Opinion
Altendorf: Put productivity over politics
Mar 25, 2026
Heading into the session and knowing that this was a huge election year in Minnesota with every statewide office being on the 2026 ballot, I predicted this year’s session was going to be high on theater, and low on productivity.
Minnesota’s elected Democrats are not disappointing on that...
We show up for each other
Mar 25, 2026
If there’s one thing that continues to stand out in Lake City, it’s this: we show up for each other.
March has been full of momentum at the Chamber. We celebrated two ribbon cuttings, welcomed new members, connected with businesses across the community, and brought on a new group of Chamber...
Tiger Talk: Snow days, student acheivement, a visit to the capitol, enrollment, and budgets
Mar 25, 2026
Children have a way of inviting us to see the world with fresh eyes. A story becomes an adventure, a robotics project becomes a gateway to possibility, and a snowstorm becomes something magical rather than inconvenient. For a superintendent, winter weather typically brings a different lens. It...
What's it all about: The Hardware Store
Mar 18, 2026
Have you ever searched for a thingamajig, a doodad, a gizmo or maybe a whatchamacallit? We can probably describe the needed item, but not knowing the name of the object, we must come up with some wacky term as a temporary substitute. Where do we often go to complete our search? Many of us head for...
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...
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