The Kasson-Mantorville School Board on Monday will be discussing the topic of recording school board meetings.
Currently, the board records its regular meetings, but it is unclear whether the board also wishes to record work sessions and special meetings. The issue isn’t new. In fact, this newspaper reached out to the board in January asking for clarification or a change in policy, without a single response.

In April 2024, I got a pit in my stomach.
It was opening day for the Twins, and I was excited to work a couple of short hours, then head over to Target Field for Opening Day.
Then the email came through. Our publisher called an emergency all-staff meeting for, I believe, 10 a.m.
I knew right there and then what it was. Layoffs.

When the Legislature passed the 2023 public safety bill, I — along many of my colleagues — stood on the Senate floor and warned what would happen. That bill reduced sentences for violent criminals and opened the door to early release for people convicted of serious and violent crimes. It passed by one vote and was supported by every Democrat, including those who represent our area.
Now we are witnessing the very real consequences.

As I enter my tenth year at Triton schools and my twenty-first year in education, I h ave been reflecting on the differences and similarities during my time as an educator. Each school year is a different experience with unique challenges, opportunities, and celebrations.

Throughout the spring and summer, I have often used my column to rant about the issues I see with changing baseball, a game that has been played for hundreds of years.
While I stand by all my comments about making too many changes to the sport, this past weekend has taught me there is room for an alternative.

This summer, I celebrated our nation’s birthday in Harmony — a small town along the Root River in southeast Minnesota, and apparently home to one of the largest 4th of July parades in the region.