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The Vietnam War – Marland Burckhardt – Around school and around town

Local Columns

We have been learning about Marland Burckhardt, who grew up in rural Russell. He attended Russell Public Schools (RPS) and described some of his early school experiences in relation to where they were living. “When I started 1st grade we were living in a downtown apartment. This was right after WWII and Dad was working in Iowa in a veterans-preference job. Then we moved to a farm site on the east side of town. Finally, we moved to the farm north of Russell. I was in third or fourth grade. It was about two miles to school. I used a school bus and sometimes my bicycle to get to ...

Marshall and meaning of community

Community Voices

These past few months, through celebration, and even sometimes challenge, Marshall has been an example of what makes a great community. In June, the city sponsored, for the second year, the celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. The date and meaning of Juneteenth are relatively new to some of us since it has only been a federal and state holiday since 2021 and 2023 respectively. Even so, it was an opportunity to bring people together with food and music in hopes of creating a new community of people honoring a time in ...

Is there trouble ahead for farmers?

Community Voices

I’ve had conversations with farmers this summer that include, “This is the best crop I’ve ever seen.” Then we quickly remind each other that nothing is in the bin yet. Farmers can never appear to be exuberant. Restraint must be shown. Being a farmer means you are an odd mix of hopefulness yet filled with dread. You plant a crop or buy some feeder cattle. In either case, you’ve gone long in the market. You hope for the best. All the while, you’re aware of a hundred things that can go wrong. While there is time for harmful weather, pestilence, disease, terrorism, ...

Leave No Trace speaks out strongly for resource protection

Community Voices

This weekend we embark on the last big weekend of the summer, the three-day Labor Day weekend with all of its normally nice weather and fun times. Many of us will spend at least part of the holiday outdoors. We’ll camp, hike, swim, go boating or fishing, or have a picnic. We’ll connect with the natural world. As we’re enjoying ourselves, it’s good to take at least a few minutes to think about how we treat our natural resources, We should ask ourselves if we’re using them responsibly, if we’re preserving them in a way that will make them pristine for many years to ...

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: “See something. Say something.” We are encouraged to do so when a crime has been committed and the perpetrator’s whereabouts are unknown. What can be done if words of violence toward others are heard or if the person speaking is suicidal? The school shooting in Minneapolis, and other school shootings often involve the shooter sharing his plans with others beforehand. While a person cannot be arrested before a crime is committed, if you “Hear violent plans. Report violent plans.” A police officer does have the authority to have a mentally disturbed ...

Statement from Bishop Zielinski on Annunciation school shooting

Community Voices

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with Annunciation School as well as the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis following the tragedy that took place this morning. We extend heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families, the school community, and the local Church. May Christ, the Divine Healer, bring peace, comfort, and strength in the midst of this unimaginable sorrow. In moments like this, we are reminded of the sacred trust placed in us to care for and protect the children in our Catholic schools. Please be assured that in the Diocese ...