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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 ...

Nativity scenes show real meaning of Christmas

Community Voices

This past week I did something I hadn’t done since eighth grade by being one of the performers in a Nativity program. I portrayed one of the Wisemen. I had a gown, a cardboard crown and a gift for baby Jesus. It was the 10th year that Boulder Estates has done a nativity program for residents and the public. A minister, Pastor Nathan Delich of First Baptist Church near Marshall, narrated the scriptures and spoke about the readings. All the actors had to do was march in and sit in the nativity area. First came Mary and Joseph followed by Angel Gabriel. The audience was told how ...

Home remodel: Financial considerations

Local Columns

When the broader housing market feels unpredictable, homeowners may look to refresh their current home instead of relocating. Home renovations can enhance your living space and raise the value of your home, but they also come with many decisions and potential financial pitfalls. If you’re considering a home renovation, keep the following tips in mind. Set a realistic budget. Know how much you can spend before you ask for the moon. Remodeling projects are notorious for running over budget and past deadlines. Once the work begins, your contractor may discover problems lurking behind ...

Politics isn’t measured in words, it’s measured in results

Community Voices

Politics is a lot of talk. Sometimes, that conversation results in action. Other times, it fizzles out and gives way to the next headline, the issue forgotten and the solution left uncharted. In my decade as a Minnesota senator, I have seen dozens, maybe hundreds, of conversations bubble up and then pop before any meaningful reforms are signed into law. If we only talk and don’t act, nothing changes. From housing affordability to mental health, and from public safety to education, those of us who write our laws and decide how to spend the public’s money must remember that when ...