Echo Press Minute

Jackson Burns' whole life is music. He doesn't even want to imagine a world without it. For him, it's not just his hobby and his career, it's his purpose.

Burns' journey into music began during his childhood. His grandpa was a choir director and his dad is a musician. Not one that played for any cheering crowds or recorded any hits, but one who simply played guitar for the pure enjoyment of playing.

Growing up, Burns remembers his dad often noodling on his guitar and writing songs that he only played for himself and his family.

Burns' curiosity for music began to blossom when was 13. It was the first time he felt he could relate to the lyrics in songs. It was also the time he began hearing the "magic" of melodies and wondering, "How did they do that?" and then wanting to do it himself.

For this episode, I sat down with local musician Jackson Burns. We spoke about his musical endeavors from performing and writing to how he heals others with songs.

Here are the top stories in Wednesday's paper:

• Alexandria Industries holds its 16th annual Fishing For the Cure angling tournament

• An update about the Alexandria Senior Center was presented at the Douglas County Board meeting.

• State public safety officials warn about sextortion dangers.

• Knights wrestling won the section team title dual, 48-28

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

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Here are the top stories in Friday's paper:

• Chickens in city limits? City Council refers to Planning Commission.

• A local wedding venue may have its permit pulled.

• In life, a photo page of photos submitted for Photo of the Week. Photos show the sun, moon, snow and frost in the winter landscape.

• Osakis boys' basketball beat Melrose 46-43

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

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Here are the top stories in Wednesday's paper:

• ALASD is planning a $67 million upgrade.

• A campaign to raise money for the RCC received a big boost from 2 businesses.

• In Life, firefighters rescued a puppy that fell down a well in Forada.

• In Sports, the Alex girls' basketball team is undefeated in conference games.

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

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Here are the top stories in Wednesday's paper:

• The top of a silo exploded off when the corn inside became ignited.

• School officials in Alexandria, Osakis, B-E discuss potential impact of free lunches.

• Duo from St. Mary's in Alexandria to perform 'The Story of God' at Carnegie Hall in New York.

• Alexandria boys basketball lost to Orono 78-89 during Breakdown's Winter Lakes Classic.

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

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Here are the top stories in Friday's paper:

• Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen looks back at sheriff days, legislative work.

• Plans have been drawn for Alexandria's 22 parks and an open house will take place Feb. 9.

• Fire Pit Productions to debut new play, Stop Kiss on Feb. 10.

• The Alexandria boys swimming and diving team bested Melrose-Sauk Centre with a 110-76 win.

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

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Here are the top stories in Wednesday's paper:

• Alexandria minors recharging non-rechargeable e-cigarettes

• Echo Press takes home 34 awards in the Better Newspaper Contest.

• Puzzle enthusiasts compete at Douglas County Library

• The Granite City Lumberjacks beat the Alexandria Blizzard last Saturday 5-3.

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com.

Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed.

Here are the top stories in Friday's paper:

• Another house catches fire in Douglas County.

• Alexandria's sewer system is seeking a $67 million upgrade to deal with increased use and stricter environmental regulations, a move that will raise sewer fees.

• Alexandria City Council cracks down on King Tobacco for selling tobacco to underaged youth.

• In life, Behind the Band: Jackson Burns

• In sports, Brandon-Evansville boys' basketball beats Parkers Prairie 68-64

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed.

Here are the top stories in Wednesday's paper:

• House fire at Lake Geneva Estates in Alexandria.

• Another charge filed in fatal drunk driving case.

• Alexandria area hockey coach suffers life-altering injury.

• Alexandria boys hockey beat Fergus Falls 4-0 last Friday

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com.

Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed.

Here are the top stories in Friday's paper:

• Douglas County commissioners approved the hiring of seasonal and temporary employees at their Tuesday, Jan. 17, regular board meeting.
• Results of the DECA Shark Tank competition.
• Andria Theatre presents "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
• Alexandria girls' basketball propelled itself to a 62-42 win by outscoring Detroit Lakes

To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com

Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed.

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The Echo Press' Cutest Couple Photo contest sponsored by Elden's and Willy T's is back! Do you and your significant other have what it takes to be named the cutest couple? If so, send a photo to PO Box 549, Alexandria, MN 56308 or by email at [email protected].