guest opinion
- By Thomas GetmanNovember 12, 2025Voices are being raised from “occupied” Washington as DC’s citizens struggle with both national and international challenges … even gutting tragedies. National Guard members roam our parks and streets looking lost while aware they are being used as theatrical props. The darkening picture seems rooted in misguided institutional violence with authoritarian abuse of our Constitution and basic…
- By Sen. Amy KlobucharNovember 05, 2025In Minnesota and across the country, farmers are having trouble making ends meet amid low commodity prices and increasing costs. Farmer loan repayment rates continue to decline across the Midwest, and small farm bankruptcies have reached a five-year high. Why? Our farmers can’t offset the toll of tariffs on the rural economy. As I visited family farmers across western and southern Minnesota…
- By Linda Wenzel, program manager, A.C.E. of SW MNSeptember 24, 2025Falls Prevention Week next week is a timely reminder for older adults to stay physically active, maintain balance and stay socially connected. One program helping make that possible right here in our community is SAIL – Stay Active and Independent for Life. SAIL classes are specifically designed to help adults 65 and older reduce their risk of falls and stay strong, confident and independent…
- By Rick Birt, Students Against Destructive DecisionsJanuary 17, 2023In addition to the increased risk of dangerous weather with icy roads and snow during winter months, there is also a significant uptick in impaired driving during winter months. In fact, 40 percent of highway deaths during winter are alcohol-related, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Impaired driving is when someone operates a motor vehicle while under the…
- By Cary Radisewitz, LuverneJanuary 03, 2023It’s that time of the year for our 2023 New Year’s resolutions. If you find yourself in or near Luverne, you don’t have to look far. If you’re looking for a place to start a resolution to be more fit, I’d recommend the Luverne Aquatics Center. Sam Honerman and her staff can help you reach your fitness goals. The facility is quite amazing. You can do anything from water walking to lap swimming,…
- January 12, 2021Some of you know that one of life's joys that I take pride in is my athletic career long ago on the championship football and basketball teams in Luverne. These memories, if verbalized, honor the coaches who were men of active faith who cared deeply for those of us who played for them. They focused more on character building than on winning, and as a result were perennial champions as…
- By Cary Radisewitz, LuverneOctober 06, 2020Before moving to Luverne, I was head football coach at a small university from 1985 to 1992. During my time there, my players faced several racist incidents from the community. The first happened when I arrived. A community member asked me about the "cans" I was bringing to the town. Confused, I asked for clarification. He told me, "You know, cans ... Mexicans, African-Americans,…
- By Audrey Nelson, Willmar, President of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota CitiesJune 23, 2020The special session was a train wreck. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn and recent civil unrest, Minnesotans need strong state leadership at the Legislature now more than ever. Instead we got arbitrary deadlines, broken deals and partisan battles. I’m frustrated at the Senate GOP majority for their insistence on adjourning prematurely. The decision to adjourn June 20 was…
- By Luke Comeau, Southwestern Mental Health Center interim executive directorMay 12, 2020The month of May is known for its warmer days, flowers in bloom, and students anxious to burst through their school's exit doors one final time to the freedom of summer break. Yet, this May is entirely different for all of us, whether it was the change in plans for Mother's Day, a birthday party celebrated over Zoom, or working from home while the kids scream during your corporate…
- By Allan Bakke, Safe Harbor Regional Navigator, Southwest Minnesota Crisis Center, WorthingtonJanuary 21, 2020During the month of January, advocates, organizations and individuals unite to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking. While movements like #MeToo have started to bring crimes like sexual harassment and sexual assault out of the shadows, human trafficking largely remains hidden. Putting an end to human trafficking starts with acknowledging its existence. Victims of sex trafficking…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
