By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Now that you know how to prune trees, it’s time to learn how to prune shrubs, especially flowering shrubs. First, you need to know if your shrub blooms on old wood or new. These shrubs bloom best on old wood. Flowering quince, witch hazel, Fothergilla, PeeGee hydrangea, tree peony, climbing roses… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda I’ve been trying to write about The Big Finn for some time, waiting for the sting of his passing to let up enough that I get it right. Or at least make a good attempt at doing so. About two, maybe three, years after we landed on this 80-acre farm way back… Read More

To the Editor, In mid-February, the Trump administration froze funds appropriated by Congress, locking Minnesota out of $200 million in federal grants for community-based projects. Last week, some funds were released, but uncertainty is causing worry and strain for organizations relying on the funds. In July 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $200 million Climate… Read More

To the Editor, On Thursday, March 6, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its annual February revenue forecast, providing information and an outlook for the state’s financial picture. The latest forecast shows a smaller $456 million surplus at the end of 2026 and a larger $6 billion deficit by 2029. “The new budget forecast raises serious concerns… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I am in the process of restoring a classic car. I have a question regarding windshield wipers. Do I have to install them on my ride? I am concerned they will take away from the aesthetics. Everything from how they look on the windshield to the motor under the hood… Read More

By Ray Barkes Class of 1956   I speak for the fish that used to be in the river.  This river was a place to explore during my growing years.  The journey involved most of a day since it was six miles away. My trip usually started if the day was clear and sunny, although a cloudy day… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Almost 80 percent of the flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, although some of them are grown in California and Pennsylvania. Those 2 states can’t grow enough to meet the demand especially since that demand skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic. Since the beginning of the year more than one billion cut… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda I am and I guess that I have always been a strong advocate for Matthew 7:12: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It seems to me that a society and the people who inhabit it, were they to adhere to this saying, might last forever. Conversely,… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: My vehicle was recently involved with a crash with another vehicle. I had car seat inside but no child was present at the time of the crash. I am wondering if the car seat would still need to be replaced. My auto insurance company didn’t want to replace it. Is… Read More

To the Editor, Sadly… Months into the next few years and our world has changed under our feet. Winter is still winter, Spring is still Spring with all the abundant glories of nature to enjoy. Driving thru our beautiful countryside here in the Lakes region, stopping at places to visit with neighbors and friends, maybe play… Read More