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Who do they come for next?

First, my deepest apologies to Martin Niemöller, a much nobler pastor than I’ll ever be. But because of his inspiration, I share … First, they came for those whom they deemed “illegals.” And I protested but a little, but not loudly. … Shame on me. Then, they came for people who are transgender. And I protested not at all because I already felt too much burden on my shoulders. … My silence pains me to no end. Then, most recently, they came for the homeless in a presidential executive order that seeks to punish, and possibly forcibly commit, those who are ...

Does your well water have nitrate?

If your family drinks from a private well, there’s one stop you can’t afford to miss at this year’s Farmfest: the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s free nitrate water testing booth. Bring a sample of your well water to booth #517S, and we’ll test it for nitrate — on the spot, in under five minutes. No paperwork. No cost. No catch. The MDA and its partners offer water testing clinics across the state to increase public awareness of nitrate contamination in rural drinking water. Results from the testing are for the private well owner’s use. Well owners may remain ...

Protecting Minnesota’s safety net means cracking down on fraud

Fraud in state programs isn’t a victimless crime. It affects every Minnesotan who pays taxes and everyone who depends on these programs. When money meant for seniors, people with disabilities, and families in need is stolen, the people hurt most are the ones these programs were designed to help. Minnesota s Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said our state could be facing up to one billion dollars in fraud. That kind of money could cover school district deficits a couple times over. It s more than the $750 million bonding bill we passed this year to repair roads and bridges. ...

The joy of summertime gardening

It’s summertime and the living is easy. The weather is tropical, and the sweat is flowing like lemonade into a glassful of frosty ice cubes. The corn is actively pollinating as of this writing, untold millions of plants making whoopie right out in the open where anyone can see them. This is the short-lived time of year when my entire world smells like fresh sweet corn. Not a bad thing if you ask me. Much has been made lately about the heat and humidity and how these things are amplified by so-called “corn sweat.” This is not to be confused with David Corenswet, the guy who ...

The clash between science and religion

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 ...

Heavy rainfall: Does it signify worldwide climate change?

Last weekend the Marshall area experienced a deluge, a large amount of rain in a short time span. About 8 inches of rain fell late on Friday night. I slept right through it, didn’t even realize we had so much until I checked my rain gauge and noticed that it was filled past the six inch mark. I drove by Independence Park and saw that the pond was filled to capacity. I knew we had a flood. My next door neighbor told me about a friend who finished work in the late evening and tried to drive home on East Lyon St. The car got caught in water. It had to be towed to a shop and was ...