By Jessica Carlson Otter Tail County Master Gardener Many of us feel that a beautiful yard and garden demand more time than we can spare, especially with work, family, and daily responsibilities pulling us in every direction. It’s natural to wonder if gardening is something that must wait for “someday.” Even with a busy schedule, you can… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda The year was 1969. I guess you can rightly say I survived Vietnam, although at the time, after I got home, and once in a while even now, I have to wonder. This you’re about to read? I call it:  “I remember.” I remember stepping off a jet airliner in Danang, stiff-legged… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: In my community and on my daily commute I encounter two roundabouts each morning, others that I work with will encounter three roundabouts in less than five minutes. Please use your platform to remind drivers how to safely and properly use a roundabout. I see, almost on a daily basis,… Read More

Garver’s Movie Review Bob Garver Prior to what I will generously call his “new take” on “The Mummy,” director Lee Cronin was best known for 2023’s “Evil Dead Rise.” Original “Evil Dead” director Sam Raimi had a new movie out earlier this year with “Send Help,” and he didn’t put his name in that film’s title…. Read More

To the Editor, Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of rural communities. In many areas, they are the backbone of the local economy, providing essential goods and services. Spring offers a good reminder of the importance of these contributions to our communities, in particular with… Read More

To the Editor, Minnesotans have always taken pride in our work ethic and our commitment to looking out for our neighbors. We pay our taxes with the understanding that those hard-earned dollars will be used to build our roads, defend our borders, and provide a hand up for the most vulnerable among us. But lately, Minnesotans have… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Summer is coming, and for the first time in the history of automobiles, the number of fifteen-year-olds hitting the highways in a driver’s education car is decreasing. That means, maybe, that this hormone-riddled, vacuum-headed, cell phone gazing generation—and weren’t we all—has figured out that it is safer to log on than… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I know you talk about the importance of tires when it comes to the winter months but I think it’s just as important to talk about it in the spring with rain and wet roads. Thank you.   Answer: It is always a good time to talk about tire safety. Tires… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda (I found the first wood tick of the season; here’s my favorite wood tick column.) I sat in church last Sunday and marveled as I usually do at how one’s mind tends to ramble past thoughts much more freely there. Is it the austere tones of the interior decorating? The largeness of… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I have a question for you. We are looking at renting a moving truck and I noticed it doesn’t have a rearview mirror since the back in blocked by the box of the truck. What is the law in regards to this?   Answer: All passenger vehicles must have rearview mirrors…. Read More