To the Editor, Growing up in the Frazee-Vergas area, where my nearest neighbor was a cornfield away, I learned what it meant to be a neighbor. Hospitality and kindness, watching out for one another. For years I assumed that place would always be home, but then later, relationships drew me to Minneapolis. I arrived a little… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Another holiday has seemingly dragged its heels and taken forever to get here, but once here, has now sped past us with blazing speed and has disappeared forever.  Behind it, it has left Christmas photographs of new babies, questionably selected presents, sleds and toys, sneezing noses, and memories of a few hangovers…. Read More

By Jessica Carlson OTC Master Gardener Why not grow your own cut flowers this summer? There is nothing quite like bringing fresh flowers indoors brightening the kitchen table, welcoming guests, or sharing a bouquet with a friend. A cut flower garden doesn’t need to be large or complicated to be rewarding. Now is the time when hopeful… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I travel a lot and I see a number of people making some poor choices when it comes to passing semis and large vehicles. There is no way these big rigs can stop in time when people do these unsafe maneuvers. Can you write about this? Answer: A commercial vehicle is… Read More

To the Editor, Across Minnesota and the country, lawmakers are gathering in their state capitols and Washington, D.C. to begin another year of debating and passing legislation. The democratic process is something America prides itself on and one that requires input to thrive. While the process for public contributions varies by state, one commonality exists—lawmakers need to… Read More

By Jessica Carlson  OTC Master Gardener Holiday cactus are cherished houseplants that brighten the darker months with colorful blooms. Though commonly associated with winter holidays, they have a rich natural history and specific needs that help them thrive year after year. Learning where these plants come from and how they grow can make caring for them simpler… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It’s January. Pretty bleak time of year. Survived Christmas. First snow. First cold weather. First cold virus. The general attitude is “whatever.” The same goes for newspapers. This time of year is slow for them and so they often have space to fill. A local newspaper thus ran an article of “winter… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: During one of the recent winter storms, I encountered numerous vehicles driving on a 4-lane highway with their four-way hazard lights on.  The vehicles were not driving significantly slower than the other traffic, as nearly everyone had slowed considerably due to the low visibility. Is it legal in Minnesota and… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda When I had the hardware store (called Hippie Hardware in my mind)  in Boatville (more stuff in my mind), and Mom and Dad came up from Iowa to visit, Dad would come into the store with me Saturday morning. I had received a patio table and chairs from a customer in lieu… Read More

By Jessica Carlson  OTC Master Gardener Each winter, Amaryllis bulbs earn their place on windowsills and kitchen tables by delivering oversized, dramatic blooms when little else is flowering. Once those blooms fade, many people wonder what comes next. Is it worth keeping the bulb, or should it head to the compost?  The first decision is whether the bulb… Read More