Do you remember the first time you saw the northern lights dance across the sky? I can still recall my first aurora borealis sighting in central Minnesota. It was last Monday. With reports …

Addressed variously as Don, Donnie, Donald or “that Teff kid who ended up in New York,” our friend never quite divested himself from his identity as a rural Minnesotan. He joked that when …

In an age where smartphones and bright TV screens provide an instant shield from unwanted social interaction, talking to unfamiliar faces often seems like more of a chore than an opportunity to make …

Be kind. Don’t pick on her (or him). Everyone isn’t as lucky as you are. No fighting! A little different, but she (or he) probably has a special talent that’s simply not flaunted. …

One of the best parts of living in Greater Minnesota is taking in the natural world all around us and the fascinating wild creatures that call our part of the state home. Eagles, deer, turkeys, …

Picture this: Sweaty masses of human beings indulging in alcohol and fried foods while milking demonstrations and reptile shows occur simultaneously on one of summer’s hottest days. I am …

In contrast to Minnesota’s harsh winters, it seems locals in the state take advantage of every opportunity to discuss the beautiful summer weather and various outdoor activities fit for the …

Confronted with the curiosity of strangers who ask questions about an individual, a family or someone who taught in local schools, played in a local dance band, was a long-ago schoolmate, served in a …

The American school bus creates a fascinating social setting. Millions of children make friends, sleep, learn new vocabulary and wave at drivers to and from school each day. According to 2016 …

Do we really want to talk about the weather? When we grumble about problematic features such as drought, floods, severely low temperatures, too much heat and winds that threaten to move us sideways …

Thinking about writers before autocorrect is like imagining firefighters before the invention of water hoses. I type thousands and thousands of words at work each week, and I am not at all …

The mystery of what I believed to be my out-of-commission computer was solved with recent patience and insight of Martin, my son. “This humid weather … you probably need a new …

Day-to-day we might think of our agricultural crops as singular species with homogenous genetics multiplied by plant population throughout any given field. Distinct crops require individualized …

Attending the Foley All-Class Reunion in late July was one of those experiences that prompted me to scroll through the contacts list on my phone to call up old friends from high school and college …

Do we really need another source of rules and arguments or one more blame-and-shame topic in an already toxic atmosphere? 

“911, what is the location of your emergency?”

Throughout the last few years that I have written a column for the Benton County News, it has been my primary goal – no matter the subject – to foster a sense of unity on the issues that divide us. I am sure I have fallen short at times, but when I read over my columns, finding a sense of peace among groups that disagree has been my motivation.

So, another of the summer months has ended. Once the Fourth of July has been celebrated, the month sort of drags on, anyhow, just waiting for fall. 

Benton County is a business-friendly community that offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. The county’s strong economy, educated workforce and low cost of living make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

The following is a collection of things I have found interesting while working in Foley: