By Katrina Bergey My mom frequently is reminding me of a simple quote by Abraham Lincoln. “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” That saying is incredibly true and I try to regularly remind myself of this. I think most people would agree that in the end you remember the things that bring you … [Read more...]
Wildfires in the west; graze it, log it, or watch it burn!
Forest fires have wreaked devastation recently. Millions of acres have burned in western states, Alaska, and provinces in Canada and have caused unacceptable loss of life, both human and animal, and billions in property damage. But what about pollution? According to research by Zachary Gerber published in the winter issue of Range, California wildfires in 2017 emitted over 1 … [Read more...]
A sensible pathway towards reducing mass murders
After the recent mass murders in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and at the Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, solutions for preventing such horrific events were abundant —stricter background checks, requiring a license to own a firearm, expansion of mental health services, especially for those prone to violence, and many more. While these corrective actions all have merit and should be … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s two Bad Dads
Years ago, I gave local governors nicknames, because this is what people do when they can’t afford a social life. Iowa’s was Governor Mustache for obvious reasons, and the Wisconsin governor, well... his name wasn’t really printable. Minnesota had Governor Awkward, the guy who you know is just trying his best to help, but never seems to be able to look cool doing it. Now, with … [Read more...]
Interview with a pig
By Lynne Farmer Rushford, MN Should the MPCA grant a permit to Catalpa LLC for a 4,980 sow confinement facility here in Fillmore County? Let’s ask a pig. Transcribed here is a blatantly fictitious interview with a gilt named Miss Falona. She graciously agreed to share her thoughts while being prepared for shipment to a large sow confinement facility. INTERVIEWER: Miss F, … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Antibiotic resistance
By Hannah Schneekcloth In the span of a year, there will be two million people in the United States that will be infected with a bacteria that has developed resistance to antibiotics. At least 23,000 will die from the infection each year. Some of the different types of bacterias are: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Giving thanks
I hope everybody had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. There are two times a year I am guaranteed to look back on my life to ponder the supposed progress of my character. One of those times is around the end of November, where Thanksgiving finds its home nestled within the 22nd and 28th of the eleventh month. I am in Europe this Thanksgiving and will unfortunately not be able … [Read more...]
News media
A well informed electorate is critical to the functioning of democracy. Democracy can’t function without debate. The news media is the primary tool for informing and prompting debate. Those things elected officials want to hide, are precisely the things we need to be informed of. The news media is an essential part of democracy and not the enemy of the people. Elected … [Read more...]
Tests show Catalpa hog barns could cause “catastrophic sinkhole collapse”… To the Editor,
Neighbors in the Newburg area and beyond have been clear for months: we want the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to follow the law and order an Environmental Impact Statement for Catalpa Ag, the gigantic 5,000 sow hog operation proposed in Newburg that would put our drinking water, property values, and health at risk. On December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center, … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The logic of success
By Maddie Smith A businessman who is in his mid-30s and alone is retiring and living in his mansion. An ex-con who has been released from prison has organized a homeless shelter for dozens of people. A comedian who struggles to display an honest smile brings waves of endless laughter to a local club every Friday night. A farmer who struggles to keep his head above water … [Read more...]