The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda On the list of things I’m happy about this New Year are several things. You can call them blessings, but perhaps you should read this all the way through before deciding what to call them. They are, as they say, what they are. First on the list is: I’m so very grateful… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I’ve heard about some snow plows getting hit out on the highway this winter. Can you remind people what they should be doing when sharing the roads with our plow drivers? Answer: For people to stay safe around plows, they just need to practice good common sense and have some patience.  •… Read More

To the Editor, Wanted to end the year on a cheerful note recounting all the good things that happened. End of paragraph. Not all bad if sports and entertainment count, but experiencing the onset of what could be fatal attacks on every positive aspect of life in these formerly United States let fear and loathing creep in.  Our… Read More

By Alice Martin Correspondent The Blue Jay, with its perky crest, blue, white and black plumage and noisy calls, is a common and familiar backyard bird, but their intelligence and complex social systems distinguish them in the avian world.  That crest on their head is lowered when they are feeding or tending to nestlings and the… Read More

Barbara Winkler U of M Extension Think gardening season is months away? Not so fast! As. Minnesota moves into January, you can get a head start with winter sowing, a simple, budget-friendly way to grow native plants that pollinators love. All you need are recycled containers (like milk jugs), potting soil, and seeds. These mini greenhouses… Read More

To the Editor, Thank you to the community for your support of the New York Mills Area Food Shelf (NYMAFS). We have seen such kindness from the local churches, businesses, students, teen groups and individuals who donated funds or shelf-stable groceries, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies for our neighbors. We also appreciate our volunteers who show up… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It seems like lately that the sexual revolution keeps taking new directions.  But I’ve felt safe at home. At least there, such issues are overshadowed by the frozen septic system drain field, the dentist’s bill, and a new pair of shoes that hurt my feet. So it was with some dismay that… Read More

Kelsey Wulf Otter Tail County Master Gardener After living and working at an organic vegetable farm in Pelican Rapids for four years (Lida Farm) I got to know a few different seed companies and how I liked the resulting plants. Here are a few of my favorites from over the years. Some are old standbys you… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I know you were talking about winter safety tips in your last article. Can you go over the items a person should have in their vehicle when traveling in the winter? Answer: When assembling a winter travel survival kit, it’s best to include a variety of items that prepare you for… Read More

By Adam Johnson NYM School Superintendent On behalf of everyone at New York Mills School, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The winter weather has already had an impact on the school year. When weather poses a threat, there are a lot of discussions that happen about when a storm might… Read More