The video of a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of a black man while he slowly died shocked people around the world. The incident outraged millions, who took to the streets in protest. But by looking deeper than that chilling incident, we find an even larger blight on Minnesota’s reputation. The Twin Cities’ shiny image as a
Exploits in space, strife on Earth bring back memories
Here we are again. Restarting the space race. NASA launched its first manned rocket from U.S. soil in nine years on May 30. As I watched the high-definition video of the astronauts inside the SpaceX craft, I couldn’t help but think about my memories when the first American rocketed into space. I was a first grader at Waseca’s Hartley Elementary
Leander J. Meyer, 98, St. Joseph
Leander J. Meyer, 98 St. Joseph Feb. 2, 1922-June 1, 2020 Leander J. Meyer, 98, died peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Serenity Place in St. Joseph. A private Mass of Christian Burial was held, followed by burial in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery. Meyer was born Feb. 2, 1922, to C. Margaret (Sand) and Maximilian Meyer. He married
Now is not the time for silence
During the last few weeks, we have gone through some truly dark days for our country. The horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, and the ensuing increased attention to the equally horrific deaths of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, has exposed tremendous feelings of grief and outrage across the United States. We have
Funeral for Leander J. Meyer, 98, St. Joseph
Leander J. Meyer, 98 St. Joseph Feb. 2, 1922-June 1, 2020 Leander J. Meyer, 98, died peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Serenity Place in St. Joseph. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held, followed by burial in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a public visitation from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June
Candidates file for offices with primary elections
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Filings closed June 2 for elected positions with a potential primary on Aug. 11. Here are the filings for offices as recorded by the Secretary of State. U.S. Senate DFL incumbent Tina Smith will be challenged by Steve Carlson, Ahmad R. Hassan, Paula Overby and Christopher Lovell Seymore Sr. Republicans will have a choice between the party
St. Joseph council approves citizen-friendly budget software
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Ways to open up city government and encourage more citizen participation were the focus of the June 1 St. Joseph City Council meeting. Members approved one new service but postponed a decision on a second plan so they could do more research. The council unanimously approved paying $7,000 a year for budgeting software that will provide
Flour & Flower bakery opens
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Flour & Flower bakery, one half of a new St. Joseph food destination, opened last week and its partner business, Krewe, plans to offer a pickup menu starting this weekend. Serving artisan breads and pastries, fresh-cut flowers and coffee, Flour & Flower is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. “Nothing smells better than fresh