The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda As time goes by here on the farm, we have been watching my Amish neighbor handle a crop of corn on acreage which he has rented from me. Finding just a mere one or two words to convey how both entertaining and instructive this viewing has been is difficult. What of course… Read More

To the Editor, Rural small business owners and agricultural producers can decrease energy costs through energy efficiency measures and the installation of renewable energy systems such as solar, with the help of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Grants are now available for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, and guaranteed loans are available… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Hello, I am looking at getting my kids an e-scooter for Christmas. I was just curious before making the purchase what are the laws and rules for these things. Answer: Motorized foot scooters (also termed “electric scooters” or “e-scooters”) have seen a marked increase in use recently, primarily due to their… Read More

To the Editor, New York Mills Area Food Shelf Thanks Teachers, Students and Parents.  We are reminded once again what a wonderful community we have in New York Mills.  In November, students from the school participated in a food drive called Fill the Yeti, sponsored by Leighton Media, J & K Marine, Builders First Source and Bremer… Read More

By Adam Johnson New York Mills Superintendent December is here, which brings basketball, wrestling, snow, and holiday celebrations. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Girls basketball season started with a close loss versus Underwood and a victory over Verndale. The wrestling season started on December… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda There are many types of currently sold heat pumps: Geothermal–a water-source refrigeration device (RD) that steals either heat or cold  from water under ground and moves it into your home. Split system–an air-source RD that uses your existing duct system to distribute either heat or cold  stolen from outside air into your home.  Mini… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda This isn’t a column for everyone; it’s about air filters. Air filters bring with them very little humor, well, except for the times new home owners—some of whom had been in their home for a couple of years or more—have proudly shown me their furnace. Those were humorous. More than once, as… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener If you mulch, did you ever wonder why it disappears?  Jeff Gilman, associate professor of Horticulture at the University of Minnesota knows why. Here is what he says. Our garden soil is full of creepy crawlies. Let’s start with one we all recognize, worms. In our garden, their burrowing activities reduce soil… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Winter is here. Can talk about tire safety and how a person can tell if their tires are still good?   Answer: Winter season is a good time to remind motorists about the importance of installing and maintaining good tires. Tires must be able to carry your vehicle’s weight and grip… Read More

To the Editor, The mental health crisis is something that I hear about every day. Here in Minnesota, like in much of the United States, we are facing significant challenges when it comes to mental health, particularly in our rural communities. About one in five adults in our state experience a mental health condition each year,… Read More