The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda There are many types of currently sold heat pumps: Geothermal–a water-source refrigeration device (RD) that steals either heat or cold  from water under ground and moves it into your home. Split system–an air-source RD that uses your existing duct system to distribute either heat or cold  stolen from outside air into your home.  Mini… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda This isn’t a column for everyone; it’s about air filters. Air filters bring with them very little humor, well, except for the times new home owners—some of whom had been in their home for a couple of years or more—have proudly shown me their furnace. Those were humorous. More than once, as… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener If you mulch, did you ever wonder why it disappears?  Jeff Gilman, associate professor of Horticulture at the University of Minnesota knows why. Here is what he says. Our garden soil is full of creepy crawlies. Let’s start with one we all recognize, worms. In our garden, their burrowing activities reduce soil… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Winter is here. Can talk about tire safety and how a person can tell if their tires are still good?   Answer: Winter season is a good time to remind motorists about the importance of installing and maintaining good tires. Tires must be able to carry your vehicle’s weight and grip… Read More

To the Editor, The mental health crisis is something that I hear about every day. Here in Minnesota, like in much of the United States, we are facing significant challenges when it comes to mental health, particularly in our rural communities. About one in five adults in our state experience a mental health condition each year,… Read More

To the Editor, When it comes to running a successful small business, providing a great product or service is only half the battle. Whether you’re selling handcrafted products, offering professional services, or running a local shop, knowing who your potential customers are—and how to reach them—can make all the difference in your business’s success. What is a… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda “We who are about to die salute you.” That was what the gladiators said to the Emperor of Rome as they assembled in front of the royal box seats in the Roman Colosseum. And they were. About to die, that is. Beginning somewhere around 200 BC, fights to the death replaced the… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Can you talk about people needing to check their blind spots? I know most newer vehicles are equipped with side view mirror warning signals but I think it’s important for motorists to check the hard to see areas.   Answer: Technology is great and the blind spot warnings/monitors are helpful but… Read More

Dear Citizens  of New York Mills, I would like to take a moment to thank those who voted for me in my recent attempt to earn a seat on the New York Mills School Board.  Although I did not earn enough votes to guarantee a spot on this board, I would like to strongly encourage all… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Deer hunting is here. Now is when the worst part of deer season starts. They have to go out there and do it. They have to. Now is when hunters get their money’s worth. Maybe they don’t want to. But they have to. Otherwise, they won’t be able to spend the… Read More