Opinion
- 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…
By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library DirectorJanuary 28, 2026Ahh, February — a month traditionally associated with love. It is a lovey month at the library, too! It’s “I Love to Read Month!” Your Rock County Community librarians are always happy to offer book recommendations, but we are chomping at the bit to give you suggestions during this month dedicated to the love of reading. Since it’s such a romantic month, I have asked our resident romance…- January 21, 2026January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross and Blood Banks of America encourage everyone who can donate blood to do so, especially now during the month of January. It's the time of year when blood supplies are running low, due to recent holiday schedules, winter weather and cold and flu season keeping dedicated donors from giving. Over the last two decades, blood…
By Brenda Winter, ColumnistJanuary 21, 2026We are celebrating Dad's 88th birthday on Saturday. Eighty-eight is not a "milestone" but, at 88, every birthday is worth celebrating. So, we're going all out. The Take 16 Event Center will feature yellow balloons and Dad's motorcycle — which he may or may not resume riding when it warms up next spring. We'll see. Bluegrass and country gospel music will be playing over the sound system. (…
By Rick Peterson, General ManagerJanuary 21, 2026Football, football and more football. If you like football, the past few weeks have been a football lover’s paradise. The NFL and NCAA have put on quite a show. From close games to a couple of blowouts, and some controversial calls by the officials, it has been entertaining. On Monday night of this week Indiana University won their first national championship while putting together an…- January 21, 2026Caucus meetings planned for Feb. 3 To the editor: I am the leader of the Rock County DFL. Minnesota's unique political process for the elections in November, for both Democrats and Republicans, begins on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 when all 24 voting precincts in Rock County will hold caucus meetings. These caucus meetings will help determine who is elected and what the party's platforms will look…
- By Tom GetmanJanuary 14, 2026Two colleagues who help me stand with hope in times of grievous moments point me to the light and opportunity in darkness times. One of them is here in my DC neighborhood, Councilman David Allen. The other resides in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Peggy said, “It’s no secret Minnesota has experienced unspeakable tragedy this week [in Renee Good’s murder]. We have seen so much violence and…
By Lori Sorenson, editorJanuary 14, 2026Many workplaces are like families. And the lucky ones are happy families. It makes sense if you think about it — we often spend more time with our co-workers than we do with our own family members. But, unlike real families, we don’t expect we’ll be with our co-workers for a lifetime. There’s a general understanding someone will end up leaving our workplace family for some reason or another…- January 14, 2026Ginn: Congressman Finstad: ‘We know what we saw’ To the editor: We know what we saw: Renee Good was murdered. She was killed by the state. In his statement, our Congressman, Brad Finstad, tweeted, "What happened in Minneapolis today is a somber reminder of the dangers ICE agents face while doing their jobs. These dangers have continued to escalate because of the anti-law enforcement rhetoric…
- January 07, 2026According to the Mental Health America, January is national Mental Wellness Month. So, we’re sharing the organization’s 10 resiliency tools to promote wellness and help you feel stronger and more hopeful. •Connect with others – Humans are social by nature: We crave feeling supported, valued, and connected. •Stay positive – Trying to be optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring the uglier sides of life.…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterJanuary 07, 2026Twenty-one percent of U.S. adults ages 50 and older (about 24 million people) now live alone. They are “aging alone because they live without a spouse or partner or anyone else under the same roof,” according to an AARP magazine article I read from beginning to end, because I’m now one of these statistics. As 2026 began, I’m among the growing number of people aging solo due to a death of a…
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