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SMSU homecoming coronation

On Oct. 1, the Southwest Minnesota State University homecoming royalty court was announced with the king and queen crowned at a ceremony in the William Whipple Gallery. Jeremy Holland, majoring in social work, from Los Angeles, California, was named king. Jaden Jay, majoring in justice ...

Stephen Markley, author and writer for “Only Murders in the Building,” to speak

Southwest Minnesota State University invites students, faculty, and community members to a special Creative Conversations event from noon-1 p.m. today  in the Black Box Theatre in Fine Arts 112. The session will feature Stephen Markley.  Stephen Markley is the author of “The Deluge: A Novel,” which the New York Times Book Review hailed as an editor’s choice. His previous books include the critically acclaimed bestseller “Ohio: A Novel,” as well as “Publish This Book” and “Tales of Iceland.” He is a staff writer and editor for the Hulu comedy “Only Murders in ...

Standin' on a corner in Duluth

Picture it. … There I was, standing at an intersection about midway up the steep hill that climbs from Lake Superior into the heart of town. I leaned against a lamp post, gazing east to the vastness of Lake Superior. I had my ear pods in, listening to some newly discovered gritty Americana ...

A full cycle of belief in a mere 13 days

A mere three weeks apart in September, I have celebrated both the very highs of ministry, and also the very heartbreaking depths of where it will take you. On our opening Sunday of our fall church campaign, known more commonly as “Rally Sunday” to many, I had the distinct privilege of ...

Faith Forum

The "Faith" page column from September 18, 2026, discussed the topic of evil in the world. One of the writer's friends shared that he is "convinced that there are simply bad people in this world ... There are just some people who are unreachable, who couldn't give a lick about humanity as a whole." The writer of the column agreed that evil exists, stating, "There are scriptures that describe how evil came into the world ... But I firmly believe that in our fibers, each of us was created in God's image and as such, we are 'very good.'" "Very good" is how God saw everything he had ...

Faith Briefs

Pet blessing Oct. 3 The Little Portion Secular Franciscans of the Marshall area are sponsoring a “Blessing of the Animals” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the parking lot of Holy Redeemer, Marshall.  All animals and their favorite people are welcome. The Secular Franciscan Order is an order for lay persons that was started by St. Francis some 800 years ago.   If you are interested in more information about the Secular Franciscan Order please contact Nancy Rebstock at 507-430-0910. Life Chain Oct. 4 There will be a peaceful Pro-Life demonstration of silent prayer and humble ...