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...]
United we stand
“Watchman tell us of the night,/What the signs of promise are?” I awoke this morning to hear of still another mass murder, this time in California. Understandably we are bewildered. How did we get to this place in time and what can we do to quell the violence? Communication is an important part of being human. Necessary to this process is self respect and respect for … [Read more...]
Support small businesses this holiday season
‘Tis the season for spending time with family and friends, enjoying delicious meals and of course, shopping for gifts. The holiday season is always a great reminder to spend dollars locally and lift up our small businesses. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we invest in the businesses in our 20-county region because we know that they are the backbone of our … [Read more...]
The coin of the realm
Debate in Congress has always been contentious. The levels of vitriol may seem especially acute these days, but confrontation is not new. I can remember times on Capitol Hill when “debate” was actually more of a screaming match than a civil discussion. Back then, we had a colleague who invariably stepped forward at these times to remind each side that if we wanted to get … [Read more...]