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Local Columns

Ask a Trooper

Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks. Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. • White dashes: You ...

Looking back at spooky times

It’s a scary time of year. That peculiar holiday called Halloween is upon us, the only occasion wherein we encourage our children to take candy from strangers — after the kiddos issue a vague threat to the homeowner. Trick-or-treating is a grand tradition that dates back centuries. I know ...

The colors of fall

Yes, we’ve all been here and seen them many times. However, it’s time to talk about them. Talk about what? The absolutely amazing colors of fall. Growing up on a farm, the colors that welcomed autumn were mostly light tan and brown. Those were the colors our surrounding grove treated ...

Go for the gold

Wherever you find yourself in the outdoors this fall, go for the gold. As the season shifts, the leaves change and fall, and the grasses dry up and transition to their autumn hues — from the those brassy shades of tall field grasses in a wildlife management area to the bright yellows of the ...

Homecoming visit reflects changes in SMSU campus life

Last week I decided to do something extra to celebrate the Southwest Minnesota State University homecoming. I went out to campus on Friday to just walk around and see a typical class day. I went to the Natural History Museum, the greenhouse, the alumni heritage gallery and the campus store. I ...

Nothing like harvest time

We are in the middle of harvest. Taking time to write this and drink coffee is a great luxury. There is a grease gun calling my name right now. “Sheesh, I’ll be right out. Can’t a guy have a break?” The answer to that is no, unless it’s raining or you’re broke down. I did take ...