To the Editor, We are blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave men and women that founded, fought for, and defended our great nation. This Fourth of July season I encourage you to reflect on the liberties and freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.  The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Each day that we walk on the road for exercise, it becomes clearer and clearer that the drivers of the cars that meet me can be divided up into three categories. Walking gives you time to puzzle out stuff like this. The first category of people is the nicest one. These are… Read More

Garver’s Movie Review Bob Garver It’s been a whole two weeks since “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” opened, so it’s about time we had another superhero multiverse movie. This one takes place in the DC Extended Universe, which means we’re sure to get some fun takes on Batman and Superman. It’s enough to make one forget that… Read More

Publisher’s Perspective Chad Koenen One of the best ways to judge not only yourself, but your community, is through the eyes of outsiders. Since we typically have an inherent bias through what we experience in our everyday lives, having people from outside of our community come to town can yield some valuable information. It can… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I read your recent article about vehicle equipment and taking the road test for your driver’s license. When I take my test, can I take my dog along with me?   Answer: Minnesota state statute says pets or loose objects that may distract, injure, or break are not allowed in the… Read More

Publisher’s Perspective Chad Koenen There is perhaps no more important phrase in a dad’s arsenal than the phrase “go ask your mother.” Perfecting the delivery of the phrase can take a few years, but when you do, these four words can be the difference between a lengthy “discussion” with a child or staying arms length… Read More

Garver’s Movie Review Bob Garver Few blockbuster franchises are as reviled by critics as “Transformers.” The 2007 original and its 2009 sequel “Revenge of the Fallen” both have special places among the worst movies of all time. Later sequels weren’t exactly improvements (though 2018 spinoff “Bumblebee” was surprisingly-well-reviewed), but they didn’t inspire the same vitriol, if… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: My child will be taking their road test for getting their driver’s license. Do you know what vehicle equipment if required for this? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol does not oversee these activities. That would be the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS.) But here is some information from their website and… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Here’s a question for you: How many coffee cups should one household have? Or need. Or possess? As S. and I combine households, that question about the proper number of cups has arisen. I guess then so has the word “household,” which is one of those odd words that we take for… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I see a lot of vehicles broke down and on the side of the road in the summer months. This is when we have our best weather but I am not sure if people realize how hard the heat can be on a vehicle. Many look like they are on… Read More