Cracker Barrel came out with a logo, and everyone hated it. I personally hate that they serve very few crackers despite the promise of having barrels full.

Why did people hate the logo? You could throw a dart at a board of reasons why people get angry at anything these days. Any answer you hit will likely suffice.

But why are there so many reasons people get angry these days? The vast majority of it is manufactured, whether folks are aware of it or not. Anger is the easiest route to engagement, and engagement is what drives the economy of social media.

It’s been a couple of weeks now since Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) announced it would be closing a number of clinics in southern Minnesota, including here in Montgomery. Come Dec. 10, what will many people do?

I feel the answer to that question is whatever they are FORCED to do, not what is better for them.

When tragedy strikes close to home, it leaves a mark that, hopefully, never fades. The recent shooting at Annunciation Church and School has shaken Minnesotans to our core. Parents, teachers, neighbors, and all of us are asking the same question: how do we make sure something like this never happens again?

  Gov. Walz and many Democrats in the legislature have been quick to use this tragedy to focus on what kinds of guns should be banned and what new gun ownerships restrictions can be put in place. 

I originally moved to Minnesota with the intent of retiring from newspapers and focusing on writing novels. That lasted about six months.

When I moved to Minnesota in November of 2020, I had already published three novels with a small publishing group. My fourth was in progress with the same company, but I was developing a fifth book that I had intended to be my breakout success.

The Montgomery Messenger recently carried a headline about the accomplishments of “Lady Titans.” When girls are referred to as “Lady Titans,” it means that Titans, which should be used for all students, instead refers only to boys.
Try to imagine it the other way around. Let's refer to girls' teams as Titans and boys' teams as "Gentleman Titans.” Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But it's no more ridiculous than the use of the term "Lady Titans.”

It’s been more than 25 years since my brother got married, but I was reminded of a ‘shenanigan’ I pulled at that wedding while attending my niece’s/goddaughter’s wedding this past weekend.
I always used to look up to my brother when I was younger. He was cool, you know? Boys of any age play a lot of shenanigans on each other, and that is a fun time — especially for a teenager. I feel like he has always had the upper hand in the tricks we’ve played on each other, current day not excluded.

On Saturdays, April 5 and April 19, millions of patriots protested the current administration’s and congressional majority’s dismantling of our democracy.
It was a clear and powerful message: “We the People” are fed up with the lawlessness of our government. While I cannot begin to list all the federal and constitutional laws the administration has been accused of breaking within this 400-word limit, I know there are far too many.

To the editor:
With the passing of Pope Francis, we thought it only appropriate his recent letter to the Bishops of the United States be shared. His message that every person, especially the poorest and most marginalized, deserves to be treated with dignity is especially relevant today.
— Bob and Mary Vanasek, New Prague
 
From the Vatican, Feb. 10, 2025
Dear Brothers,
I am writing today to address a few words to you in these delicate moments that you are living as pastors of the People of God.

The latest threat to federal funding for Minnesota's public schools shows the biases of President Trump's administration, but isn't binding on Minnesota school districts.

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I’m writing today to celebrate someone who has spent the last four years supporting our students.As an AmeriCorps member with Math Corps, April Iverson has focused on providing Montgomery area students with extra practice and support to improve their math skills. Over the past four years, she has given a total of 3,375 hours to help students succeed!

To the residents and property owners of the City of Montgomery. I’d like to take a moment to thank all of you that were able to attend at least one of the town hall sessions and/or reached out to city council, staff, or myself for additional information or feedback. Most sessions were well attended, residents shared their thoughts and your voices were heard.

Donald J. Trump was sworn in this week very peacefully. I look to four years prior and the opposite was true. To say otherwise would be to lie. These days, I wonder how much lying or searching for a lie plausible enough to believe that many people have been doing.

November brought with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we live, work and raise our families: our local communities.

This weekend was my first stop in Minneapolis. I had been around the fringes of the cities a few times, but this was my first time smack in the center.
    As far as traffic goes, I would rank it better than Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

For those of you who are not a part of social media, you may have had a quieter election season among friends. It’s possible perhaps that you even lost a few within your circle or that they associate differently with you now — whether quietly or known.

The first column I wrote in Montgomery was a year ago, around the three-year anniversary of moving to Minnesota.
The fourth year snuck up on me, which I suppose means I’m having a good time.
Indeed, I was unhappy a year ago. While moving to Minnesota was not a joyous occasion, moving to southern Minnesota from the West Central area was much worse. I had established a life in Benson, was putting down roots, and suddenly had to pull them up again.