Opinions

Transparency is so important

Ever since I was introduced into the journalism world four years ago, I have realized that the most important thing for any entity when dealing with media outlets big or small is being open and honest. Over the course of the last few years, I have realized that the best relationships I have built...

Another life milestone for son

It was with enormous pride that I watched my son graduate this past weekend from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with family and friends cheering him on. Behind the backdrop of the famous Camp Randall Stadium, more than 5,000 graduates received their degrees with about 50,000 people in...

It’s okay to be undecided

As seniors get ready to graduate from high school in the next few weeks, they’ll undoubtedly be asked the tough question often of “what do you want to do with the rest of your life?” I remember when I was 18 and getting ready to head off to college, people would always ask me that question, and...

Reliving the worst day of his life

One could have heard a pin drop last Friday morning at Medford High School as a packed gymnasium listened to a father share the heart wrenching story of losing his son nearly four years ago. Through the video, Lasting Impact, followed by a live presentation, Matt Maas shared his tragic story yet...

First world problems

There is a term that has been used more and more often called “first world problems.” That was exactly the case for me last week. I had just gotten home from coaching a track meet and from picking up my girlfriend from work in Owatonna since she had car pooled with someone the day before to head...

Child care shortage negatively impacts communities

As the final snow melts away and spring flowers appear, our staff at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is looking ahead to a busy year of programming for our 20-county region This spring, our Early Childhood team has already been focused on providing trainings to area child care...

It’s certainly something that soothes the soul

Music has long been seen as a way to improve one’s quality of life. As I sat down Sunday afternoon at my daughter’s piano recital, I couldn’t help but think about the benefits not only to those who listen but also the pianists. For nearly two hours, I found myself mesmerized by many young people...

Local newspapers are just as important

When people think of small town weekly newspapers they often think of a paper that comes out once a week and that’s it. For some papers that may be the case, but I am here to tell you that our paper is the furthest thing from that. From time to time, I run into people and entities that think...

To the point of beyond frustration

I went into a state of beyond frustration, if there is such a thing, the other night while trying to help out my parents. A few Sundays ago, the DirecTV service at my parents’ house went out. Somehow, I got the lucky task of trying to help them resolve the issue. Knowing what was ahead of me I...

Respect those who are different

April is Autism Awareness month, a month where people around the country and world are encouraged to bring awareness and to talk about the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years, Autism and other disorders and disabilities have become more acceptable in society. One of the main reasons for this...