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

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I have heard a person can text 911 if they need to. Can you explain what that is about? Answer: Here is some information we shared on the Department of Public Safety’s blog.  Text-to-911 is a different way to get help when you can’t make a voice call. Texting should only be… Read More

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