opinion

By U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Washington, D.C. In 2014, Minnesota’s unemployment rate sank to its lowest level in more than a decade at 3.7 percent, state exports reached a record $5.5 billion this past quarter, and our manufacturing industries continued to surge. Nationally,...

When a news story breaks, people, understandably, want answers. They want black-and-white facts so they’ll know exactly what happened. Unfortunately, not everything is so clear-cut, at least initially. That’s the case with an alleged bullying incident at Osakis High School on...

10 years ago January 25, 2005 Minnesota Twins outfielder Lew Ford, pitcher Grant Balfour and former Twin Dan Gladden surprised Head of the Lakes owners Rick and Connie Spanswick when they showed up for a quick fishing stop on Lake Osakis. T & M Mercantile added an outlet for...

Portia the Cat Owned by Columnist Annie Harman Humans have always fascinated me. When I was in my small little prison for a couple weeks, tiny humans would come and bother me. They would squeal as they picked me up, squeeze me and refuse to put me down. I must say, that was...

To the editor: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on recent changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program, the most significant leap in conservation policy in a decade, was designed to reward top-notch conservation already on the ground,...

10 years ago January 18, 2005 The Readmobile, a popular children’s outreach reading program, was recently discontinued due to a lack of state funding. As the number of municipal liquor stores in Minnesota continues to decline, the money continues to flow into the Osakis city...

Over the weekend I tried something new and exciting, I attempted to learn to drive a manual transmission vehicle. A guy that I am close to casually asked if I wanted to learn to drive his car. At first I was really surprised, a little taken aback, and slightly afraid. Watching him...

To the editor: With the close of 2014, I want to express sincere thanks to all our county employees for the great job they have done and continue to do daily. It was very rewarding that we lowered the levy for 2015 thanks to the fine cooperation of everyone. In spite of inflation...

10 years ago January 11, 2005 Elaine Leone of Osakis will soon graduate from Luther Seminary, and she is currently spending three weeks immersing herself in the culture of Tanzania, Africa. Be prepared for a little surprise when your property tax statements come in the mail. A...

My brother and I always had a bit of a sibling rivalry going. On multiple occasions he has claimed to be a better fisherman, a better hunter, and has even gone as far as to say he is the younger brother. Well, all of these claims could not possibly be any further from the truth. I...

To the editor: It’s unfortunate that Osakis First Responders couldn’t come up with a more humane and innovative fundraiser than the donkey basketball game. Donkeyball is a cheap throwback to a time when we didn’t know any better. There’s no denying the donkeys used in these...

10 years ago January 4, 2005 It took a large crane and about two days to raise the outside walls for the new Osakis Elementary School gym last week. The walls are made of pre-cast concrete designed to match the existing brick building. Tom Klemenhagen, Osakis’ engineering representative,...

The list of things I love about this time of the year is a long and joyful one. The beautiful blankets of snow, the music in the air, the aroma of my mother’s Christmas Kringle filling the house. I could go on and on with all the simple pleasures I love to indulge in. There is...

To the editor: Are we slaves to big government in our small county? How much are your proposed property taxes going up? Mine are proposed to go up 21 percent; another $500; a neighbor said his are going up 36 percent; a farmer said his are going up 48 percent. Are we being held...

To the editor: A heartfelt thanks to the many organizations, businesses, churches, individuals, schools, county employees, Mama Marla participants, and Alex Tech Law Enforcement students who contributed to A Christmas to Remember for many individuals and families. The generosity...