Following are opinions from Mille Lacs County Times editor-sports editor Gary Larson, reporter Luther Dorr and former Times intern Logan Marxhausen who’s now on the sports staff at the St. Cloud State University Chronicle. Note: This feature is written on Monday each week.
********
•Question: Arizona handed the Minnesota Vikings [...]
GRUMPY OLD MAN
Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Metrodome looms as the biggest game of the season for the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota fans have to be wondering if last week’s whipping at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals was just a glitch on the Vikings’ drive to the North [...]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that flu activity in the state decreased during the past week.
One school reported an outbreak of influenza-like illness, compared to zero the previous week, and no outbreaks due to flu were reported in long-term care facilities.
Flu-related visits to outpatient clinics involved in the [...]
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, has been endorsed for governor by EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates, according to the Kelliher campaign.
Last election cycle EMILY’s List raised more than $43 million to support women candidates.
“It’s been an exciting week for our campaign and I am [...]
Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, sees a need for legislation in Sen. Dick Day’s announcement that he was resigning his Senate seat to become president of Racino Now and work as a lobbyist.
Marty, a gubernatorial candidate, in a press release indicated the Owatonna Republican’s decision to lobby for racino underscores a [...]
The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities has collectively brought their hands together to signify approval of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s decision not to unallot a late December $437 million local government aid (LGA) payment to cities and counties.
The administration last week indicated that the LGA payment could be cut in response [...]
Sen. Rick Olseen, DFL-Harris, is proposing the use of permanent seat license (PSL) as a means of financing construction of a Vikings’ stadium.
Olseen, who will be introducing legislation, points to NFL teams like the Carolina Panthers who have used PSL as a tool for financing their new stadium.
According to the [...]
Napolean once famously said, “I fear three newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets.”
As a journalist, I don’t prey on that fear, but I do embrace it as a reputation. We are ethically bound to uphold the public’s interests by putting facts on display, and letting each individual form their [...]
Everytime some famous sleezeball cheats on his wife, it allows women to find ways to chip away at a truly loving husband’s diamond-encrusted faithfulness.
I’m soooooo sick of it.
When I got married this past August, I willingly passed on a buffet-style sex life (OK, we could argue about how robust said [...]
Sen. Debbie Johnson, R-Ham Lake, in the Senate Tax Committee indicated that she intended to carry racino legislation next session.
Indeed, Johnson said she attempted last session to amend a racino provision onto a bill in committee.
Johnson also indicated her support for a proposed constitutional amendment the tax committee heard today [...]
Former governor Wendell Anderson, the governor who was pictured holding aloft one of the most famous fish ever caught in Minnesota, has endorsed House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, for governor.
“We know Margaret is ready to lead because she’s done it before,” the former governor wrote in a letter released [...]
The Vikings want a new stadium. Now that the Twins have a new stadium, the football team wants a new one even more than they did before. And, I hear the team would like to see the state, county, city and/or taxpayers pay for it.
Why? Don’t they know there [...]
I am so disappointed.
I thought Tiger Woods was one of the good guys. He has a great family, is a dynamic golfer and kept out of the limelight when not performing his sport. A quiet, dedicated family man, or so I thought.
But I, and the world, now learn [...]
Last night I ventured out to catch some boys’ hockey action for the first time this season and, as usual, their was plenty of action and the parking spots were as rare as a 50-degree day in December.
I began in Anoka, where the Tornadoes carried a vast majority of the [...]
So, has your opinion of Tiger Woods changed?
Mine has….and it hasn’t.
I’ll still admire his prowess on the golf course. On my list, he ranks No. 3 behind Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as golf’s all-time greats. On tournament weekends Tiger is the first golfer I check on to see how [...]
Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, sees the upcoming legislative session, beginning Feb. 4, as focusing on jobs.
“Just as the federal economic stimulus was a critical ingredient in preventing worse job loss than what occurred, we expect a state bonding bill to play a similar, though smaller, role,” said Hortman in [...]
Eighth Congressional District Congressman James Oberstar, DFL-Chisholm, has endorsed Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, in her bid for Congress in the 6th Congressional District.
Clark faces an endorsement challenge from Dr. Maureen Reed, a physician who has shown ability in raising campaign dollars.
But Oberstar, anyway, said he was proud to endorse [...]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that it has downgraded H1N1 flu activity in the state as reported to the Center for Disease Control to “local.”
