Back in 1883, Teddy Roosevelt wrote an essay on what it takes to be a true American citizen. He did not mince words. “The people who say that they have not time to attend to politics are simply saying that they are unfit to live in a free community,” he wrote. “Their place is under a despotism.” He went on: “The first duty of an American citizen, then, is that he shall work in … [Read more...]
We can’t rely on public officials to surrender information
By Richard Karpel Reprinted with permission of The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC. June 28, 2018 — Guilford County commissioners voted this year to move all public notices required by state law from local newspapers and their websites to the county’s website. Four companies that publish newspapers in the county recently filed suit to have the ordinance — and the statute … [Read more...]
Is the power to destroy greater than the power to create?
My Mother’s favorite mantra was, “A place for everything and everything in it’s place!” We all long for order in our lives. We establish boundaries and patterns of behavior to ensure our control. As it turns out, much that happens to us is not in our control. We struggle to keep from drowning in the flood of events — personal, community, national and international that … [Read more...]
An open letter to Aaron Bishop
By Todd Pearson Spring Valley, MN It was with great interest that I read your commentary from June 25. I found your work engaging but lacking in explaining atheism. In your opening paragraph you wrote, “there is a severe misunderstanding among some county residents about others.” There are thousands of residents in this county that misunderstand thousands of others. This has … [Read more...]
Trashing the Chosen Valley
By Charles Seha Fountain, MN A couple months ago, I noticed numbers painted on the many large oak trees in the park on the high school grounds above the junction of Union Street and Highway 52. I discovered the numbers represent an inventory of the existing trees on the site to determine how many will be destroyed by the future swimming pool project. In most of the country, … [Read more...]
Once again! The Old Soldier speaks
By Ron Scheevel Preston, MN With this being an election year for some of our Representatives and Senators, I would like to comment on some issues that are in my mind, important to the survival of this Republic. First, the National debt, whose number now is in excess of $20 trillion and growing. There is still not much desire in Washingotn to curb spending. I do not think … [Read more...]
Early literacy promotes lifelong success
Summer is here which means families are finally able to enjoy the outdoors after a long winter. As campfires burn out and kids get ready for bed, many parents will pull out a book and read a bedtime story. This is important because studies consistently show that reading at a young age drastically improves a child’s educational trajectory. According to Minnesota Compass, the … [Read more...]
Carrying the banner
By Eric Leitzen Hokah, MN Let’s face it: 24-hour “news” isn’t news. It hasn’t been news for a while now. When you turn on the local stuff, or when you crack open a local paper, you’ll see what you’d actually describe as news: the most important stuff that’s happening that affects you. The stuff running 24/7? That’s entertainment: celebrities, cruise ships, missing planes, … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… National Postal Worker Day
On Sunday, July 1, 2018, your local United States Postal Service locations will be closed, just like any other Sunday. And, this day has been recognized as National Postal Worker Day. I think it is important to recognize our local postal workers for a variety of reasons. For most people in our area, there are three places they visit on a regular basis: the grocery store, … [Read more...]
Of Karst and Catalpa
Eric Luoma Fountain, MN We have had many customers ask why we named our business “Karst,” to which we answer by explaining the geological term. But it’s more than a term... it’s the land upon which we live and our best hope for a vibrant, sustainable future. The well-attended, passionate and civil engagement in Mabel of those concerned about our Karst topography, environment … [Read more...]