If we had a conversation about things that get no respect, one of the first items that should be mentioned is the good old copper penny. Federal officials recently announced that they’ll no longer issue new pennies. We’ll just use the ones that are already in circulation. Eventually ...

When you write an occasional column, you think about words. I like words. I try to find the right ones whether I’m talking or writing. Sometimes I succeed. In my last piece, there was this line. “It is fast time our nation binds our wounds and heals.” The day it came out, a friend said ...

We have been learning about Charlie Hettling, the firstborn of five children born to Agnes (Jacobson) and Floyd Hettling, and, most recently, his introduction to country school at District 79. He attended District 70 for first through fifth grade and enjoyed how his teacher, Mrs. Kosmalski ...

Florence was founded in 1888 on the northwest quarter of section 20 in Shelburne Township. When the Willmar and Sioux Falls Railroad (branch of the Great Northern) came through the area, it was announced that the station would be named Florence. It was named after the daughter of the founder, ...

As I write this column, I'm reminded to have patience. Why? Well... Looking out the window, I can see about a block — maybe. Why? Because Old Man Winter sneezed and sent a blizzard to us. The snow is piling up. Visibility is minimal. The temperature is falling. Yes, it's still winter, but ...

None of this would have happened were it not for cable TV. Like many guys, I’m a skilled — one might even say professional — channel surfer. I’m not interested in what’s on so much as what else is on. Some years ago, during one of my surfing sessions, I stumbled across a show ...