The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It’s wood tick season. And it’s doctor season. Wood ticks because this is their time of the year in Minnesota, and doctors because there are new cases of Covid-19 in Minnesota. My nephew—he’s not really a nephew, he is by proper description a second cousin, being the son of a cousin, but… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Lilacs are usually tougher than woodpecker lips. They will grow in most any kind of soil and bloom every spring. They seem to thrive on being ignored. Often the only thing left to tell there once was a house out in the country is a lilac shrub blooming all by itself…. Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I know you talk about winter travel survival kits when it is that time of the year. But with summer upon us, can you talk about that and things motorists should have? Answer: Great idea! Motorists need to be prepared when traveling at any time or anywhere. Here is some information… Read More

By Ruth Koehler Special to the Dispatch It seems few in the general population are aware of the sport of Rolle Bolle, so here are a few facts. According to Wikipedia, the immigrants of Belgium brought the game of Rolle Bolle from Ghent in Belgium.  Today, Ghent, Minn., (pop 370) is often called the Rolle Bolle capital of… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Therapeutic gardening is the practice of gardening as a means to promote better health and wellbeing according to Harvard Medical school. This article is based on info from their Women’s Health Watch flyer. Gardening is as effective on the body, mind, and soul as is traditional exercise. It’s an activity where you… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I am excited for summer and doing some traveling. Can you talk about summer travel safety? Answer: Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. It’s when many cabins and campgrounds open and families begin summer vacations. It’s also a dangerous time on Minnesota roads and lakes with the increased… Read More

Bev Johnson Master Gardener Getting experts to agree on the definition of an heirloom is nearly impossible. Some say the variety must be 50 years old, the next guy insists it has to be 100 years old. Who cares? They do agree that heirloom tomatoes come from open pollinated seeds that reproduce true to type…. Read More

To the Editor, Spring has finally arrived—and with it some much-needed sunlight. Self-care tip: Spending even 15 minutes in the sun each day can improve your mental health. So, keep the sun shining throughout the day! For more than 20 years, the month of May has been designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year… Read More

Publisher’s Perspective Chad Koenen Long before Colin Kaepernick was making headlines for not standing during the National Anthem, my cousin and I made a similar decision when we were younger—one that thanks to the stern words from a veteran neither of us repeated.  Sometime in the early to mid 1990s my family attended a water ski… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Now that the weather is nicer you see a lot of SUVs driving without their doors on the vehicle.  Without the front doors they also don’t have side mirrors. Is it legal to drive without having side mirrors on a vehicle?    Answer: You can drive a motor vehicle without doors… Read More