By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Notes from the Chief… I wonder who is in charge of the weather forecasting these days. Last Wednesday, we had a phenomenon come through that I have never heard of.   A “snow squall?” Apparently, a snow squall is a short intense burst of heavy snow accompanied by strong, gusty winds…. Read More

By Felicia Teiken Special to the Forum Around this time last year, I came across an idea that I’m really excited to share. The concept was simple but uplifting: take an empty jar you no longer use, paint it a color that makes you feel happy and start filling it with little notes about one good thing… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda There are many types of currently sold heat pumps: Geothermal–a water-source refrigeration device (RD) that steals either heat or cold  from water under ground and moves it into your home. Split system–an air-source RD that uses your existing duct system to distribute either heat or cold  stolen from outside air into your home.  Mini… Read More

Garver’s Movie Review Bob Garver 2016’s “Moana” is probably my favorite animated Disney movie of the modern era. I have plenty of nice things to say about “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” “Encanto,” and several others, but “Moana,” with its timelessly-relatable main character, sharp physical comedy, and multiple memorable songs, puts it just a coir above the competition. When… Read More

By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Notes from the Chief…Well, I think it is safe to say that winter is finally here. That little snow before Thanksgiving caught us all by surprise I would say. I think it is safe to put the plow on the pickup although we haven’t moved much snow in the farmyard… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda This isn’t a column for everyone; it’s about air filters. Air filters bring with them very little humor, well, except for the times new home owners—some of whom had been in their home for a couple of years or more—have proudly shown me their furnace. Those were humorous. More than once, as… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Winter is here. Can talk about tire safety and how a person can tell if their tires are still good?   Answer: Winter season is a good time to remind motorists about the importance of installing and maintaining good tires. Tires must be able to carry your vehicle’s weight and grip… Read More

By Becker CountyMaster Gardeners Poinsettias are among the easiest holiday plants to grow. First, you must choose a healthy one, and get it home without suffering any cold damage. It should be wrapped well, then transported in a heated vehicle, not left in the car while you do other shopping. Cut the bottom of the… Read More

To the Editor, The mental health crisis is something that I hear about every day. Here in Minnesota, like in much of the United States, we are facing significant challenges when it comes to mental health, particularly in our rural communities. About one in five adults in our state experience a mental health condition each year,… Read More

To the Editor, When it comes to running a successful small business, providing a great product or service is only half the battle. Whether you’re selling handcrafted products, offering professional services, or running a local shop, knowing who your potential customers are—and how to reach them—can make all the difference in your business’s success. What is a… Read More