Thank you Lyon County Sheriff Department

June 2, 2026

To the editor: I want to send gratitude and thanks to Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. A radar sign reminding drivers on their way into Russell that the speed limit is 30 mph was set in place. I live on North 2nd Street in Russell close to the edge of our small town. Traffic passing by is never going 30 mph in either direction. Drivers travel above and beyond the speed limit. This street has multiple trucks traveling between gravel pits and dump off sites. This street has multiple ATVs and 4-wheelers driving above the speed limit. I am not a hater of drivers of any vehicle. I am ...

Dahms, Swedzinski failed in fighting fraud

May 27, 2026

To the editor: Re: Dahms, Swedzinski talk fighting fraud May 22 Representatives (Minn. Sen. Gary) Dahms and (Chris) Swedzinski are featured in the article discussing combating fraud in Minnesota. Both have massively failed the voters who elected them to protect our interests. To provide them a headline that implies they are somehow involved with the current fraud investigation and solutions is an insult to the taxpayers they failed. We elect our representatives to advocate for our best interests-regardless of party affiliation. An estimated $9B in Minnesota fraud is approximately ...

Time to address wealth inequality

May 26, 2026

To the editor: Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, while a small percentage of the population continues to accumulate enormous wealth at a historic pace. Hard work should provide stability and opportunity, yet many full-time workers live paycheck to paycheck. At the same time, large corporations and the wealthiest Americans often benefit from tax loopholes and economic policies that widen the gap between rich and ...

Oh Say Can You See

May 22, 2026

To the editor: There are torn remnants of an American Flag whipping in the wind not far from my house. Bit by bit, the blasts consume it. Day after day, it rips and shrinks. Only a few Stars and Stripes still resist surrender. Symbols carry weight. High School Mascots. Wedding rings. Raised fists. The cross. They are reminders, commitments and calls to action. Each color, stripe and star of Old Glory carries meaning and expectations. The tattered flag did not happen overnight. The lack of care and respect is a symbol of surrender. Many have relaxed their allegiance to democracy ...

A lot of lessons in Clay Jones article

May 14, 2026

To the editor: Re: Oscar Hanson’s column: Single-handedly overcoming the odds Please write more articles like the one about Clay Jones. It was insightful, complimentary and purposeful. There are a lot of lessons we all can learn from it. It might be the best article this paper has ever written. Kudos to Clay and the Independent. Tim Cundy Marshall

A better understanding of preternatural phenomena

May 12, 2026

Having read the 5-5-2026 ‘Ghosts and crime at vendor show’, I have little doubt that the book author Adrian Lee actually saw and heard what he describes as paranormal phenomena. A good book to read for greater insight into this issue is: ‘Diary of an American Exorcist’ by Fr. Stephen J. Rossetti, copyright 2021. I read it a few years ago. The book gives us a better understanding of what is actually driving some of the preternatural phenomena Adrian and some of us have been witness to. Phil Drietz Delhi