Breaking News

Uncategorized

Thanksgiving dinner dilemma

Dear Annie: This Thanksgiving I will be meeting my new boyfriend’s family for the first time, and I am already a bundle of nerves. His mom is hosting a big traditional dinner at their home, the kind with a perfectly roasted turkey, gravy from scratch and about 10 different side dishes. She is known for her cooking, and apparently Thanksgiving is her Super Bowl. There is just one problem. I am a vegetarian. I have not eaten meat in nearly a decade, not for attention but because it genuinely makes me feel better physically and aligns with my values. My boyfriend mentioned it to his ...

Anitque wood is of better quality

Dear Heloise: One serious point about trying to replicate the wide plank floors of early American homes: The wood that you can obtain at a semi-reasonable cost is not the same as the antique stuff. It is of a different quality. It is wetter as it is not well-seasoned and often an entirely different species. Wide boards will be more apt to shrink and/or warp. I grew up in some older homes with lovely oak wooden floors that were polished to “a treat,” as my grandmother would have said. I have several family members and friends who are very happy with the newer, not-as-expensive ...

Teaching kids resilience, not fear

Dear Annie: My 12-year-old son has always loved playing soccer. He is not the most talented kid on the field, but he works hard, listens to feedback and truly enjoys being part of a team. Unfortunately, his new coach seems to have taken all the joy out of it. From the first practice, this coach has been harsh, sarcastic and impatient. He yells at the kids for small mistakes, plays favorites and benches others for reasons that do not make sense. My son has gone from running out the door with excitement to dragging his feet and saying he does not want to play anymore. It breaks my heart ...

Getting children to read more

Dear Heloise: I read with interest the letter from Robert D., who commented on schoolteacher Margaret’s letter about children reading books. He is a member of Kiwanis and spoke about how their club puts books in places like doctors’ offices for parents to take home to their children. I am also a member of a Kiwanis club, and we have two projects that we are involved in regarding children having access to books. One is that we donate money to our local school backpack program for food. We get books that are donated from our local thrift store. Some of our members help pack food in ...

MLC men’s soccer awarded 3 All-UMAC honors

Courtesy of Adam Hussman/MLC SID ST. PAUL — The 2025 UMAC Men's Soccer All-Conference awards were officially released on Wednesday, and the Martin Luther College Knights had three players named Honorable Mention All-UMAC. Senior Johannes Bourman was one of the three after leading in total points (5), shots (21), and tied for the most goals (2) along with fellow Honorable Mention teammate Joshua Krenke. In addition, the sophomore led the Knights in shots on goal (18) and tied for second in points (4). Isaiah Heins rounded out the trio as a defender. The senior finished off his ...

‘Purple for a purpose: Standing against domestic violence’

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, remember the lives lost, and stand together to break the cycle of abuse. Domestic violence is not an isolated issue; it touches individuals, families, and entire communities. This month calls us to act with urgency: to raise awareness, believe survivors, and work toward a future where safety and healing are possible for all. The impacts of domestic violence extend far beyond the home. Children who witness abuse carry invisible scars, families are torn apart, and communities feel the strain in schools, workplaces, ...