Opinions

With a real beard, Al Martin has been entertaining children as well as adults in the Owatonna area as Santa Claus for more than 30 years.

The real man behind Santa’s magic

Some holiday traditions never die off. The red jolly old Saint Nick with the big beard, and yes, sometimes the big belly, is one of them. Santa Claus has a long history steeped and woven into Christmas traditions with families for centuries. Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red...

Let’s agree to make 2020 a year of change

Sad days were recorded as 2019 fades into our collective memories. No, I’m not referring to the latest Vikings loss, nor am I referring to the poorest college officiating that stole a win from Ohio State over undefeated Clemson. I am referring to the hatred that seems to be targeting Jews and...

Southern BBQ in the land of lutefisk, Julekake and lefse

Having lived in the south for several years, my wife and I developed a taste for southern food. You know, barbeque. Pulled pork, baby back ribs, baked beans with chunks of pulled pork and potato salad. Last week, I visited Kasson’s Misplaced Magnolia. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when...

It’s a Baker’s Dozen giveaway

With the new year, and a new decade as well, upon us this week, we have decided to kick things off in a big way with the newspaper. We’re creating an opportunity for readers as well as potential new readers to kick off the new decade by winning some cold hard cash. We might actually be accused of...

Winning coach: God has a plan for us

A strong commitment to his faith has been helpful in coaching young people, says Chad Gimbel, head coach of the Class 1A championship football team, the Blooming Prairie Blossoms. Coach Gimbel on Wednesday, Dec. 11 took time from his busy schedule as a coach and as a teacher to visit with...

No escaping Minnesota winters

After my first week in Dodge County, I thought perhaps because we were down in the “Banana Belt” of Minnesota that we would escape the frigid cold of northeastern Minnesota. No such luck. Old man winter blew into the county snarling traffic on local streets and causing a plethora of accidents on...

Stressed with the holiday push

I have officially gone into a panic. Some promote give to the max this time of the year. I promote stressed to the max. Christmas gifts to buy, presents to wrap, lights to string, tree to chop down and decorate, holiday cards to send, goodies to bake, parties to enjoy and the list is overwhelming....

Small town, big dreams

Something struck me as I watched the Blossoms blaze their way to a state football championship at U.S. Bank Stadium a few weeks ago. I couldn’t help but notice the cheerleaders on the field providing support not only for the players, but also for the thousands of Blooming Prairie fans. What’s...

Back home again after travels around the country

After publishing newspapers and an international wildlife art magazine, my wanderings have brought me full circle to where it all started. Minnesota is home. My wife, Tricia and I have found a house that is just minutes from town. Kasson is a town, not unlike the town where I grew up. I grew up in...

A gobble of generosity

“It’s a Gobble Time” promotion has turned into being a gobble of generosity. A few weeks ago our newspaper ran a promotion with various businesses giving away free turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. It was pretty simple and straightforward: just clip out the entry form and return it to the...