Opinion
March 04, 2026- March 04, 2026The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget’s February forecast projects a $3.7 billion surplus at the end of the fiscal year 2026-27 biennium. That’s $1.3 billion higher than November estimates, with a projected $377 million surplus in FY 28-29 amid an ongoing structural imbalance. This is a significant improvement from the last economic forecast. Today’s budget news means that…
By Brenda Winter, columnistMarch 04, 2026My friend said it so casually you might have missed the poetry of it. We were chatting on the phone when she mentioned her husband had ended his attempt at growing out his hair. After going more than a year without a haircut, he came home with a crisp new look. She said, “He looked great!” Then she added, “But he’s handsome no matter what he looks like.” I laughed and thought “That’s not how…
By Nicole RonchettiFebruary 27, 2026I grew up in the woods, surrounded by the birches, spruce and pines of northern Minnesota. For me, being surrounded by trees is a comfort. It feels like home. Some of my fondest memories are of playing under the pines at my family’s ramshackle cabin, and of long walks in the woods with my mother where she would teach my siblings and I the names of the trees and flowers we passed. Everywhere I’…- February 25, 2026This week over 1 million students across the U.S. are celebrating FFA Week, which aims to highlight Future Farmers of America and the importance of both agriculture and student leadership. For a deeply agricultural community like Rock County, it’s important to celebrate with our FFA students and do everything we can to support them on their journeys. Our Feb. 19 Star Herald carried a full-page…
By Nicole RonchettiFebruary 25, 2026I grew up in the woods, surrounded by the birches, spruce and pines of northern Minnesota. For me, being surrounded by trees is a comfort. It feels like home. Some of my fondest memories are of playing under the pines at my family’s ramshackle cabin, and of long walks in the woods with my mother where she would teach us the names of the trees and flowers we passed. Everywhere I’ve lived there’…- February 11, 2026To the editor: On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, residents of Minnesota’s 1,776 townships will have a unique opportunity to take part in Township Day. This annual event allows township residents to participate directly in local decision-making, a defining feature that sets township government apart. Township Day annual meetings give residents a direct voice in how their township is governed,…
- February 11, 2026To the editor: I live in Luverne and I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Crisis Center. The impression the closure of our organization’s physical office in Luverne would mean that residents of Rock County would no longer have access to our services in Rock County. While the Crisis Center will close our physical office here in Luverne, the services to the community are not…
- By Tom Getman, guest editorialFebruary 11, 2026Over the past months I presumed insights from Washington were helpful for you friends back home. Now I must admit that in the presence of heavy clouds of the climatic and political winter of 2026 it is family and friends in Minnesota who are sources of salvatory wisdom and light in the persistent darkness. With appropriate pride I point to pastoral, political and personal leaders from home…
By Brenda Winter, columnistFebruary 11, 2026I’m not sure who was more surprised: the woman who put her toes on my forehead during yoga class, or me when it happened. While lying on our backs, we had been instructed to lift our feet over our heads, stretching our toes toward the floor behind us. One of us was facing the wrong direction. The move, called “plow,” is an excellent way to stretch one’s lower back — or, in a crowded space, to…- By Linda Wenzel, A.C.E. of SWMNFebruary 04, 2026As America’s senior population grows, families are increasingly facing difficult decisions about health care, finances, and final wishes — often during moments of crisis. Experts say much of that stress can be avoided with proper planning and a small set of essential legal documents. For caregivers, understanding and helping organize these documents can make the difference between chaos and…
By Lori Sorenson, editorFebruary 04, 2026Every so often my job puts me in touch with my “inner nature photographer.” An assignment last week was to capture a migrating trumpeter swan in his natural winter habitat. This majestic creature had been spotted in Rock County, and I was determined to document the rare occurrence for the paper. On this cold January day, I would need to prepare for the elements: that meant extra batteries for…
By Scott Rall, Outdoors ColumnistFebruary 04, 2026The dogs had such a sad look on their faces this morning when I was unloading my hunting vest. It was officially the end of the pheasant season in Minnesota. If you wanted to continue you can chase them in South Dakota which does not close until the end of January or a few days still remain in the state of Iowa. The Minnesota season was a stellar one. The bird numbers were much higher than the…- By Minnesota Gov. Tim WalzJanuary 28, 2026The Trump administration's assault on Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. It isn't just. It isn't legal. And, critically, it isn't making anyone any safer. Quite the opposite: Immigration agents have now shot and killed two of our neighbors: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. And there are…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterJanuary 28, 2026A small envelope dropped to the floor. It was the size that comes with a bouquet of flowers. In it was single note that read “Thoughtful Thursday … Friendship/Joy/Caring.” The message was from Merecie Domagala, one of the many friends I had gained in the 11 years I’ve reported for the paper. The note brings back memories. I remember writing a column about Merecie’s Thoughtful Thursdays, where…- January 28, 2026Vos: '... rebuild Highway 75' To the editor: Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get some of the $9 billion back from the deceitful people in Minneapolis? We could rebuild Highway 75 from Luverne to Pipestone. Maybe we could make it four lanes (concrete) with curb and gutter, ornamental trees lining the highway and street lights all along the way. A few decorative rocks, maybe as mile markers, and…
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