By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Notes from the Farm…Well, I will have to say that the snowstorm last Thursday was nothing less than a disappointment. The snow accumulation Thursday morning was 3-4” I would say.  That is just enough to have to plow it, but such a small amount of snow that it is kind… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Every few years, a new device that is a “guaranteed unbelievable breakthrough in energy savings” comes along. Back in the sixties, a “new breakthrough in the dynamic viscosity of hydraulics” was the latest heating “discovery.” This device, which as I remember weighed quite a bit, like around 30 or 40 pounds, bragged… Read More

To the Editor, My colleagues at West Central Initiative often smile when I say, “Donor Advised Funds are the coolest thing,” because they know that this mantra of mine is so very true. Not only do Donor Advised Funds help the donor with charitable giving throughout the year, but what our donors do with these funds… Read More

By Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Friday, Dec. 6 12:18 p.m. Assist Becker County Human Services with a home visit. 12:37 p.m. Assist with a medical. 5:19 p.m. Report of a disturbance on Main Ave E. Turned out to be kids playing and screaming. 9:47 p.m. Alarm at a business. Building was secure, most likely moving balloons or signs inside. 11:31… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda As time goes by here on the farm, we have been watching my Amish neighbor handle a crop of corn on acreage which he has rented from me. Finding just a mere one or two words to convey how both entertaining and instructive this viewing has been is difficult. What of course… Read More

To the Editor Senator Paul Utke (Park Rapids), Republican lead on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, issued the following response to a financial audit report released this morning by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) reviewing Minnesota Department of Human Services outstanding provider debt in Minnesota’s Medicaid program: “This is just another example in… Read More

To the Editor, Rural small business owners and agricultural producers can decrease energy costs through energy efficiency measures and the installation of renewable energy systems such as solar, with the help of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Grants are now available for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, and guaranteed loans are available… Read More

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