Despite the fact that we are being reminded about Christmas every day, Thanksgiving Day comes first. I have so much to be thankful for and I bet everyone out there can also find a reason or two to be thankful. At our home there have been a lot of health issues but we are still plugging along and for that, I am very thankful. I am also thankful for the Covid-19 vaccine … [Read more...] about A time to be thankful
Opinion
Step Up To Retain Prairie Pioneer Days
For the last few months we have been hearing that a new group is needed to take on the Prairie Pioneer Days celebration in Morris. The Morris Area Chamber of Commerce took it on temporarily and is now ready to pass it to another group or organization. However, they are getting very little response to the request. I can remember when the first Prairie Pioneer Days were held. … [Read more...] about Step Up To Retain Prairie Pioneer Days
The Bonds That Build Through Hunting
November is here and in my house that means one thing - deer season. There may be a few preparations weeks in ad-vance but this week, a lot of talk and work is put into getting ready for the hunt. We get out the totes of hunting clothes, find our boots and gloves, and stock up on food for sandwiches and meals. Every year my husband and I think about no longer hunting, … [Read more...] about The Bonds That Build Through Hunting
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
Letter: Get Vaccinated To Protect Others
Get vaccinated for COVID-19, or if for some God-forsaken reason you decide you are not going to be vaccinated, make certain you tell anyone you are going to be near for more than a few minutes, that you are not vaccinated. I write this, because a few weeks ago I was working outside, sitting with this person for about 30 minutes, without a mask. I assumed he had been … [Read more...] about Letter: Get Vaccinated To Protect Others
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
LETTER: Can We At Least Talk About Covid-19 In The Schools?
In Albert Lea, 290 students are quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure after one week of school. In Colorado Springs, my niece and nephew were sent home after two weeks of school. Two weeks after Atlanta schools reopened, a doctor charted the percentage of children with COVID-19 cases; at the eight schools with mask mandates, only one had a rate higher than … [Read more...] about LETTER: Can We At Least Talk About Covid-19 In The Schools?
Slow Down At Rural Intersections
About 70 years ago, my grandmother, Sarah Bolluyt, was severely injured in a car accident. It happened at an intersection where tall corn obstructed the ability to see if another vehicle was approaching. My grandfather was driving but was not injured when their car collided with another at the intersection. My grandmother was transferred to a Minneapolis hospital … [Read more...] about Slow Down At Rural Intersections