Minnesota Morris ended a busy day of action on Saturday with a fourth-place finish at the Dragon Invite, topping a Division II and a Division III opponent in the process. WEST FARGO, N.D.- The University of Minnesota Morris women's swimming & diving team ended the two-day Dragon Invite in fourth place with 482 points, finishing ahead of NCAA Division II foe Concordia … [Read more...] about Women’s Swimming & Diving Places Fourth at Dragon Invite
Spirituality Essential To Community Health
There is a feeling among many in our rural communities today that something is missing. Not in a physical sense, not in an economic sense, but in the very fabric of what gives life meaning. And what is missing, they feel, is leading to our growing division, anger, and incivility toward one another.In recent years, social media has fragmented society into tribes that see each … [Read more...] about Spirituality Essential To Community Health
State Surplus: Help Rural Minnesota Help Itself
As Minnesota legislators look to the start of the 2022 session Jan. 31, they face a divisive battle on what to do with a projected record $7.7 billion surplus. If future revenue projections are on target, that surplus could grow in the remaining 19 months of the current two-year state budget. It represents an unexpected turnaround from the pessimistic budget planning that … [Read more...] about State Surplus: Help Rural Minnesota Help Itself
A miracle for Christmas
It was Monday, Oct. 18, when COVID-19 came to the Joe and Michelle Mast household in Hancock. Neither Joe nor his wife Michelle were vaccinated though they had discussed getting her the shot just that day. “We decided Michelle would get vaccinated because we were learning that pregnant women in their late second and third trimesters see the worst possible outcomes if they … [Read more...] about A miracle for Christmas
What Kind Of World Are We Leaving Our Children?
It’s a slow-motion disaster, but one that is already having an impact on our lives. It will prove far more disastrous for our children, grandchildren, and generations long into the future. You wonder what they will think of us. Environmental stewardship is among the Blandin Foundation’s nine dimensions of a healthy community. “The community supports the … [Read more...] about What Kind Of World Are We Leaving Our Children?
Do We Have A Healthy Community?
Through its years of working with rural communities, the Blandin Foundation has identified the Nine Common Dimensions of a Healthy Community. A community is a complete and rewarding place to live if it is meeting the needs of its residents in these essential areas: - Spirituality and wellness - Inclusion - Recreational and artistic opportunity - Economic … [Read more...] about Do We Have A Healthy Community?
Another Sign Of Our Uncivil Society
As voters in Minnesota went to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in local elections, an unprecedented number of those ballots included candidates for school boards. These weren't candidates seeking election to seats of members whose terms had expired. Many were running to fill the seats left vacant by resignations. "According to the Minnesota School Boards … [Read more...] about Another Sign Of Our Uncivil Society
The Gutting Of Our Rural Press
We recently received a call about a small town in western Minnesota proceeding with a city infrastructure plan for an extensive sewer, water, and street project. We were told there was no way that the limited tax base in the community can bear the project’s expense and that default is likely after a few years. Who is going to examine that levy and its impact on taxpayers? It … [Read more...] about The Gutting Of Our Rural Press
Walking Is Good For You And Your Community
For too many years, our trip to work was just over two to three blocks. It allowed no time for reflection, listening to an interesting news program, or planning for the day. But over the past decade, we have been on the road at least once a week for a couple hours - country roads, not packed city freeways. It is time we treasure. It is a time of daydreaming, problem-solving, … [Read more...] about Walking Is Good For You And Your Community
A Challenging Time To Trust The News
In these days of bitterly divided politics, we are always looking for lessons on how we can better reach out to our readers to improve their belief that we can be fair and trustworthy. Generally, community newspapers are the most trusted source of news for their readers when it comes to local reporting. Our stories of the actions of local governments, what is happening in … [Read more...] about A Challenging Time To Trust The News