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Anti-Bullying ‘Spirit Day’

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: In a country where too many leaders model bullying, revenge and retribution, we can stand up and lead in a way that builds inclusive caring communities. We can stand up for people who are excluded and all too often bullied. Enter, Spirit Day — a day to create awareness of the bullying and harassment that the LGBTQ. community faces all too often. (I pray that conversion “therapy” is not added to their mistreatment.) Spirit Day is a day to spark lasting empathy understanding and support. Sadly LGBTQ youth and adults are harassed and targeted simply because of their ...

In support of education

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: The Pride in the Tiger Foundation Board of Directors, are proud to stand in support of Marshall Public Schools and the levy referendum on Nov. 4. Every day, we see how opportunities change lives. A student finding their voice in the school musical. A kindergartner getting the extra help they need from a classroom aide. A high schooler discovering a future career path through business or agriculture classes. These moments matter. They shape confidence, spark dreams, and prepare students for what comes next. The levy is about protecting student opportunities. Without ...

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 ...