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RENT tells important story

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Last weekend I had the great fortune to attend the Lake Benton Opera House production of “RENT.” I want to applaud the entire cast, crew, and production team for making the choice to bring this powerful piece of theater to our area. RENT told an important story at the time it came out, and I was struck again with the powerful storytelling put forward by this production. Producing RENT in this current political, economic, and social context placed unapologetic value on the story and themes. We can tell stories through art that are sometimes hard to hear or listen to ...

2026 change to retirement catch-up contribution rule

Local Columns

The year is already rapidly coming to a close, making it peak season for assessing (and, in many cases, reassessing) contribution options related to retirement savings accounts. A major factor worth considering heading into the new year are changes to the SECURE 2.0 Act’s catch-up contribution rule. The changes begin on Jan. 1, 2026, and could have a significant impact on individuals 50 years of age and older who earned more than $145,000* in 2025. If you are part of this group of investors, read on to learn about what catch-up contributions are and what the new rules mean for your ...

Answering your questions about the Marshall schools referendum

Community Voices

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in classrooms, hallways, games and events — hearing from teachers, staff and families about the momentum our students are building. I’m proud of the work happening across Marshall schools. I’ve also been talking with community partners about where we’re headed. At the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, we highlighted how the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program helps produce job-ready graduates who are ready to fill the local positions our businesses need. I greatly appreciated the encouragement and ...

On the Porch

Local Columns

Last Tuesday, Greg Gaut presented on his book, “The War at Home: Minnesota during the Great War, 1914-1920” at the Lyon County Museum. Much of his presentation was on the formation of the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety and the Nonpartisan League. Below is an excerpt from the book: “The Minnesota Commission of Public Safety ruled the state with an iron hand during the war. Led by John F. McGee, the commission pursued a “loyalty” campaign against the trade unions, the Nonpartisan League, the Socialist Party, and the Industrial Workers of the World. McGee’s most ...

Fire Prevention Week helped to overcome a teenage fear

Community Voices

This week was Fire Prevention Week, a time to recognize the need for fire safety and the importance of local fire crews. Fire departments host open houses, visit schools and do other public awareness projects, all aimed at keeping everyone mindful of the need to practice fire safety basics. They emphasize prevention with steps like smoke detectors and furnace checks. They also teach people what to do if a fire occurs. People are encouraged to practice an evacuation plan and to know safety measures such as the stop, drop, and roll. I enjoyed Fire Prevention Week activities as a ...

The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Assessing enemy forces and reassignment

Local Columns

We have been following Marland Burckhardt, a Russell High School graduate who served in the Army in Italy before returning to college, marrying his sweetheart, and graduating with an Army commission. Marland and Barb completed a year-long assignment in Germany before returning to the States where Marland completed the Army Counterintelligence Course, Airborne training, and the Special Forces Officer Course. He deployed to Vietnam in January 1970 to help assess enemy activity in the southern half of South Vietnam for Headquarters, 5th Special Forces Group at Nha Trang, Vietnam. Marland ...