Jan 8, 2025
By David Ohl
No, you are mistaken. This article is not about me and my joyous, high-spirited, outgoing personality. Rather it is about George. I remember him from back in the early 80’s. He was on TV wearing his trademark cut-off jeans, a jersey with a big “0” on it, and sporting his funky long...
Dec 31, 2024
Minnesota now faces a stark financial future. Less than two years ago, the state boasted a $19 billion surplus – an unprecedented over-collection of Minnesotans’ tax dollars, but also an unprecedented opportunity to give you real, significant relief by giving it all back. Instead, the Democrats...
Dec 31, 2024
Birth defects are structural changes that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot, and can cause lifelong health challenges. Birth defects are common, affecting 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Not all birth defects can be prevented, and...
Dec 31, 2024
It has been called a Norwegian weapon of mass destruction. Garrison Keiller said its odor is powerful enough to gag a goat. It can singe your nose hairs. Others say it smells like a dead fish wrapped in a sweaty sock left to ferment in a teenage boy’s bedroom.
It is known to be an acquired taste...
Dec 31, 2024
Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has been signed into law. This legislation was co-sponsored by Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie...
Dec 24, 2024
There is not a place more magical than schools during the holiday season! If you are looking for a dose of holiday cheer, I encourage you to volunteer at one of our schools in Lake City. Looking at the holidays through the eyes of a child reminds us to see the magic in the small moments, joy in...
Dec 24, 2024
Quiet people have the loudest minds and there is a three-ring circus going on in my head. I have never been much of a talker except when necessary, as during my working years as a high school teacher, insurance agent, insurance instructor and gung-ho seminar speaker. Those are obviously...
Dec 18, 2024
Recently the Lake City Historical Society (LCHS) commissioned an art conservator to assess the condition of the iconic “The Wave” sculpture to see how extensive the damage to it was and to see if it could be restored and preserved. (Preservation of culturally significant items is part of their...
Dec 18, 2024
Despite the holiday rush at the close of the year, I like to pause and reflect on the work of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) across our 20-county region. In no particular order, I would like to recognize some of the activities I am most proud of in 2024:
1. Young children...
Dec 18, 2024
Just hold on a minute. Before I am run out of town by a posse of ladies, I should explain this is the title of a book that caught my eye while browsing the internet. Quick-witted men are probably already reaching for their phones to order the book and perhaps sharing the secrets with their buddies...