Opinions

Dealing with the devil

It’s something that didn’t come out at any news conference regarding the Jacob Wetterling case last week, but one of the lead prosecutors attributes her success with the case to her small town roots. Janelle Kendall is the top prosecutor for Stearns County, the area where Jacob was mysteriously...

Newspaper history comes to life

There are not many opportunities for the newspaper industry to showcase what life was once like in the business many years ago. But there is one chance thousands of visitors to the Minnesota State Fair get each year to catch a glimpse of living history of newspapers. It’s the Minnesota Newspaper...

A love affair with the fairs

If I’m ever suspected of having an affair, it won’t be with another woman, but rather the fairs. I have had a love affair with the fairs even before women ever entered into my life (well, except for mom, of course). I suppose I could certainly be accused of having an obsession with fairs. Some...

The great bumblebee attack

While being outdoors covering a news assignment this week, I had an unusual occurrence that has never happened before. It’s something that probably could have landed on America’s Funniest Videos. As I was taking photos of a polka band, I felt a sensation on my leg. At first, I didn’t think much of...

Food-o-meter lights up the summer

We saved up our appetites all year long for the phenomenon which is known as “food from a truck.” With fair vendors traveling from venue to venue, let the snacking party begin, and as my mom always says, “If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault.” Most of you are probably well aware of what I’m...

August brings new laws

As we head into the dog days of summer, several new laws take effect this week. The laws impacting newlyweds, minimum wage earners and drug offenders are coming into play after being passed by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year. I’d like to give readers a brief rundown of the new laws...

Fielding questions from the fair

I love the fair! My wife Rosie knows that when its fair week, I’ll be gone from open to close. It’s something I’ve always loved working. I had many questions asked of me this past week: • Why aren’t you standing in your booth? • Why are you here day and night – you’re the boss? • Why are you...

A hero’s honor to a local firefighter

It evoked a keen sense of sadness and regret. Feelings of distress overcame me last week as I walked through the “Tunnel to Tower” exhibit at the Dodge County Fair. The 9/11 Never Forget display brought back vivid memories of watching those horrifying images on television of planes flying into...

Little Thoughts On The Prairie

The times they are a changin’ We are a people that don’t like ruts, so we make changes. The problem with that is that we are people that don’t like change. What we need to be is a people that learn to be content where we are, but always ready to move on to the next note life prompts us to bellow....

Don’t poke the mayor

You can rule with integrity or you can rule with intimidation. You can be a leader or you can be a bully. Kasson’s mayor, Steve Johnson showed his true colors during last week’s council meeting as he went on a public rant after indicting himself. “I made a decision,” Johnson said and continued, “I...