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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More

To the Editor, When you buy a car…you sign a contract. The same goes for your mortgage, your cell phone plan, your car insurance. You receive a service or good in exchange for a promise of payment. Contracts are a key part of our financial system. In Washington, the federal government signs contracts. A friend… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It’s tax preparation time again, and farmers all over the world are turning into creative accountants as they produce the one thing they can count on from their farm: tax deductions. Sure, there must be a farmer somewhere who sold beans when they hit ten bucks this past year,… 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… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I notice a lot of people walking and running along the highway. The thing that concerns me is that they are moving in the same direction of traffic with their back to the potential hazard. Can you talk about pedestrian safety and what people should do when on… Read More

By Bev Johnson  Master Gardener Why would you ever plant heirloom tomatoes? They tend to ripen slower than hybrids, they don’t yield as much fruit as hybrids, they are susceptible to every tomato disease around, and, if you aren’t Johnny on the spot with your watering, they will crack, and are often a bit ugly—but… Read More