To wield control of the thermostat is to have power over far more than the temperature of a living space. The duty requires strict accountability and should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, …

About 80 years ago, when our kitchen calendars were flipped to December, two weeks of school vacation and the celebration of Christmas were effectively guaranteed. The width and depth of how …

Have you ever wondered what it is that a director of finance does?   I am going to give you a brief overview of the responsibilities of the director of finance for schools in Minnesota. The …

Amaryllis bulbs are frequent holiday gifts. They are native to Africa and were brought to Europe in the 1700s. However, many of the hybrid bulbs sold today come from Central America and South …

The “travel broadens the mind” proverb suggests a transformative experience. An early December trek to California recently provided such an opportunity. A long-awaited vacation …

Winston Churchill said, “A love for tradition has never weakened a nation; indeed, it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.” If it is a good practice, I agree that …

When it comes to winter fishing, there is no doubt panfish are king in my world. I especially love catching crappies but certainly will not turn down a chance to hook some good bluegills. On many …

At the start of training camp, the Minnesota Vikings had a clear succession plan at the quarterback position. The organization had wisely decided to part ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, …

Minnesota changed me. I now require a legitimate self-pep talk to gather the strength needed to face the frigid outdoors before letting my Chihuahua outside for potty breaks each morning. I …

Has our familiarity with the Christmas seasons of the past made us wish we could postpone Christmas 2024 for at least a month or so? Do we doubt that the coming holiday will measure up to the …

Parent-teacher conferences have long been a cornerstone of effective education, providing an essential opportunity for parents and guardians, teachers and students to come together in meaningful …

‘Tis the season — as December snuck in on the heels of Thanksgiving, many of us find our calendars bursting with gatherings, shopping, travels and more. Even when it is all good, it can …