By Rodney Bernu Special to the Dispatch In the 1930s, before the invention of television and other distractions, it was common for farm families to spend their free time enjoying the simple things in life like family picnics, visiting friends and neighbors, and of course, fishing. From the time I was five years old, my parents let me… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda “AMAZING!!!” So said the brochure which just came in the mail. “You can look and feel years younger—almost immediately.” Now be honest. Who among us doesn’t want to look younger? The “immediately” part, well, now, that’s just icing on the cake. Usually, looking younger takes time, sweat, and liposuction. Let’s read on: “Step… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I heard there were some changes in the seat belt law and child restraints. Can you talk about this?   Answer: Yes, there are new updates to the child passenger safety (CPS) law that go into effect on August 1, 2024. Birth to at least 2 years old.- Rear-facing in an infant… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Bunkey noticed that he had really uneven fruit set in some of his garden vegetables, especially the peppers, tomatoes and pumpkins. Since George was puttering around in his garden, Bunkey asked him if he had the same problems? “It’s the heat.” George replied. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, Chinese lanterns, ground cherries, and… Read More

To the Editor, It is good to be back home following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session. It is an honor to represent the communities and people of Senate District 9. After taking some time to reflect on the end of the session, I would like to share my thoughts on its disappointing conclusion. All session,… Read More

By Rodney Bernu Special to the Dispatch There wasn’t much for people to cheer about in small Minnesota towns in the 1930s. New York Mills, with a population of some 600 people located in Otter Tail County on US Highway 10 between Wadena and Perham, was among them. After the end of the first World War in 1918,… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda So what is it we expect to see at our umteenth class reunion?  Hair with more gray in it than our own? Hair with more hair than our own? Belts with more holes left in them than yours has? Do we go to see who aged the most, or to see who… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I got stopped the other day and the Trooper mentioned that since I moved I need to update my driver’s license address. I thought I could just wait until the license was going to expire and update it then.   Answer: Minnesota law states if you change your name or address… Read More

To the Editor, American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay For Life began in 1985 with one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon who wanted to make a difference for cancer patients.  Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested $5 billion into research and there are 18 million cancer survivors alive today.  (www.cancer.org) Everyone who participates in the… Read More

By Cedar Walters West Central Initiative Climate Officer Take a quick look around the room. How many plastic objects can you find? Chances are, it’s at least in the dozens. And every single piece of plastic produced, unless it is in the percentage of trash that is incinerated, still exists in some form today. Just like a… Read More