I grew up in the town of Kiester which, according to the latest U.S. Census, has a population of 488. I know firsthand that small towns often face unique challenges, including limited access to financial resources and a reduced tax base.
I also know that the nature of living in a small town makes...
Some people feel local journalism is dead. Some feel it’s not important. Some feel Facebook and Twitter are good substitutes.
But last week, while one of our reporters was working on a storyfor the Dodge County Independent, another blatant example of the importance of local journalism emerged.
Alex...
Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us.
The unofficial start of summer, a day for barbecues and picnics. A long weekend. For some, the end of the school year. And, oh yes, a day that was established for a specific purpose.
Among all the activities that we will be enjoying this weekend, let’s take...
Because some voters will believe anything I tell them, no questions asked, I, Donald Trump...
...promised voters “Mexico will pay for” my wall.(But you did — and swallowed all my promises hook-line-sinker.)
...told voters I’d “completed” that wall.(I didn’t — not even close.Most of our 1,900-mile...
Senator charged with 1stdegree felony burglary
As many of you know, Democrat Senator Mitchell was charged for felony burglary. Courts will adjudicate the culpability and legal consequences for Sen. Mitchell’s actions which led to an indictment for first degree felony burglary, but the Senate has...
The road work now under way in Mantorville is certainly making travel difficult in that area. Highway 57 is basically closed to all but local traffic and everyone trying to go from north of Mantorville to Kasson in either direction is being sent on a detour.
But in addition to the inconvenience,...
If you catch me sneaking out of work early or not showing up at all on a sunny afternoon this spring and summer, it’s with good reason.
Since my father passed away late last fall, I have taken over the lawn mowing duties on my mother’s farm in McLeod County. And it’s no easy task, or shall I say...
Late last year, a gift of incredible magnitude was made to benefit the future of rural communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Glen Taylor, one of Minnesota’s most well-known entrepreneurs, decided to donate significant parcels of farmland to a newly created foundation — the Taylor...
Corporate greed is compounding the struggles for the newspaper industry. Within the past few weeks, a large company has provided the kiss of death for 10 newspapers in Minnesota.
Alden Global Capital, a mega hedge fund, which owns hundreds of papers across the country, announced the closing of all...
Anyone that knew him recognizes this is the way Chief Dave Johnson ALWAYS answered his cell phone or home phone. Didn’t matter if he was in a good mood or bad, if he was in the middle of something or not busy at all — in a very loud and authoritative tone, he would answer that way ever time.
We...