To the Editor, On Thursday, March 6, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its annual February revenue forecast, providing information and an outlook for the state’s financial picture. The latest forecast shows a smaller $456 million surplus at the end of 2026 and a larger $6 billion deficit by 2029. “The new budget forecast raises serious concerns… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I am in the process of restoring a classic car. I have a question regarding windshield wipers. Do I have to install them on my ride? I am concerned they will take away from the aesthetics. Everything from how they look on the windshield to the motor under the hood… Read More

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 a cloudy day… 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 billion cut… 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 forever. Conversely,… 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 it. Is… 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 play… 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 said to… 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, but they’re rarer… 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 billion cut… Read More