Opinion
By Lori Sorenson, editorJune 04, 2025I recently tagged along with Matt to the Washington, D.C., area where he had meetings for a conference. In addition to touring the iconic memorials and monuments, people-watching was one of my favorite perks of the trip. The locals are a melting pot of diversity, but when you throw in the visitors, it’s a place like no other that offers a perfect cross-section of humanity on display. Among…- June 04, 2025Creating homes, building America — NeighborWorks America’s lasting impact on America To the Editor: The first full week of June each year is designated as NeighborWorks Week. As we celebrate NeighborWorks Week this year from June 7-14, it’s a timely moment to recognize the profound and often underappreciated role NeighborWorks America plays in strengthening our communities. With this year’s…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 04, 2025By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have been receiving text messages about an “E-Z Pass Final Reminder.” It’s something about having an outstanding toll and submitting payment. I was told it was a scam. Can you get me more information on this? Answer: Here is information from the Minnesota Department of Transportation E-ZPass page. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn…- By Amy Klobuchar, U.S. SenatorMay 28, 2025
By Mavis Fodness, reporterMay 28, 2025Imagine running 437 miles across the state of South Dakota. In September my nephew-in-law is doing just that — running a relay race from Rapid City to Sioux Falls in five days. Izzo is one of 12 runners selected for the 437 Project, an awareness and fundraising event for the Helpline Center based in Sioux Falls. Izzo, a former Marine, is bringing attention to his fellow veterans and current…
By RIck Peterson, general managerMay 28, 2025This is the third installment in my series of columns about what I consider growing trends of having too many choices in making simple decisions. I so far covered barbecue sauces and paint, and now we’ll cover dog food. Pet food choices are off the charts, and for this column I am zeroing in on dog food. Our local Bomgaars is where I buy my dog food, so I did my research there on the plethora…
By Scott Rall, outdoors columnistMay 28, 2025There seems to be a new sheriff in town when it comes to operating a boat or personal watercraft in Minnesota waters. There are new regulations starting July 1, 2025. These new rules require both youth and younger adults to be certified in watercraft safety if you were born after 2004. The new rules are being phased in. If you were born after 2004, the requirements begin on July 1 of this year…- May 21, 2025We have a reputation here in Rock County of working together to solve complicated problems. This collaborative spirit — especially among local leaders and private enterprise — has put us on the map numerous times for many reasons. Thirty years ago, for example, Rock County emerged as a leader in the state when our planning and zoning commission adopted its own feedlot ordinance. It was 1995,…
By Brenda Winter, columnistMay 21, 2025When Marcella Prokop, co-owner of The Cidery at Blackshire Farms near Beaver Creek, called and asked if I, Brenda Winter, could judge a rhubarb contest at the Cidery on Saturday, June 7, I said I could not, but I knew who could – Marlene and Darlene. Marlene and Darlene are two imaginary elderly sisters created for the stage by DJ Luethje and me. The sisters hail from Leota, Minnesota. They…- May 21, 2025Ginn: 'Take care of you neighbors, both in Luverne and all over the world' To the Editor: I was inspired by Thomas Getman’s mention of Palestine to finally write about this. I haven’t gone a day without thinking about Palestine since 2023. I am sixteen years old, and it is incredibly disappointing to watch those in power do nothing while I watch kids burned alive in tent fires. You might…
- By Nikki FrakesMay 14, 2025A Minnesota native deeply moved by nature, I must have been in high school when I had the unforgettable opportunity to work with renowned National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg. On a frigid winter night, we ventured into the untouched wilderness near Ely, Minnesota. The cold was biting and the silence — vast and consuming. An audio technician placed microphones on the frozen lake, and…
By Lori Sorenson, editorMay 14, 2025There once was a little candle whose flame was beginning to dim. Her light is dimmed by clouds of hardship: a D-minus in math, social media bullying and the recent loss of her grandmother. She tries to push the clouds away, but as other hardships accumulate, she begins to lose hope. The darker and heavier the clouds, the more tired she gets, and it appears her flame might go out entirely.…
By RIck Peterson, general managerMay 14, 2025This is the second installment in my four-part series of columns on how I feel we have too many choices. My last column dealt with the onslaught of choices regarding barbecue sauces. This week I was overwhelmed by the choices in the world of paint. Our local Ace Hardware is ground zero when it comes to paint choices: brands, color, sheen, and now even texture. First, brands. At Ace you can pick…- May 14, 2025Berghorst: Supporting child care: A community commitment To the Editor: For decades our community has struggled with a lack of available child care. As in-home providers retire, fewer individuals are stepping in to fill the gap, leaving many families without reliable options. While it's easy to criticize the investment required to address this issue — especially online — it’s far more…
By Scott Rall, outdoors columnistMay 14, 2025So how many of you have even heard of the Land and Legacy Amendment? Of those of you who recognize the term, how many of you are familiar with what it is and how it operates? I am so surprised how the average Minnesotan is so disconnected from this title. Let us give you a little background. It was during one of the biggest recessions of the past 40 years that the citizens of Minnesota made a…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterMay 07, 2025Yukon Cornelius is the name of the Arctic prospector in the animated holiday special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It’s also the name we’ve given to our new-to-us GMC Yukon sport utility vehicle. Like the animated character, our Yukon has become a trusted friend, especially after a recent drive to California to visit our youngest son. My husband and I spent nine days, 3,676 miles and an…
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