To the Editor,  The 2001 legislative session saw major changes to the state’s property tax system and one of the results was that seasonal properties, “cabins” if you will, were taken off the school district operating levy tax rolls. The result was an impoverished local tax base for schools to try and convince local voters… Read More

Everyone benefits from child care, even those without young children. A lack of access to child care affects parents’ abilities to work and has a major impact on our local economies. Child care educators work long hours for minimal pay, are tasked with keeping our children safe and happy, and rarely receive the gratitude they… Read More

To the Editor, The election is coming up too soon and many have not done their homework yet on who would be the best candidates to vote for. This election will determine whether we remain with and strengthen our hard  won and fought for democracy or dive into the abyss of authoritarianism. The lines are… Read More

By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Friday, March 15 3:10 p.m. Male reporting being harassed by his ex-girlfriend. Officer gave options for a Harassment Restraining Order. 7:35 p.m. Two juvenile males were kicking a pop machine. Officer talked with the boys about proper behavior. 9:32 p.m. Report of a domestic assault. Male party was… Read More

To the Editor, As we head into the second half of session, Democrats have continued the trend of bringing forward unacceptable bills that come with high costs, and oftentimes higher burdens. We’re seeing this in the education policy bill, the labor bill, and the multiple land transfer bills that have been proposed.  After the White… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them?   Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts.  School… Read More

Garver’s Movie Review Bob Garver What has happened to the “Ghostbusters” movie franchise? For over a quarter century Hollywood resisted the temptation to spoil the one-two punch of the 1984 comedy classic and its decent-enough 1989 sequel. Then there came the 2016 reboot, which was controversial for its female cast, and the controversy is all… Read More

To the Editor, As a forest and climate ecologist in Minnesota, I am worried that the 2.5 million acres of School Trust land managed by the DNR are not prepared for climate change. By law these lands are managed to create revenue for Minnesota’s public schools—but durable, long-term revenue streams from natural resources require strong… Read More

Every two years, we vote for our representative to the federal government. In the Congressional Seventh District, our choices are limited. The Republican party was split by two factions, and the Hard Right won. Our Representative is Hard Right. The federal government is complicated and busy. No time to be wasted. It was designed for… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Every once in a while I forget that I am suppose to be an adult, and telling fart jokes is no longer comical. I’m assuming most people think telling jokes about bodily functions was never funny—no matter the age or situation. Of course I disagree and still think that there is… Read More