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The clash between science and religion

Columns

All of us know things. Some things we saw, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled. Our senses inform us every day. Other things we were told. By a parent, a teacher, a friend, or something we read. We can’t experience everything ourselves. So, we take understanding from human beings who came before. Science grows from the many who have observed and studied. We all benefit from science to one degree or another, even if we don’t understand it. I sure don’t know the science behind air conditioning. But I’m glad to have it on a muggy July day. A series of smart people make that ...

Republicans wasting their chances

Letters

To the editor: On July 3, I watched in dismay as Republicans gathered ’round the President to give a final attestation to the criminally cruel bill for which 47 had begged. I’m sure that the chronically spineless House members, who have stayed clear of town halls in droves, are clandestinely conjuring up alternate truths to vindicate themselves when the reality of cuts to Medicaid hits the fan. I’m sure they’ll pull their best Pilate to wash their hands of it and absolve themselves from any responsibility for the bill’s passage. This is reminiscent of the cut to America’s ...

SEE.SAFE.SMART: avoid the ‘Door Zone’

Columns

Independence Day has come and gone, but there’s still plenty of summer left to get out and enjoy bicycling around town. This month’s SEE.SAFE.SMART. safety campaign message is “To stay safe, we avoid the door zone,” and so we’re here to answer some questions about the “door zone” and safe bicycling in general. Q. What is the “door zone”? A. If someone in a parked car were to open their car door, a bicyclist needs to be riding far enough away in the road so they don’t get hit. This is what’s called the “door zone.” Q. What is the purpose of the “Bike ...

Thumbs up/down

Editorials

THUMBS UP Crazy Days is getting back to its crazy roots New Ulm’s Crazy Days are back this weekend. They started Friday night with a street dance. The artificial turf once again rolled out for the celebration Saturday will feature the ping pong ball drop, craft vendor sales at multiple locations and more polka music. This year’s Crazy Days offering represents a step up from last year’s celebration. It seems like Crazy Days is starting to live up to its name again. For decades, Crazy Days was a huge deal in New Ulm. The streets were lined with shoppers for sidewalk sales. Then, ...

Mortified by marriage

Columns

Dear Annie: I’ve been with my girlfriend for seven years and lived with her for four. She wants to get married and have kids. For the past three years, I’ve promised to propose every six months, but when the time comes, I back out. I even went ring shopping but couldn’t pull the trigger. Although I want to get married and have kids one day, just the discussions of such a commitment give me serious anxiety to the point where I cannot breathe. I want us to travel the world before tying the knot, but she’s too attached to her job. My family says I am too young to get married at 27 ...

Finstad’s quip is not enough

Letters

To the editor: Mr (U.S. Rep. Brad) Finstad: While your quip regarding the Department of Education at the April 2025 CCW Convention was quick (“The Department of Education doesn’t actually education anyone.”), it is inaccurate nor does it address the work this department is required to do. The Department of Education educates and provides funding to educate teachers. The Department of Education educates and supports parents, teachers, state Departments of Education, local school district administration and the public on providing education for the most vulnerable children with ...