Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I know it’s discouraged, but is it actually illegal for students to stand on a school bus while it is moving?   Answer: Minnesota state law says no person shall stand in a school bus when the bus is in motion. In addition the aisle and emergency exit of a school… Read More

By Bob Garver Special to the Advocate “A Haunting in Venice” is director/star Kenneth Branagh’s third go-around as Agatha Christie-penned detective Hercule Poirot. The other two were 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and 2022’s “Death on the Nile.” “A Haunting in Venice” comes barely a year and a half after the latter film, though the turnaround… Read More

Landmark Center Dan Broten A few spaces remaining for Patricia Wahl Acrylic Painting workshop at the Landmark Center on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  This is your chance to create a unique 11×14” canvas Painting based on VanGough Starry Night and Sunflower paintings, with step by step instruction. No prior experience… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Parenting has sure changed since my generation were kids. Most of what our parents threatened to do to us for punishment back in the fifties would now involve half the local social services bureau, along with some emergency responders, the police, and the fire department. And now? It’s all “time out” and… Read More

To the Editor, The framers of our nation’s “by the people” pledge leading to our election process made a critical error in defining qualifications to run for president that is …be a natural born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old and been a resident for 14 years. Of course, they couldn’t… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It is becoming more and more difficult, as I reach this age where I am now, not to spend some time looking back. Looking back and comparing yesteryear to this year, and marveling at the changes I’ve been privileged to have seen. And marveling at some that haven’t happened. For example: The biggest… Read More

To the Editor, The cost of prescription drugs has been too high for too long, and it’s hurt American’s health and bank accounts. Medicines don’t work if people can’t afford them. For far too many people, high drug prices can force difficult choices like whether to ration meds or food or not pay the electric bill… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I read your column in the newspaper but don’t think I’ve seen this question. When traveling in the Twin Cities with the required number of passengers in your car, can you use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?  Do you need to have a transponder set to carpool or some… Read More

To the Editor, State Rep. Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, said he shares growing concerns over how changes in state law made earlier this year could compromise safety in Minnesota schools.  An omnibus education bill (HF 2497) enacted into law after the 2023 session significantly limited de-escalation tactics School Resource Officers (SROs) can use and has resulted in… Read More

To the Editor, Southeastern Minnesota has a drinking water crisis that needs your help. Take action today to urge local, state, and federal government officials to take immediate action to ensure ALL Minnesotans, regardless of zip code, have clean water to drink.  Nitrate levels in the state’s karst region routinely exceed safe drinking water standards, putting more… Read More