dealing his cards

Community Voices

I remember not too long ago on my way home home from the Independent office each evening walking past the RLC office building on Fifth Street and noticing lots of activity. People walking in and out of the entrance on many evenings. I could see through the windows along the suite occupied by ...

On the Porch

Local Columns

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, honors men and women who died while serving in the United States military. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day, and it originated in the years following the Civil War. By the late 1860s, many communities had begun ...

A Vesta Boy – Dave Hansvick – Family farms and Vesta winters

Local Columns

We have been learning about Marshall’s David Hansvick, the second of three children of Dottie (Penske) Hansvick and John Hansvick. Dave grew up in the small town of Vesta. His family lived on the edge of Vesta, but both parents came from immigrant, farming families. The Hansvicks originated ...

Oh Say Can You See

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: There are torn remnants of an American Flag whipping in the wind not far from my house. Bit by bit, the blasts consume it. Day after day, it rips and shrinks. Only a few Stars and Stripes still resist surrender. Symbols carry weight. High School Mascots. Wedding rings. Raised fists. The cross. They are reminders, commitments and calls to action. Each color, stripe and star of Old Glory carries meaning and expectations. The tattered flag did not happen overnight. The lack of care and respect is a symbol of surrender. Many have relaxed their allegiance to democracy ...