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Left is right, the right is wrong

Letters

To the editor: Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about the right’s politicization of Charlie Kirk’s death. He accurately said that the president mourned Charlie Kirk’s murder the way a 4-year-old mourns the death of a goldfish. He said some other things, none of which seemed hateful, but the thin-skinned crybaby occupying the White House can’t stand for any satirical criticism, which has been a staple in our country for decades. Remember the right’s “F--- Joe Biden,” which was misinterpreted as “Let’s go, Brandon!” And what did President Biden do at the ensuing White ...

Violence is not the answer

Letters

To the editor: Another shooting, another life taken this week with the killing of Charlie Kirk. It goes on and on. Deb Gau’s article on 9/12 quoted Rep. Sen. Gary Dahms, Rep. Sen. Paul Torkelson, Democrat Chairwoman Anita Gaul, and Democrat Chairwoman Lori Sellner. These representatives for Brown County (for us) were strongly in alliance to non-violence and speaking out how this has got to be stopped. It gave me hope that we can be in solidarity on anything if we work towards that end. Protecting our children (my passion) must be a priority above all else. We must agree that ...

Yes and no on political violence

Letters

To the editor: I join Paul Platz, Rep. Brad Finstad and Bishop Robert Barron in condemning political violence and praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. Yes. In his 9/17/25 letter to the editor, Paul insinuates that political violence is more prevalent among leftists in the United States. He says that Kirk was “always kind” and “should be considered for sainthood.” Rep. Finstad said that Kirk was “a true example of civil discourse” (“Finstad in the Field,” 9/12/25). Bishop Barron upped the ante on Fox News, 9/11/25, calling Kirk an “apostle” of civil discourse. ...

For our family, Annunciation shooting was a tragic reality

Columns

“It’s unimaginable.” “I can’t even begin to understand what you must be feeling.” “I cannot imagine what you’ve gone through.” These are a few of the well-meaning sentiments we’ve heard since our world was shattered and our worst fears came true on Aug. 27. While well-meaning, they’re not quite right. You can imagine it. You can viscerally feel it. You just don’t want to. So today we’re sharing your story from that day. You were on a work call when your phone started repeatedly buzzing around 8:30 a.m. While you tried to focus on the call, ...

September shines a light: Awareness, recovery and hope

Columns

September is a month of reflection, awareness, and hope. It marks both National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and National Recovery Month—two observances that shine a light on struggles often carried in silence. Together, they remind us that mental health and recovery are deeply connected, that every life matters, and that healing is possible. This month calls us to break the stigma, extend support, and honor the courage of those who continue their journey toward wellness and recovery. The statistics are sobering. Suicide imposes profound and far-reaching consequences, ...

Use caution when approaching farm equipment on the road

Editorials

Harvest season has arrived in southern Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to look out for farm equipment on our rural roads and highways. MnDOT, in a Monday news release, reported there were 455 crashes involving farm equipment from 2022 to 2024, resulting in eight deaths and 180 injuries. “Fall harvest season brings more farm equipment to Minnesota highways as farmers move their crops from field to market. We’re all safer when we work together and watch out for one another. Motorists should always scan the road ahead and slow down as ...