The Prairie spy According to Forbe’s magazine, in an article entitled: “Jerk Alert—Bad Boss Walking,” bad bosses are everywhere.  Before I go any further with this, I live with a boss. There. Just so you know. Any man worth his spot on the bell curve, which is a measure of intelligence, will strongly say that… Read More

By Audra Espinoza Senior manager with the  Center for Rural Affairs Every rural community faces challenges. Whether it’s finding housing, strengthening the local economy, supporting families, or keeping a school or hospital open, the biggest issues rarely have simple solutions. They require people who can bring others together around a shared vision. That’s why collaborative… Read More

History repeating…. To the Editor For a 91-year-old who has lived through depressions, wars, hard times, great times, social progress, incredible advances in science, engineering, sports, integration of all colors and sexes into the wonders of our modern world, this period since the last presidential election is deeply depressing and scary. Why be so worried for… Read More

E15 as American as apple pie To the Editor, I would like to share this with you in regards to the letter to the editor in this last issue of the Frazee-Vergas Forum that came from the Minnesota Biofuel Association. As they mention Senator Smith and Klobuchar’s commitment to biofuels. The man in this photo… Read More

By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Friday July 24 1:19 p.m. Fender bender involving a parked vehicle. 2:40 p.m. Resident calling with questions about some cheap costume jewelry she has that is supposed to go to her husband’s ex-wife. The person who the jewelry belongs to is in the female big house in Shakopee… Read More

Failure to advance Farm Bill is a missed  opportunity  To the Editor, Following the Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026, Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association Executive Director Brian Werner issued the following statement: “Today’s outcome on the Senate Farm Bill is a missed opportunity for drivers, farmers, fuel retailers and rural communities… Read More

Change is needed To the Editor, Last week ICE shot two more legal immigrants on American streets bringing the total to 17. Lorenzo Araujo worked in the US for 35 years with no criminal record and provided 3 of his children with a college education. Sebastian Guerrero, a young father with a legal work permit,… Read More

The Prairie spy It was about 53 years ago. The army flew me into Danang. From there, I made my way up north to Quang Tri Combat Base, U.S.Army, by jeep, airplane, and deuce-and-a-half.  I reported in to the First Sergeant, a crusty old (old for the army, anyway) timer who had gotten where he… Read More

Celebrate  Farmers Market week Aug. 2-8 To the Editor, Once a week in the summertime, brightly colored 10×10 tents pop up in a corner parking lot in my community. Under each one of those tents is a producer, crafter, or small business owner who has tables of goods for sale. The next farmers market in… Read More

By Jessica Carlson Otter Tail County Master  Gardener Volunteer By the time July rolls around, many Minnesota gardeners might think the planting season is over. The peas have been picked, the garlic is nearly ready to pull, if not already, and empty rows start appearing in the garden. The good news is those open spaces… Read More