This reflects the fact, the department points out, that flu activity is occurring primarily in the northwest region of Minnesota, though to a [...]
Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Dan McElroy may be on the political hot seat this coming legislative session.
During a DFL press conference today, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, spoke of the need for new leadership in the job creation area — specifically pointing to the former [...]
Following are opinions from Mille Lacs County Times editor-sports editor Gary Larson, reporter Luther Dorr and Logan Marxhausen, a Milaca native who is on the sports staff at the St. Cloud State University Chronicle. Note: This feature is written on Monday each week.
************
•Question: What are your thoughts on the Vikings’ [...]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notes that today is World AIDS Day, and that the epidemic continues across the globe.
“Despite the progress that has been made in developing new treatments against HIV, new infections continue to occur at undiminished levels each year,” said Peter Carr, MDH director of the [...]
Jesse Venutra is one of those individuals who people just don’t, and likely never will, understand.
Why? Because they don’t want to.
Ventura was on ESPN radio with Colin Cowherd this afternoon, as one of those guests that needs no reason for attendance (although he apparently has a new TV show [...]
On Tuesday, while speaking to a group of Vikings fans in Austin, Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf made it clear that he and his brother Mark want to see the state address the issue of a new stadium – NOW! Not a couple of years from now when the economy [...]
Now that 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, has achieved national standing, it’s tempting to look at her career for signs that she was following a carefully planned script.
For instance, did Bachmann, in her celebrated 30-second grab of former President George Bush following his State of the Union Address in [...]
Gov. Tim Pawlenty today predicted that the upcoming legislative session, which begins in early February, will be more difficult than some are expecting.
A “much more challenging session than I think people realize,” said Pawlenty, speaking at the Capitol this afternoon.
It won’t just be a bonding bill, a few touch-up items, [...]
The Minnesota Department Health (MDH) today released its weekly H1N1 statistics for the past week showing ten schools in Minnesota reporting outbreaks of flu-like illnesses — one school more than the week before.
MDH officials last week said the decline seen in the number of flu-like outbreaks in schools could mean [...]
Following are opinions from Mille Lacs County Times editor-sports editor Gary Larson, reporter Luther Dorr and Logan Marxhausen, a Milaca native who is on the sports staff at the St. Cloud State University Chronicle. Note: This feature is written on Monday each week.
********
•Question: What are your thoughts on [...]
The House Small Business Caucus online survey, which has already attracted some 400 responses from small business, is being extended through the month of December.
“The enthusiastic response of Minnesota’s small business community has been outstanding,” said Rep. Denise Dittrich, DFL-Champlin, who co-chairs the bipartisan Small Business Caucus.
“The more input [...]
Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, will attend a White House state dinner tomorrow honoring Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh — Chaudhary’s parents came to America from India in the 1960s.
“I’m honored to be invited to attend this noteworthy event,” said Sen. Chaudhary.
“The event highlights the strong and growing economic and political [...]
Independence Party of Minnesota (IP) delegates at its recent state convention in Brooklyn Park voted to throw out the recent practice of candidate cross-endorsement.
That is, the IP will no longer endorse candidates that do not belong to the party — recent 6th District DFL congressional candidate El Tinklenberg was quick [...]
Former public safety commissioner and former Pawlenty Chief of Staff Charlie Weaver today (Nov. 23) announced that he would not run for governor in 2010 — something he has suggested in the past was a possibility.
“Running for Governor is a full time job and I know well the sacrifices [...]
Several area lawmakers have returned from a trip to Israel. The idea of the trip was to foster better ties to the country.
According to the House DFL Caucus, the group, which consisted of some nine lawmakers, had some 40 meetings/tours during the visit.
Local lawmakers on the trip were Rep. Sandra [...]
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials indicated today (Nov. 18) that retail store Santas will have to wait like everybody else to get vaccinated for H1N1 until people at greater risk get theirs.
“We have heard about Santa’s request,” said MDH Director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Kristen Ehresmann.
Media reports have department [...]
Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, is carrying Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposed state spending limit constitutional amendment and will take the bill before the Senate Tax Committee on Dec. 7.
Democrats in general have expressed a willingness to listen to the proposal, an attitude Koch won’t second guess.
“I’m going to take them at [...]
Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Holsten today (Nov. 16) told a House/Senate natural resources committee his agency had no intentions of relinquishing $20 million in bonding lawmakers approved for a proposed state park.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty many months ago proposed the creation of Lake Vermilion State Park on land currently [...]
Minnesota Twins General Manager Bill Smith began what hopefully will be a series of move to strengthen the Twins last week by trading outfielder Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee for shortstop J.J. Hardy.
Gomez did provide fans with a bundle of great catches, often climbing the outfield fences to snatch away potential [...]
Some lawmakers — Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, for instance — look to the expansion of gaming as a means for the state to capture extra dollars in tough economic times.
But Rep. Paul Gardner, DFL-Shoreview, believes the easiest ways of bringing in state revenue aren’t always the best.
“Personally my issue with [...]
The House Rules Committee today (Nov. 16) approved a resolution that will have House attorneys filing a “friend of the court” brief in support of legal actions against recent Pawlenty Administration state budget unallotments.
“Members of the Minnesota House feel strongly that we need to address the important issues raised by [...]
Gov. Tim Pawlenty today said the buck he shot at Saturday (Nov. 7) morning at the 7th Annual Governor’s Deer Opener has not been found.
Six to eight people — “including me,” he said — looked for the better part of two days for the deer but the blood trail dried [...]
Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, snagged a handful of endorsements from local Republican lawmakers in his quest for governor.
The lawmakers are: Representatives Bruce Anderson, Buffalo Township, Mark Buesgens, of Jordan, Tom Hackbarth, of Cedar, Mary Liz Holberg, of Lakeville, Tim Sanders, of Blaine, and Peggy Scott, of Andover.
Emmer also picked up [...]
Sen. Tarryl Clark, the St. Cloud DFLer wanting to take on Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann next year, announced her campaign team today.
Serving as campaign manager is Zach Rodvold, who comes from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s office where he served as state director.
Former finance director for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman’s [...]
Republican businessman Brian Sullivan, who challenged then state representative Tim Pawlenty for the Republican party gubernatorial endorsement in 2001, has been reported to be considering another run for governor next year.
But today Sullivan issued a statement squashing speculation about a 2010 run.
“In June, I announced that I would not run [...]
During his speech to Iowa Republicans this weekend, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, as he has on other occasions, made reference to First Lady Mary Pawlenty’s physical attributes by using the description “smokin’ hot.”
Following the speech, a woman reporter asked the governor about the comment and perhaps offending women by using it.
Pawlenty [...]
What going on with some of the athletes on the University of Minnesota men’s basketball and football teams?
Ten days ago the Gopher men’s basketball team was deemed a lock to make the NCAA Basketball Tournament and a solid pick to reach the Sweet 16. Today, it looks like coach Tubby [...]
Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, success at drawing thousands to Washington for a tea party rally yesterday was chronicled in the influential publication Politico.
The publication noted the strong feelings the throng had for the second term Republican, but also quoted a Democratic spokesman with a “bring it on” mentality.
“If [...]
State DFL Party Chairman Brian Melendez had some thorny words for Gov. Tim Pawlenty on the eve of the governor’s visit to Iowa.
“After taking a beating in nearly every presidential poll for 2012, Governor Pawlenty is headed to the Ronald Reagan Dinner tomorrow so that he can pander to conservatives [...]
As I write this posting, July 19, 2009 was a long time ago. Since then we launched our new preps web site, SportsPrepZone, which has been successful in attracting readers to the new venture. But that isn’t the reason for this new-updated posting. As we look ahead to what [...]
Two days after winning reelection as mayor of Minneapolis, R.T. Rybak announced today (Nov. 5) that he filed the paperwork to create the R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee.
In an announcement to supporters, Rybak said he’s been open about his considering a run for governor and doubted his filing the paperwork [...]
Senate Tax Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, candidate for governor, today (Nov. 5) called on Gov. Tim Pawlenty to call a special session in order to pass a bonding bill by the end of the year.
“It’s time to increase the state’s bonding limits to create good paying construction jobs that [...]
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials today (Nov. 4) said since the unveiling of the Minnesota FluLine on Oct. 21, the line has received some 13,410 calls.
Flu line traffic volumes remain high, said a MDH official. But on average a caller — only those suffering from flu-like symptoms are encouraged [...]
Tina Snell, JOlson, Tim Budig, Gary Larson, Matt Perkins
