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Can you believe this?
Three Republican Legislators voted against a Jobs Creation bill last week.
The measure passed by a vote of 217-201 on a strict party line vote, as far as Minnesota is concerned. Read more »
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Is it possible that we the people are responsible for the gridlock in Washington and St. Paul?
A commentary in the March 8 issue of Newsweek Magazine speaks volumes. Read more »
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by Don Heinzman
ECM Editorial Writer
The Tyrone Guthrie Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth,” is a stark portrayal of ambition gone mad.
A full house Thursday night at the theatre in Minneapolis gave much applause to the production which continues through April 3. Read more »
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During these difficult and tense times, many people are out of work and need help. The City of Elk River has come up with a “kindness campaign” other communities might want to try.
Elk River Mayor Stephanie Klinzing is spurring good deeds through her campaign of 1,000 random acts of kindness during February.
This campaign revolving around Random Acts of Kindness Week was launched last week, and already it’s causing people to do big acts of kindness. Read more »
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Getting an H1N1 flu shot should be a no-brainer.
While the second wave of this pandemic is abating, there’s a good chance a third wave of this influenza could be on the way. Read more »
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In the decade ahead, community leaders will have to be imaginative to hold on to their community’s uniqueness, because they will get less state aid.
Failure to keep its golf courses, parks, community centers, art centers and ball fields – all those quality of life builders – will result in boring, fenced-in neighborhoods surrounded by big box stores. Read more »
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There’s evidence that the Sixth District DFL Congressional leadership is going to wage a battle royal to defeat Rep. Michelle Bachmann next year .
Her latest statement on the House Floor about sex clinics is an embarrassment to citizens of the district.
When she visits her district, she listens and talks rationally.
But. . . Read more »
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This week I plan to write about the need to pass school levy referendums in November.
We have a number of them in the Twin Cities area and superintendents are already bemoaning they have to pass them or cut millions of dollars for next year’s kids’ education.
Frankly, I see no need for referendums. Let the school boards take the hit if they approve spending the money. Read more »
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The drums are beating for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. It’s either build a stadium or we’re leaving – and we’re taking Brett Favre with us.
What? No Vikings in Minnesota? Read more »
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The No Child Left Behind Law needs to be repaired or scrapped because its message is misleading and undermining public education in Minnesota.
Headlines telling that about half the schools in Minnesota not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Law at first glance lead one to believe the public school system deserves a low grade.
That simply is not the case, because a school can fail to make AYP if students in just one of nine subgroups or categories fail either the reading and math tests.
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Where is the outrage?
How can Americans stand by and let organized mobs shout out and drown out the information on the proposed medical plan the congress is considering.
Anyone who cares about the First Amendment should be opposing these outbursts that are making a mockery of town meetings.
Granted, this same First Amendment provides that our country should have free speech.
Read more »
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High school students are working their tails off so they can earn money to keep their choir, dance line, debate team and track team going.
Because of budget cuts, the so-called extra curricular program funding is being sliced.
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Cancellation of the July 4th fireworks celebration in Elk River raised questions in that community about the value of having fireworks to celebrate the nation’s independence.
The Elk River Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the celebration for years, decided not to sponsor the July 4th celebration this year due to the rising costs and the major effort required.
The City of Elk River, citing revenue problems, said it would contribute $6,000 for fireworks, but could not afford the full cost.
Read more »
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The new Minnesota seat belt law is causing more motorists and passengers to fasten their seat belts, particularly after hearing that the fine and court costs for each unbelted person in the car could be over $100. In Anoka county, for example the fine and courts costs for each unbelted person total $110.
The new law allows a law officer to stop a car if he is sure the driver is not belted. Once the car is stopped, the officer can tag anyone who is unbelted and may check for drivers license, drunkenness and possession of drugs.
The Minnesota Legislature passed the more restrictive seat belt law after hearing from mothers of injured victims, looking at the data and taking advantage of $3.4 million in federal funds.
Minnesota’s Department of Safety says that of the 325 fatal auto crashes in 2008, 178 involved belted drivers and passengers.
Read more »
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I had reservations about the new Minnesota seatbelt law, until I talked to my local Police Chief Jeff Beahen.
Personally I find it a nuisance to buckle up, and the other day I almost hit a car when I tried to fasten my seatbelt, as I saw a police car approaching.
Then, there’s the whole argument about my right to drive without the government telling me to buckle up or it will cost me $25. Read more »