Breaking News

Opinion

Man without a knife

Local Columns

So many of the lessons and learnings and sayings we have in and take from the outdoors translate over to life in ways both metaphoric and tangible. “Don’t step on what you can step over,” means that unstable log you’re thinking about balancing a footstep on as you proceed on your way hunting pheasants or grouse is likely best bypassed with a long, lifting stride, to prevent even the off chance of a twisted ankle. Like in life, some obstacles are best to be avoided altogether, instead of tempted, even if they don’t appear that big. “Do the little things right, and nothing ...

Edmund Fitzgerald: a lasting legacy after 50 years

Community Voices

There’s something special about landmark anniversaries and the media coverage that they attract. We’ll have one such event on Monday. It’s the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Great Lakes freighter Edmund Fitzgerald. It sank to the bottom of Lake Superior in a fierce storm that produced massive waves. I remember hearing talk of the shipwreck as a child. It put the Great Lakes in the spotlight. Even out on the prairie on the opposite side of Minnesota, people were very interested. It was the biggest shipwreck since the Titanic went down in 1912. History is filled with ...

Tribute to Bill Holm most deserved

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Imagine my surprise to open my on-line edition of the Independent today to see my old friend and colleague Bill Holm featured on the front page. Bill was one of the smartest and most colorful men I have ever known. His knowledge of literature and music (and many other areas of expertise) was amazing. He was also extremely generous with his time and help and usually read the works of other writers he admired during his own public readings, such as the poetry of Leo Dangel and Phil Dacey. He was a great teacher, performer, raconteur and friend. The tribute to Bill ...

On the Porch

Local Columns

The American Legion was chartered by Congress on Sept. 16, 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization, focused on service to veterans, service members, and communities. Earlier in the year on March 15-17, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened in Paris for the first American Legion caucus. On May 8-10, in St. Louis, Missouri, “The American Legion” was adopted as the organization’s official name. The Legion’s draft preamble and constitution were approved. On June 9, the National Executive Committee adopted the Legion emblem. On Nov. 10-12, in Minneapolis, the ...

The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Battalion Command

Local Columns

We have been following Marland Burckhardt, a Russell High School graduate who married his Russell sweetheart in college and began an Army career focused on Military Intelligence and Special Forces operations. He deployed to Vietnam in January 1970 and then he and Barb had assignments at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas before returning to Fort Bragg. Marland was promoted to lieutenant colonel at Fort Bragg and selected for battalion command at Fort Hood, Texas. “I commanded the 312th ...

Parenting and financial decisions: New research offers some tips

Local Columns

Few life milestones are as emotionally and financially transformative as becoming a parent. While this chapter is often filled with deep joy, it can also bring new worries as each stage of parenthood can present fresh challenges. It’s only natural to wonder whether the financial decisions you’re making today to support your children might impact your ability to achieve longer-term goals — like saving for retirement. Whether you’re already a parent or planning to become one, the following insights can help you feel more confident and in control of your financial future. ...