First Turkey Hunt
Zach Walz's first turkey hunt landed him a 22 pound bird. Zach shot the big bird Sunday afternoon in Kittson County with the help of his guide Brian Krantz.
A Heart Bigger Than Any Challenge:
Community Rallies Around Joseph Carlson
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
In every small town, there are stories that remind us what truly matters—stories of resilience, kindness, and the quiet strength found in our youngest community members. For the Carlson family, that story is their son, Joseph. Joseph Carlson is the kind of kid who lights up a room the moment he walks in. Outgoing, quick with a joke, and always wearing a smile, he's known by friends and classmates as a happy-go-lucky kid who's simply fun to be around. Whether he's out four-wheeling, lending a helping hand, or tinkering with something just to see how it works, Joseph's curiosity and mechanical mind are always in motion. He's the kind of kid who doesn't just see the world—he wants to understand it. But behind that bright smile is a journey that began with uncertainty. Joseph was born with microtia and aural atresia—a condition that means his ears did not fully develop and he was born without ear canals. In simple terms, sound doesn't have a natural pathway to reach his inner ear. For most families, hearing is something you never have to think twice about. For the Carlsons, it became something they had to learn about, navigate, and advocate for from the very beginning. "It was scary at first," his parents shared. "When you hear a diagnosis like that, your mind goes in a hundred different directions. But the more information we got, the more hope we found." At just six months old, Joseph began wearing hearing aids—tiny devices that opened up a world of sound and connection. Since then, he hasn't looked back. And if you ask anyone who knows him, they'll tell you the same thing: Joseph doesn't let anything hold him back. He doesn't dwell on what's different. He doesn't feel sorry for himself. Instead, he charges forward—laughing, learning, helping others, and figuring out life one step at a time. His parents couldn't be more proud. "He just keeps going," they said. "That's who he is." Now, Joseph is preparing for the next step in his journey—a reconstructive surgery that will help create outer ears using cartilage from his own ribs. Surgeons will carefully shape and build ears from that rib cartilage, giving Joseph not just a physical change, but another step toward improved hearing and confidence. It's a big procedure. The kind that comes with long days, careful recovery, and a lot of courage. But if you know Joseph, you know he has plenty of that. And in true small-town fashion, he's not facing it alone. From benefit breakfasts to quiet donations, from kind words to shared prayers, the community has wrapped its arms around the Carlson family in a way only small towns can. One of those efforts includes an upcoming pancake breakfast hosted by the Greenbush-Badger Lions Club. The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Badger Community Center, with all proceeds supporting Joseph and his family during this journey. For those unable to attend, donations can be mailed to Greenbush-Badger Lions, PO Box 64, Badger, MN 56714. The Carlson family is deeply grateful. "We just want to say thank you," they shared. "To our friends, our family, and this community—you've been incredible. We've felt every bit of love and support." They also hope their story encourages others. "Don't be afraid to reach out," they said. "Whether you need help, have questions, or just need someone to talk to—ask. There are people who care more than you know." And maybe that's the heart of this story. Yes, it's about a medical journey. Yes, it's about a young boy facing a big surgery. But more than anything, it's about who Joseph is—a resilient, joyful, big-hearted kid who reminds us all what strength really looks like. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, Joseph Carlson is a reminder that courage doesn't have to be loud—and that even the smallest voices can carry the biggest impact.
Marshall County Central High School to Celebrate 109th Commencement Ceremony
Marshall County Central High School is proud to announce the graduation of the Class of 2026. The school will hold its 109th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Marshall County Central High School Gymnasium. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception line in the new high school addition, where guests will have the opportunity to personally congratulate each graduate and take photos. The Class of 2026 has chosen the White Rose with Sage Green tips as their class flower and class colors are Cyprus & Sage Green and Blue-Gray. The ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of achievement, hard work, and the bright futures ahead for these remarkable students. Marshall County Central Schools extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026 and invites the community to join in celebrating this important milestone.