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Olsen’s concertina puts smiles on many faces

Local Editorials

"Is everybody happy.” Larry Olsen yelled out that more than once when he played his concertina with his brother Leon, who was also working his magic on the musical instrument well known in polka circles. While Larry hails from the Lake Benton area, his brother resided in New Ulm. But the two brothers often got together to share their love for polka. Leon Olson died on Oct. 22 after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 72. When it comes to polka music, Leon Olsen’s resume is extraordinary. He definitely leaves a musical legacy that rates among the great ones. He recorded ...

Searching for book deal with agent anxiety

Columns

Some years ago, I got the idea of putting together a book of my collected works. A publisher is needed to embark upon such an adventure, and in order to get a publisher you need a literary agent. After a few timid excursions on the stormy Sea of Literacy, I came into contact with Mitch, a literary agent from New York. Mitch seemed like a nice guy and appeared to be knowledgeable regarding all things literary. Mitch explained that as a first-time author I was trapped in a Catch-22: an author generally can’t get published unless they have already been published. After languishing in ...

Court decision deals blow to female sports

Columns

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled biological males have the right to compete in female athletics, a decision Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, said threatens the safety of girls and undermines fair play. House Republicans introduced a pair of bills earlier this year to provide clear protections for female athletes and ensure fairness in competition, but House Democrats blocked them from passing. The Preserving Girls Sports Act (H.F. 12) specifically states that only female students may participate in school sports restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls. Swedzinski ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Business thriving due to Promise Act To the Editor: I want to thank Scott Unke, the owner of Marina Lodge in Fairmont, for hosting my staff recently to discuss how a law enacted in 2023 is helping his business overcome economic obstacles and not only survive, but to thrive. The meeting was nothing short of inspiring. The Marina Lodge has been directly impacted by the Promise Act, which I introduced in 2023. It was signed into law a few months later. It provides grants and loans to businesses across Minnesota who have been hindered by lack of access to capital, or if their communities ...

Readers Views

Letters to the Editor

Importance of complying with Title IX To the editor: Dear Area School Boards and Concerned Community Members: I am asking you to take a stand by sending a formal letter urging the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Minnesota State High school League (MSHSL), and MN Legislators to fully comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which guarantees equal opportunities for all students in education and athletics. Executive Order 14201 requires student athletes to compete on teams that correspond with their sex assigned at birth and could result in loss of federal ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Help Opera House, other assets To the editor: Upon exiting the post office Oct. 15, a poster on the board in the concourse caught my eye. The Fairmont Opera House needs $4 million dollars by the end of 2025 or will permanently close. On Nov. 8, 2016, the citizens of Fairmont, by a margin of 60 percent, approved a half percent sales tax for the purpose of funding recreational amenities, trails and/or a Fairmont Community Center. I truly believe a large number of yes and no voters would favor directing funds from this tax to restore this gem to its original glory. C’mon, Fairmont, ...