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There was a time

Local Columns

There was a time when all of us were a child. As we all know, the years flow by quickly, and soon the youngster we were is gone. Or, is that child gone? Let’s explore that a bit... There was a time when we were young, and all decisions were made for us. Now, we make the decisions that form us and those around us. There was a time when falling snow was so amazing. It was so interesting to watch those snowflakes float down from the sky — hopefully, without the help of a blizzard wind. Now as we all know, snow can be a pain in one’s derrière, but it’s still fun to try to ...

Prepare for the financial side of the holidays

Local Columns

The start of the holiday season often brings increased demands on both time and financial resources. From buying decorations and gifts to attending celebrations with family and friends, the responsibilities can accumulate quickly. To help you navigate the 2025 season with greater ease and enjoyment, consider these planning tips designed to reduce stress and enhance your holiday experience. Create a holiday spending plan and track your expenses. The final months of the year offer many opportunities to splurge. Prevent unfettered spending by setting a “do-not-exceed” dollar amount ...

Somali Americans enrich our community

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: An Open Letter to Somali Americans in our Community: I’m glad you are here. You enrich our community. I like that Muslims, Jews and Christians all share common ancestors in Sarah (“Noble Lady”), Abraham (“Father of Many Nations”) and Isaac (“He Will Laugh”). I hope our local, state and federal representatives agree with me and, if they do, I invite them to state this boldly, loudly, proudly and publicly. Justin Vorbach Marshall

On the Porch

Local Columns

The following article appeared on the front page of the News Messenger of Lyon County on Dec. 8, 1922: “Santa Claus Comes Here for Christmas: Arrangements Made to Have Big Community Tree and Program. Goodies for the Kiddies. Marshall Community to Unite in Welcoming Santa on Annual Visit at Community Tree Program, Appreciated Fine Spirit in Evidence Here Last year, Committees at Work. Santa Claus fully appreciated the fine reception accorded him in Marshall last year, when he attended the Community Christmas Tree program in person, and for that reason he is coming again this year. ...

Country School Kids – Lois Paine Widmark – Pine Ridge District 92 School

Local Columns

Ivanhoe resident Lois Paine Widmark’s story began in Meade County, South Dakota. Her life journey brought her to Lincoln County and a career teaching kindergarten at Lake Benton Public School. Lois and her younger siblings who grew up on their ranch in Meade County attended the same country school. “We attended Pine Ridge School, District 92. I couldn’t go to school until my younger sister (Verna) was old enough to start. That’s why we were always together. I’m 21 months older, but we graduated together.” She and Verna usually walked to their country school. “We ...

The importance of emotional self regulation in kids

Community Voices

All of us need to keep our emotions under control. Basing our actions on our feelings, to the neglect of thinking before doing or saying something, can have bad consequences. When something is said or done, it is too late to undo the impact. Those words or actions will not be forgotten. It is important that children learn how to control their emotions. Learning emotional self-regulation is an important part of healthy child development. Learning emotional self-regulation develops at a fast rate in a child’s younger years. The pace slows along the way to adulthood. The extent of ...