Letter to the Editor
Making a Difference—United Way and Kindergarten Readiness
September 2025
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Beyond Reason: Phishing Season…
Every so often, my phone buzzes—and it’s not a pal, not a loved one, not Ted from accounting asking if he can expense a banana. It’s a stranger. A phisherman, casting a line. It’s not my neighbor Phil who fishes for fish with esoteric lures, bless him.
Dementia grants promote early diagnosis and caregiver resources
Seven Minnesota organizations will use state grant funds to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promote early diagnosis and connect caregivers to resources. Nearly $750,000 in grants are going out this fall from the Minnesota Board on Aging.
Ask a Trooper: Passing a School Bus…
Question: I read your last article about school buses and flashing lights. Can you do a reminder on passing a school bus?
Live Well, Age Wisely: Funding for Brain Health Comes to the Prairie…
“Dementia is not a normal part of aging,” said Maureen Schneider, board chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging. “Timely diagnosis that uses the right tools is key to treatment and support and can create better outcomes for people with memory loss and the family members and friends who care for them.” The Minnesota Board on Aging recently announced the seven entities across the state who were awarded funds totaling nearly $750,000 through the Local and Regional Dementia grants. The grants are intended to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promote early diagnosis and connect caregivers to resources.
YME volleyball defeats LQPV
Last week, the Yellow Medicine East Varsity Volleyball team took on Lac qui Parle Valley for a 3-0 win. Leaders in the game included Alana Almich who scored 13 kills, one ace block. Complete scoring follows.
Minnesota West president updates council on college growth, programs
At Monday evening’s meeting of the Granite Falls City Council, president of Minnesota West Community & Technical College Terri Gaalswyk provided updates on recent developments across the Minnesota West system, as well as specifics regarding the Granite Falls campus.
Notes from the Granite Area Arts Council: Shortcuts…
This writer, for one, is excited that the Meander is on its way back to town and beyond. Last week, we wrote about the kickoff party (a reminder is below in case you have yet to grab tickets) on October 3rd; here, I’d like to invite you to write in and share any Meander memories to celebrate the legendary open studio tour that will return to the region on October 3rd (12-6pm), 4th (9am-6pm) and 5th (9am-4pm).
This Happened Here: On Containing Multitudes…
On the pale-green book’s cover is a painting of a bust of Nefertiti, an image of a sculpture of a long-gone queen, one who’s smiling vaguely to the left, her gaze shy. Below, a title in all caps: WHEN THE DEAD AROSE NO ONE SAW THEM.
“For we are God’s handiwork…” – Ephesians 2:10a
My mom was gifted at handiwork. She could crochet anything, knit if she had to, sew the most intricate dresses, cross stitch, stitch hardanger, and even tat. When I was young and she was teaching me to crochet, I’d get stuck in the directions, and she’d say, “Just do what the directions tell you.” I still have to do that today. I like to read “into” the directions, rather than just follow them, and I have to have directions in order complete a project. But my projects are never as complicated or intricate as my mom’s pieces were, even though I have a few things I’ve completed when I have extra time.