×

Local Columns

Fire Prevention Week helped to overcome a teenage fear

This week was Fire Prevention Week, a time to recognize the need for fire safety and the importance of local fire crews. Fire departments host open houses, visit schools and do other public awareness projects, all aimed at keeping everyone mindful of the need to practice fire safety ...

2026 change to retirement catch-up contribution rule

The year is already rapidly coming to a close, making it peak season for assessing (and, in many cases, reassessing) contribution options related to retirement savings accounts. A major factor worth considering heading into the new year are changes to the SECURE 2.0 Act’s catch-up ...

On the Porch

Last Tuesday, Greg Gaut presented on his book, “The War at Home: Minnesota during the Great War, 1914-1920” at the Lyon County Museum. Much of his presentation was on the formation of the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety and the Nonpartisan League. Below is an excerpt from the ...

How to heal the world? One person at a time

Friends, if you want to make a difference today -- right now! -- seek out the people in your community who feel unseen, unsafe and alone … and pour your heart into them. If you are a Jesus follower, empty yourself as Christ did, for the sake of their and your community’s ...

Recycling Q&A

I recently had the chance to chat with nearly 400 lively 5th and 6th graders from southwest Minnesota about recycling. We jazzed things up with a Q&A game featuring the ever-popular Plinko — because who can resist those bouncing discs? Now, let’s see if our local folks can outsmart ...