“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.
