Question: I am seeing more and more of these “J-turns” in Minnesota. Can you explain those to people who might not be familiar? Thank you.   Answer: J-turns are used to decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways.   At a J-turn, drivers on the side street approaching the divided… Read More

5 years ago Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 Eric Roggenkamp was told that he was born with a wrench in one hand and an accordion in the other. The rural Bluffton resident is known for polka and fixing all things farm related. His polka life began when he teamed up with Carl Bauck and Larry Selander… Read More

Sheriff and County Commissioner  Candidate Forums to be held in the City of Ottertail To the Editor Voters in Otter Tail County are invited to get to know this year’s commissioner and sheriff candidates at the Candidate Forums on September 26, 1-4 p.m. at the Ottertail City community room (near the current firehall) at 103… Read More

by Bob Garver It takes a very generous suspension of disbelief to enjoy “One Night Only.” The film is set in a not-too-distant future where premarital sex is outlawed, save for one night a year. Comparisons to “The Purge” are inevitable, which to me raises an interesting question: Which would lead to more violent crime… Read More

By Jesse Grabow Ask a Trooper Question: Can you talk about how people need to make proper turns? I see a lot of unsafe maneuvers when it comes to turning.   Answer: Drivers who turn improperly cause many traffic crashes. Move safely into the correct lane well ahead of the place where you will make… Read More

5 years ago Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 Larger-than-life puppets will return to New York Mills this weekend for the 12th annual Kalevala Puppet Pageant. A unique play based on the characters and tales from the Kalevala, the Finnish book of legends, will be told by local residents through puppet costumes, stilt-walking, songs and music by… Read More

The Prairie spy According to Forbe’s magazine, in an article entitled: “Jerk Alert—Bad Boss Walking,” bad bosses are everywhere.  Before I go any further with this, I live with a boss. There. Just so you know. Any man worth his spot on the bell curve, which is a measure of intelligence, will strongly say that… Read More

Ask a trooper Question: I have a question on stop signs procedures. Can you go over this? I think it would be good for everyone to be aware as I think some people forget or get confused. Thank you for all you do.   Answer: Yes, I can. That is a great topic and something… Read More

5 years ago Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 The fifth event of the fishing season is in the books and Kacie Steinbach, Nevaeh Cavalier and their boat captain Steve Steinbach took their first ever, first place finish on a hot and smoky day. Nevaeh and Kacie teamed up to form their fishing team a few years… Read More

The prairie spy It was about 53 years ago. The army flew me into Danang. From there, I made my way up north to Quang Tri Combat Base, U.S.Army, by jeep, airplane, and deuce-and-a-half.  I reported in to the First Sergeant, a crusty old (old for the army, anyway) timer who had gotten where he… Read More