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Columns

Anti-police sentiment has got to end

The second clause of The American Legion preamble to its constitution reads; “To maintain Law and Order,” a clause that is recited before all official meetings. Minnesota cannot expect to conduct a civil society, build an economy and practice a vibrant democracy amid crime and ...

Dairy Fest!

For a recovering dairy farmer such as myself, going to a dairy farm festival is like a cat attending a hairball convention. Ho-hum. Not much new to see here. Or so I thought. Our neighbors Frido and Sonja Verpaalen opened their dairy farm to a throng of visitors for Dairy Fest, an event that ...

Minnesota’s nitrogen dilemma: How can farmers solve it?

Issues surrounding nitrogen fertilizer pose a significant challenge for Minnesota farmers and our natural resources, prompting increased attention toward nitrogen regulations. While these concerns rightly demand attention, Minnesota farmers are doing what they do best — taking proactive and ...

Democrats silence half of Minnesota

As the 2024 legislative session drew to a close on May 20, the lack of transparency and bipartisanship troubled me. In my 12 years as your state senator, I have never seen such a disappointing conclusion to a session. Quite frankly, it has got to be one of the most disgraceful endings to a ...

Teenage years lead to important personal decisions

It’s graduation season, a time to look ahead to futures filled with good opportunities. It’s also a time to look back. The graduation ceremony is the final chapter in a high school or college career, a celebration of all that each graduate accomplished. Everyone made choices. Even as ...

The weed warrior

With two farmsteads to care for, I have developed a thing about weeds. Specifically, killing them. Liquidating those lambsquarters. Slaying those sunflowers. Murdering those cockleburs. There are various methods available for giving weeds a one-way ticket to the hereafter. A guy can mow them ...