local commentary

MORRIS --As a relatively young person, spring and summer are filled with friends talking about weddings and babies. Although I personally don't have any weddings to attend this year, I've...

In a resigned response to last week's continued wet weather, I sat at the old upright piano at our place of business and played some somber hymns. The piano sits...

Fishing is a sport that requires a lot of patience. That is probably why it is not always a favorite sport for small children. Spending a long period of time...

ST. PAUL -- As you may know, the Minnesota House of Representatives took up a bill to allow same-sex civil marriage this past week. The bill doesn’t force any church...

MORRIS – When I think of all the fun times I have had over the years, I have to admit that most of it has been what I would term...

MORRIS -- April is National Organ Donor Awareness Month. I’m guessing that for most of us, the only time we think about being an organ donor is every four years...

MORRIS -- I would like to bring the state of counseling at the Morris Area School District to the attention of residents of the district, especially those with children in...

MORRIS --You may not know this about me, but I read. A lot. And while I don’t really plan what I’m reading to match up with current events, sometimes serendipity...

I’m sorry, but I really have trouble feeling bad for big box stores that are now finding themselves in financial trouble. I keep thinking back to the years when these...

Every March for the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of traveling with other members of the Barnes-Aastad Soil and Water Conservation Research Association to Washington, D.C., to...

MORRIS -- It seems like a long time ago since my children were in school, but every time I run into the parents of one of their friends, it seems...

The last day in Arizona featured the best and worst of customer service and business management. First, a hotel from the nether regions. I won't name the establishment because I...

Last week, a neighbor from back home and a fellow snowbird showed me an adventure I have never before experienced. I was invited to go four-wheelin' on the Arizona desert...

HANCOCK -- It was kind of a quiet little celebration. Probably only myself and two other people, volunteers, who even noticed. Despite that, it was a measure of accomplishment and,...

It’s been a busy couple of weeks at the Capitol. As your voice in St. Paul, I am working on policies that help families, businesses, and taxpayers thrive. The State...