Feb 24, 2016
The snowman that the Old Curmudgeon fashioned so carefullly has disappeared into the front lawn. The bit of water that was evident at the end of the driveway has disapppeared. The temperature has remained at near the freezing/thawing point for an extended time. A few more minutes of daylight is...
Feb 24, 2016
At the end of the year, I will retire after more than 35 years in public service – first, in the U.S. Marine Corps and then in Congress. Despite this being my final year in Congress, I still have plans this year to affect positive change for our state and nation.
It won’t be easy. Washington is...
Feb 24, 2016
This week, we’re expected to learn that Minnesota has a significant budget surplus for the next two years. As the chair of the Transportation Committee, this news will make me more optimistic than ever that legislators will come together this year to pass a long-term transportation bill to finally...
Feb 24, 2016
To the editor:The Lake City Chamber of Commerce believes that our community is on the precipice of real progress. Our new city administrator, public library, the city’s plans for Hwy. 61 and a new public safety building, are all huge indicators of city government’s commitment to progress. Our...
Feb 17, 2016
The Old Curmudgeon was reminded last Sunday morning by a 90-year-old gentleman that one should not ever give up on having a good laugh. The elderly chaps wa wearing a T-shirt with the following message in 1920’s-style newspaper ad: Why walk around half-dead when we can bury you for just $22.00? (...
Feb 17, 2016
To the editor:
The Lake City Lions Club sponsored Bean Bag Tournament, held during Winterfest on Saturday, Feb. 6, turned out to be different than planned and expected.
Initial Lion goals for the tournament were to field 24 teams, charge an entry fee of $20, and to donate the first $100 of...
Feb 17, 2016
To the editor:What is the Red Shirt Friday campaign?Why should we all wear a red shirt every Friday?Acronym RED: Remember, Everyone, Deployed.Red shirt Friday was started in Canada by Lisa Miller and Karen Boier in 2005.In 2006, Lloyd “Doc” Hofmeister brought it to America.By wearing red every...
Feb 17, 2016
To the editor:The Minnesota School Boards Association has designated Feb. 15-19 as School Board Recognition Week in Minnesota. Lake City Public Schools is joining school districts throughout our state in recognizing and thanking our elected school board members for their commitment to our schools...
Feb 17, 2016
To the editor:Shop local!Mojo, our black lab, needed dog food. A quick trip to Fiesta Foods, picked up the dog food, found the shortest line. The gentleman in front of me struck up the conversation with “I guess the dog gets to eat.” “Yes, he does like to eat,” I replied.At this point the clerk...
Feb 11, 2016
Aside from the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” there are few words in today’s conversations with regard to the Mexican-American short-lived war early in the last century. (Editor’s note: There are even fewer than the Old Curmudgeon claims. The 12-day seige of the Alamo – then part of the Republic of...