Has anyone seen Rep. Tom Emmer? Our Sixth District representative is running for re-election and like all members of Congress, he just completed a two-week break over Easter. March for Our Lives organizers urged members of Congress to conduct town halls during their recess to discuss gun-safety legislation. Emmer didn’t take up the challenge, but his Democratic opponent, Ian Todd
City questions could use more answers
“You can observe a lot by watching,” so said legendary Yankees Hall of Fame catcher and philosopher Yogi Berra. I’d like to amend that famous quote a bit. “You can learn a lot by asking.” That was the idea in 2010 when the Legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation. The council compiled 10 performance benchmarks for cities
Gun-safety students deserve praise, not slander
You just know right-wing conspiracy theorists, including Fox (Fake) News barkers, are in a defensive squirm when they feel compelled to attack young students demonstrating for gun-safety laws. One of those student leaders – the admirable David Hogg — has become a lightning rod for the bad-mouthing of the Ultra-Right-Wing folks. Have they no shame? Instead of championing those idealistic
April 13 Town criers
Community Showcase slated for April 14 The St. Joseph Community Showcase, sponsored by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at Kennedy Community School, 1300 Jade Road, St. Joseph. Local retail, commercial, educational and service organizations will have booths to visit. Food, entertainment, including a drone presentation and Freedom Flight, along
A smoother ride ahead after summer work on CR 75
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The constant thump, thump, thump of tires crossing cracks felt by drivers on CR 75 will end after a massive resurfacing project scheduled this summer. Plans call for a new road surface as well as safety and drainage improvements from just west of St. Joseph at the Interstate Highway 94 split through the city to the
St. Joseph adds five new police reserves
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Mayor Rick Schultz swore in five new police reserve officers at the Monday, April 2 City Council meeting. The five join nine full-time officers including Chief Joel Klein and one part-time officer. There are nine reserve officers. The new reserve officers are: David Sweeter, a photographer; Madison Honer, a law-enforcement student at Alexandria Technical & Community
St. Joseph survey results earn $950
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The St. Joseph treasury is $950 richer thanks to the city’s participation in a state program to measure how residents rate their local government. Minnesota’s Legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation in 2010. The council set 10 performance standards for cities and counties to help local government measure residents’ opinions. Participating governments collect
I’m all about the (tax) base
Man, I love shopping at Target. Mostly, it’s because despite being knee-deep into my 30s, I always love to look at the toys even if my kids aren’t with me. (They don’t like to look at the same toys as me anyway.) But, there’s another reason I prefer making a Target run on my way home as opposed to Walmart;