In a recent interview, I was asked to reflect on what it looks like for rural voices to “be heard”, which has been a big talking point during this last election cycle. I referenced an op-ed from a friend of mine, former Congressman Dick Swett of New Hampshire. He stated, “Don’t insist that everybody worship at the alter of global warming, just talk to them about common sense … [Read more...]

Last week Viet “Henry” Long stopped into Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) office. He was confused about a of couple checks he had received from the Foundation. They were not big checks, totaling only $2,500, but both were indeed for Henry, who co-owns Magic Ten Nails in Owatonna. Henry took over ownership after the 2010 floods, when the previous owner decided … [Read more...]

There are two numbers I’ve been reflecting on this month: $2.1 billion and $373.3 billion. One of these is the total amount raised by the Trump and Clinton campaigns in the last election cycle. One is the amount of charitable contributions during 2015, a record-setting year. Can you guess which is which? You may be surprised to learn that the smaller amount - $2.1 billion - … [Read more...]

By Tim Penny I’m sure many of you are eager to see the end of what has been one of the most vicious, divisive political campaigns in many decades. While the end is nearly in sight, it may be wishful thinking that the intense partisanship and division of last 18 months will disappear in the wake of November 8. I frequently urge audiences, particularly audiences of younger … [Read more...]

Yet again, summer went by too quickly. As backpacks are reloaded with new notebooks and pencils and kids don new school clothes and gym shoes, at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we’ve been seeing some older faces filing into classrooms. Caregiver education is the main goal of SMIF’s Parenting Matters: A Workplace Education program, which began in 2012 and … [Read more...]