Columns/Opinion

Radiant thoughts of lost ‘friend’ cut through gloom of rainy day

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 5:04pm

After work one rainy day last week, I decided to take a run on the Root River Trail from Lanesboro despite the weather conditions. Although the trees were still bare, offering little protection, I thought the valley surrounded by bluffs would offer a little buffer from the wind, softening the blow of the light rain.

Early resident remembered for his monuments

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 2:50pm

About 1970 my dad stopped by an auction sale in Spring Valley; we have no idea about the who, what and why of the sale, but he often picked up things regarding Spring Valley history. The accompanying photograph shows he indeed did that.

Bullyeer or bullyee?

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 2:19pm

When is it appropriate to become the bullyeer instead of the complacent bullyee?  Not too long ago, the British Kingdom bullied us because we didn’t think it was right to be taxed without someone representing us at the discussion.  We came out of our complacent cocoon and fought them and in case you haven’t read the last page of the comic book, we won.

A man by the name of Adolph Hitler decided to bully everyone on all sides of Germany. He wanted to rule Europe and eventually, the rest of the world.  The U.S. got involved and fought a war on both sides of the world, and won. 

Eternal optimism rolls around every year on opening day

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 04/02/2019 - 2:17pm

Major League Baseball seems as if it should be destined for failure, yet the sport of baseball endures, sometimes in spite of itself. Fans across the country celebrated opening day last week with eternal optimism for their teams, just as they have for more than a century.

Starting the season even earlier than last year seemed to be a questionable decision for MLB since a record 28 games were postponed in early 2018 as bizarre weather hit the northern United States. The Minnesota Twins missed three straight days due to unplayable conditions caused by snow.

Stagecoach riders once traveled through, stayed in SV

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 1:21pm
Surrounded by cheering youngsters and welcoming adults, "the stagecoach is coming" was an exciting event!  Spirited, but tired, horses pulled up to a hotel in a suffocating cloud of dust.  Long before the Southern Minnesota railroad laid its tracks, stagecoaches were Spring Valley's best means of travel and communication.

Kingsland voters shouldn’t support another financial blunder

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 11:16am

To the editor:

I think maybe we should vote down this fall’s proposed school operating levy, and let the state take over the finances.

Technology in vehicles doesn’t always make travel safer

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 11:07am

When I got a newer used car last year, I was impressed by how much technology has changed in automobiles. I embrace new technology in most areas of my life and assumed the additions would make my driving experience safer and more convenient.

Now, I’m having second thoughts about technology and its promise to make a better world.

On a family excursion last weekend, we took my wife’s car to Sioux Falls to visit my son. Her car doesn’t have quite as much technology, namely it is lacking the backup camera that mine has.

Local woman goes against the odds to become attorney

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 10:47am

Helen Spinks Henton, a 1919 graduate of Spring Valley High School, died in 1986 in Olivia, Minnesota.  Her life story is one who "went against the grain" to "do it," often despite odds that were not in her favor.

EPA needs to allow E15 ethanol sales year-round

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 10:38am

To the editor:

 According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farm income has decreased by 46 percent over the last five years. This is extremely troubling to the people of my district. However, increased markets for homegrown biofuels could help reverse that trend. 

Extreme hatred comes in all types of people

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 10:36am

"Hello, brother. Welcome."

Those were the final words of Daoud Nabi, a 71-year-old worshipping at a New Zealand mosque Friday. The warm welcome was directed at the man alleged to have killed him and 49 other Muslims in a terrorist rampage that shocked the world.