Right now, rural America is facing a crisis of uncertainty. In Minnesota and across the country, farmers are having trouble making ends meet amid low commodity prices and increasing costs, and farm financial conditions are deteriorating. Farmer loan repayment rates continue to decline in ...

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 ...

Voters in the Marshall School District have an important decision to make when they go to the polls on Nov. 4. We’ll decide whether or not to approve the proposed levy referendum put forth by school officials. It’s considered necessary to avoid cuts in teachers, elective classes and ...

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 ...

It’s a scary time of year. That peculiar holiday called Halloween is upon us, the only occasion wherein we encourage our children to take candy from strangers — after the kiddos issue a vague threat to the homeowner. Trick-or-treating is a grand tradition that dates back centuries. I know ...

Last week I decided to do something extra to celebrate the Southwest Minnesota State University homecoming. I went out to campus on Friday to just walk around and see a typical class day. I went to the Natural History Museum, the greenhouse, the alumni heritage gallery and the campus store. I ...