Opinions
Earlier this year, we awarded several of our educators Innovative Project Grants. This grant was half funded by the school and half funded by Sourcewell, for a total of $10,000 dollars. We selected seven projects and are starting to see the results of a few of those grant awards. Some of...
Dear Friends,
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pope County Deputy Josh Owen who lost his life responding to a domestic call Saturday night. This was a tragic reminder of the dangers that our public safety professionals face protecting our communities. Please join me in praying for...
Senate Democrats brought forward a public safety bill that fails to prioritize any aspect of public safety concerns. Crime in Minnesota has been steadily rising and expanding from the metro outward. Instead of addressing concerns of folks across the state, Democrats gave us a public safety bill...
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a very busy week in St. Paul with hours-long debates on a variety of budget bills. Before I get started, I want to take a moment to encourage you to make sure the family of Pope County Deputy Sheriff, Josh Owen, is in your prayers. Deputy Owen was tragically killed in...
I am saddened this week by the passing of former Little Falls teacher Bill Swanson. Bill shared his business expertise with countless young learners over the years. He is known for always having a positive attitude and being a great resource to students. Bill will be greatly missed, and I pray...
One of our community partners for over 10 years is Northern Pines. They are a nonprofit community mental health center serving six different counties including Todd County. They help us address the mental health needs of our students and staff. They have offices in our school district but they...
On the House floor this week we heard the first of the budget omnibus bills, this one for higher education. While parts of the bill, such as the tuition freeze, are amiable, the overall 18.5 percent budget increase and reckless spending make it impossible for me to support in its current form....
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family had a blessed holiday and were able to enjoy some time reflecting on the meaning of Easter and the promises it holds for all of us. This week, the legislature returned from its annual Easter break. The final six weeks of the legislative session are...
To the Editor:
Every year, millions of people’s lives are impacted by crime every year. Victimization and its aftermath may be one of the most difficult periods in a person’s life – and victims’ families, friends and communities often face their own challenges as well.
Since 1981, National Crime...
When you turn on the news, scroll through social media, or are just talking to your neighbor about the latest news story it can produce anxiety. It can seem like something bad is happening constantly. This makes our thoughts wander to what are our local schools doing to keep our students safe....
