Bernard reaches ‘tin’ anniversary for newspaper column

SPECIAL MEMENTO — Star Eagle columnist Mark Bernard was presented some special artwork created by Star Eagle staff member and professional artist Reed Waller in honor of Bernard’s 10th anniversary as a newspaper columnist. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

By CARRIE GILBERTSON

Staff Writer

Ten years is quite a milestone: It’s the average lifespan of a microwave oven, the “tin” wedding anniversary, and nearly 120 times longer than the reign of King Umberto II of Italy. It’s also how long Mark Bernard has been dedicating his time and talent to the pages of the New Richland Star and NRHEG Star Eagle.

Bernard began with the paper when it was under the ownership of LaVonne Meyer. His first piece was an agricultural article he volunteered to write. The next week he was asked to submit another one, and Mark has continued to volunteer ever since. This is an unexpected accomplishment for someone who was self-taught when it comes to computers and keyboarding.

According to Bernard, “Small town newspapers are still an important part of the community and rural life.”

It’s this feeling of community connection that has kept Bernard involved in the Star Eagle. He has devoted hundreds of hours of free time to bring news articles and columns to the residents of the NRHEG area. The locals have responded as well.

“Many times I’ve been stopped on the street and people have commented on some aspect of a recent column,” he said. “I’m just flattered to think they were nice enough to say something about it. Some of the more elderly members of the community say the column is something they look forward to and the first thing they read. That in particular touches my heart and makes me feel it’s still worth it.”

Mark also looks forward to his assignments for the paper. He says they serve as a “mental release,” allowing him to keep things in perspective. 

His favorite assignments are ever evolving: the last one and the next one. The last one due to the sense of accomplishment and the next one for all of the opportunity it holds. He continues to learn things about the world around him, some of it useful, much of it not, but all of it contributing to his knowledge. 

Bernard’s column, Fencelines, has helped him to develop his writing. His column has become a constant in his life that contributes to his skills and discipline. He believes his voice has also evolved. “I’m likely less of a free spirit or loose cannon than when I started,” he says.

It’s a voice that we will hopefully “hear” for a long time to come.

“While I may not write for a newspaper forever, I seriously doubt I’ll ever stop entirely,” said Bernard.

Star Eagle Editor/Publisher Jim Lutgens hopes Bernard has no plans to quite writing his newspaper column anytime soon.

“We greatly appreciate the contributions Mark has made to the Star and the Star Eagle,” said Lutgens. “His column is especially vital in a rural, agriculture-based community. I hope he plans to continue writing Fencelines for many years.”

Along with his newspaper contributions, Mark’s writing can be found in such publications as AgWeb, Pro Farmer, The Farmer, and Successful Farming, among others. And Mark’s goals don’t stop with periodicals.

“I’ve thought about writing a book,” he said.