Opinion
How about ‘Promote Democracy Day?’
Mar 18, 2026
Previously I wrote about “No Kings Day/No Dictators Day.”
A reader then contacted me and asked me to think about trying to be more positive and to consider naming this event “Promote Democracy Day.”
Because we are registered as part of the nation-wide event, No Kings Day, we still need to hold...
What's it all about? We are cookie monsters
Mar 4, 2026
Many of us remember the cookie jar on the counter when we were growing up. Ours was a large glass, ground coffee container with a wide screw on lid. Later, I believe we also had a piggie container with a lift-off head. They usually contained sugar cookies or chocolate chip. They were off limits...
Tiger Talk: Reading, recognition, classroom visits, budgeting and more
Mar 4, 2026
Reading to students is one of my very favorite things. There is something special about sharing the magic of a good story, especially when that story opens the door to a bigger life lesson.
Last week, I had the opportunity to read to our elementary students and brought along a few favorite books...
Sidewalk conditions a concern
Mar 4, 2026
I am writing this because I am concerned about the safety of Lake City citizens as they move about our town.
I was recently told by a friend that she almost tripped on my sidewalk and that got me thinking. I’m elderly, I use a walker and I try to walk outdoors whenever I can. But, I have found...
Sheriff announces intention to retire
Mar 4, 2026
My wife Denise and I have recently made the decision that I will not run for another term as sheriff in 2026.
When my term ends I will have been Wabasha County Sheriff for 24 years over 6 terms, and will have been in law enforcement for a career of close to 38 years.
This was not an easy choice...
Pray for a new, free, and orderly Iran
Mar 4, 2026
B. Wayne Quist
Colonel USAF, retired
I turn 90 this year and have witnessed the brutality of the Iranian regime. But I never thought I would live to see the day when the ruling Ayatollah of the murderous Iranian regime would be toppled. Until now, seven U.S. presidents have been baffled by the...
Chamber Connections: Showing up for Lake City
Feb 25, 2026
This month I’m heading to the state capitol for Session Priorities, followed by a two-day Chamber conference in St. Paul. And honestly? I’m excited.
Not because I get to leave town for a few days—but because these moments matter for Lake City.
One of the questions I get often is, “How does the...
County: Contract offer a win for employees, community
Feb 25, 2026
Our community relies on strong, professional social services to support children, families, seniors, and residents in crisis. To ensure these services remain stable and effective, the County has proposed a 2026-2028 contract that represents a historic investment in our workforce while addressing...
Verifying the vote is not too much to ask
Feb 25, 2026
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon denied a U.S. Department of Justice request to share the state’s voter roll data with the federal government. Other states cooperated and utilized tools to assure duplicate or dead voters were removed. That’s good governance.
Despite what you hear, it is...
What's it all about: The dangerous sneeze
Feb 25, 2026
We all do that “ah-choo” thing and some do it much more enthusiastically and more often than others. I usually erupt with a couple sneezes shortly after getting up in the morning. The cats and Donna have become used to the loud explosions and don’t even look my way anymore. However, since it is a...
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