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Boo! Papa Who?

Local Columns

In our family, there is a mythical character who periodically appears. The character appears when the youngsters least expect it to, and soon the room is filled with sounds of screaming laughter because of all the tickling that’s happening. The characters name is Papa Gorilla. This ghoulish gorilla first arrived on the scene during a family celebration — maybe Halloween? — and is known for his secret and sudden appearances. The kiddos of the family always come to me and ask if Papa Gorilla will come to us. I respond that the character always arrives when least expected, but ...

Olsen’s concertina put smiles on many faces for decades

Editorials

“Is everybody happy.” Larry Olsen yelled out that more than once when he played his concertina with his brother Leon, who was also working his magic on the musical instrument well known in polka circles. While Larry hails from the Lake Benton area, his brother resided in New Ulm. But the two brothers often got together to share their love for polka. Leon Olsen died on Oct. 22 after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 72. When it comes to polka music, Leon Olsen’s resume is extraordinary. He definitely leaves a musical legacy that rates among the great ones. He recorded ...

Searching for book deal with agent anxiety

Community Voices

Some years ago, I got the idea of putting together a book of my collected works. A publisher is needed to embark upon such an adventure, and in order to get a publisher you need a literary agent. After a few timid excursions on the stormy Sea of Literacy, I came into contact with Mitch, a literary agent from New York. Mitch seemed like a nice guy and appeared to be knowledgeable regarding all things literary. Mitch explained that as a first-time author I was trapped in a Catch-22: an author generally can’t get published unless they have already been published. After languishing ...

On the Porch

Local Columns

Dr. John Banks Robertson was one of several Lyon County residents who served in World War I, either stationed in the United States or fighting in the trenches overseas. When the United States entered the war, Dr. Robertson was one of the first from Lyon County to enlist. He was given the rank of captain. Thirty days after enlisting, he was ordered to the training camp, Ft. Riley in Kansas, later transferred to Camp Dodge, then to Ft. McKenzie in Wyoming to take charge of Post Hospital where he served until camp was discontinued. He then transferred to Camp Lewis where he was stationed ...

Community faces important decision on future of our schools

Community Voices

As autumn settles in, the excitement across Marshall Public Schools is unmistakable. Playoff season is here, and the hallways, fields and performance spaces are filled with the energy of students striving to do their best — and a community that shows up to cheer them on. Recently, our marching band placed seventh at state competition — a testament to their dedication and teamwork. Volleyball is enjoying a remarkable season, and our girls tennis team made history by advancing to the semifinals for the first time. Tiger football continues to impress, carrying the pride of Marshall ...

The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Command, Intelligence School, and the 82nd Airborne

Local Columns

We have been following Marland Burckhardt, a Russell High School graduate who married his Russell sweetheart during college and began a career as an Army officer focused on Military Intelligence and Special Forces operations. He deployed to Vietnam in January 1970 where he provided intelligence support to the 5th Special Forces Group. Upon his return, he and Barb moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. “We drove into Fort Huachuca in February of 1971. Before you got to Huachuca there was a little town called Huachuca City. (Marland chuckled) It was nothing but dilapidated trailer houses. ...