A wedding is a happy day in a couple’s life together. Couples who have lost loved ones in recent years, whether it’s parents, grandparents, close friends, or siblings, may find their happiness mixing with feelings of loss. It can be challenging to fully celebrate in the absence of a beloved loved one who was supposed to be there joining in the happiness.
Luke 10:25-37: “The Good Samaritan.” Even people with no connection to church, Scripture, or faith know the phrase. It’s carved into our language like a proverb, used to describe anyone who helps a stranger in need. We see it everywhere: in stained glass and sculpture, in hospital names and humanitarian awards, even etched into coins. But if we reduce it to a feel-good message—“just be nice and help people”—we miss the heart of it. To feel the full weight of what Jesus is doing in this story, we have to ask: who were the Samaritans? And why would Jesus make one of them the hero? The answer just might set us free. By the time of Jesus, Samaritans and Jews had been divided for centuries. Though they shared ancient roots, Samaritans were seen as heretics—reviled for worshiping on Mount Gerizim and reading a different version of the Torah. The hatred ran both ways, long and bitter.
Traditions abound during weddings, from wearing something blue to a couple not seeing each other the night before the nuptials to a bride tossing the bouquet to eager singletons in the crowd.
An Atchison man who was charged in connection to a string of burglaries that took place in the southeast part of Brown County last year has entered into a plea agreement, which canceled a jury trial that was scheduled for next week in the case.
Fall is an exciting time of year for student-athletes. After a summertime break from scholastic sports, athletes return to competition in the fall.
When searching for the right place to tie the knot, each couple looks for their own unique spot. According to The Knot Worldwide 2024 Global Wedding Report, couples across the globe identify cost and venue style/type as the most important variables to consider. Nearly 75 percent of couples worldwide report getting married within 30 miles of their homes. And many couples prefer an outdoor wedding.
Hiawatha Municipal Court actions for the month of August 2025, Ted Collins, Judge.
The Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha will be offering a free “Intro to Canva For Beginners” presentation from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 in the large meeting room downstairs. The presentation is for anyone new to using Canva or is interested in learning about this creative design tool!
The Wengers held their annual reunion Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Fisher Center. Ninety-seven attended, including two guests. Next year’s reunion will be Aug. 16, 2026. A vote was taken and passed by a large majority to move the reunion to the first Sunday in August beginning in 2027. The reunion date for 2027 will be Aug. 1. The pool will be enjoyed by many after the noon meal.