Those that talk about the benefits of retirement often stress the fact that you now have time for yourself. You aren’t confined by a time clock or a work schedule. You can do what you want when you want. At least that is the image they try to portray. 

Throughout the month of June I had the pleasure of visiting with folks from across Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) 20-county region during our Sprout events. These events, which were held in New Ulm, Dundas, and Winona, were an opportunity to directly share SMIF’s resources and stories so that more people can take advantage of the funding and support services that we offer to help communities in the region thrive.

Google and Facebook have enormous economic and political power in society – especially over the news industry. Many ask if they have played a role in the misinformation that erodes our free press and plagues our democracy.

We are less than two weeks away from primary election day in Minnesota. On August 2, voters will go to the polls for what are actually two separate elections if you live in the 1st Congressional District. A special primary will be held to choose an individual to serve out the remainder of the term of Rep. Jim Hagedorn who died earlier this year.

   “I can’t find my phone.” If you haven’t said that yourself, somebody in your household probably has. It is a phrase fraught with anxiety since these modern marvels of communication have become so much more. Our connection has become so strong that to be without them for any extended period makes us very uneasy. 

To the Editor: