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Let us resolve

Local Columns

As many of us know, we start the New Year with a New Year’s resolution. By George! This year we are going to accomplish that resolution-come heck or high water! That will make the coming year different from past years, right? We will do it! However, the big question is what will be that thing that is going to begin in January — that resolution? Will it be easy so we can continue it all year or...? We know it will take a lot of personal resolve and personal firmness, but this year we are going to do it. Darn right! Well, for me, I’ll pick from this list... Let’s try our ...

A year-end review

Community Voices

Another year has gushed through the culvert of time, leaving behind a scoured gully along with some unexpected and pleasant flotsam. The year 2025 began with my wife and I watching the famous ball drop in Times Square. Not in person, of course. We viewed it on TV, awakening from our prebedtime naps just in time to witness the blizzard of confetti and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The meaning of that song’s title is as clear as a cup of mud. We had good reasons to be tired: we were in Kansas City, visiting our four-year-old grandson. Anyone who has spent time with ...

Making a difference

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: This season reminds us of the power of community and compassion. Yet, with today’s economic challenges, more of our neighbors are struggling than ever before. Local programs are stretched to their limits trying to meet these growing needs. I grew up in Lake Benton and have called Marshall home since 1997. I know firsthand the strength of this community—and I also know the challenges many families face. Whether your gift is large or small, every donation matters. Every dollar brings hope and help to someone who needs it. When you give to United Way of Southwest ...

Reflecting on 2025; priorities for the year ahead

Community Voices

As 2025 draws to a close and Minnesotans enjoy a holiday season filled with family, friends, and, yes, snow, I wanted to take stock of what we’ve accomplished this year, reflect on some of the challenges we’ve faced, and look forward to the work ahead. This year started with the transition of power from one president to another. I chaired the bipartisan inauguration committee and spoke about the need to recommit to my North Star: finding common ground where I can and standing my ground where I must. Last Congress, during a highly partisan time, I was again ranked as one of the ...

Country School Kids - Leo Brandt - Christmas in Korea - 1952

Local Columns

Leo Brandt, formerly of Tyler passed away in 2018 after sharing 65 years with his spouse, Lorraine. Leo was born in 1927 on a farm near Arco to Axel and Dagmar (Lund) Brandt and grew up on that farm. He explained that his formal education began nearby, “I attended (country) school in District 43 southwest of Tyler.” He completed high school at the West Central School of Agriculture, a residential high school in Morris, and returned to help his folks on the farm. His nation later called him to military service. “War broke out in Korea on June 25, 1950,” he recalled. The local ...

On the Porch

Local Columns

The following article is from The News Messenger of Lyon County on Dec. 6, 1918. It is about an upcoming social given by the Ohiyesa Camp Fire Girls of Marshall. This organization in Marshall was formed in April of 1918. A photograph of the organization’s Charter is featured this week, and it is in the Lyon County Museum’s collection. A CAMP FIRE SOCIAL LECTURE ROOM PRES. CHURCH Ohiyesa Camp Fire Girls To Give Entertainment —Part of Proceeds to Go to Local Red Cross. On Friday evening, December 13, the Ohiyesa Camp Fire Girls wall hold a “Nickel Social” in the lecture ...