Clicking on the Web by Howard Lestrud, ECM Online Managing Editor – It seems like summer came way early to us with the beautiful spring weather we began enjoying in February. The state’s greenery came early and has been enjoyed by many and will continue to be part of our summer plans as we head [...]
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Sound Off: Power of an idea could bring baseball to Africa
Sound Off by Don Heinzman,Guest Columnist – The power of an idea and a commitment to a mission could bring baseball to Benin, Africa, badly in need of giving poor young people something constructive to do. (Benin is a small French-speaking country of 8 million people, sandwiched between Nigeria and Guana.) Two men who are [...]
ECM Editorial Board: Mixed grade given for 2012 Legislative session
From the standpoint of suburban and outstate communities, the 2012 Legislative session on major issues was disappointing. Even the Vikings stadium plan approval, the centerpiece of the session, ignored a good suburban location in Arden Hills and an opportunity for major economic development in the northern region. Little was done to provide tax relief for [...]
Memorial Day first originated in the years following the Civil War
Clicking on the Web by Howard Lestrud, ECM Online Managing Editor – Memorial Weekend is typically a signal for the beginning of summer but we should not forget its real meaning and purpose, that being to remember our many service men and women who have served our country and also to remember our many family [...]
Passage of Vikings stadium bill proves politics and power of sports reigns
Don Heinzman Editorial – The popularity of professional sports, particularly football, ran rough shod over political forces that tried to stop building a third stadium in Minnesota. The $975 million stadium bill signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton proved once again that the politics and power of sports reign. This power play by business [...]
Some of Minnesota’s most creative educators recognized on state and national levels
Joe Nathan Column – There are critics, complainers and creators. Today we’ll focus on some of Minnesota’s most creative educators, including some in Forest Lake, Isanti, Woodbury, St. Paul and Coon Rapids. They are being recognized at the state, and some at the national level. A terrific statewide organization, Synergy & Leadership Exchange, is honoring [...]
Great Strides walks raise money for cystic fibrosis awareness
Clicking on the Web by Howard Lestrud, ECM Online Managing Editor – We all need to take an inventory of our many blessings and be thankful for our health. Even if we have some health issues, we must be thankful for the means in which we are able to deal with them. Christopher Imsdahl, 14, [...]
Sound Off: Stadium happened even though process is messy and cumbersome
Don Heinzman’s Sound Off blog – Someone said the Minnesota Legislative process is messy and cumbersome, but eventually some good can come out of it. Never was this more on display than in the debate about the Viking (People’s) stadium, which ended as House Speaker Kurt Zellers said, he’d like to see it pass but [...]
Kudos to Education Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year, Jackie Roehl
Don Heinzman Editorial – With all the criticism of teacher qualifications that went on at the Minnesota Legislature, celebrating the selection of an Edina High School English teacher as the Teacher of the Year, is a welcome relief. Congratulations to Jackie Roehl, whose family lives in St. Louis Park, on being named Teacher of the [...]
Hundreds on State Capitol steps honor outstanding student writers
Joe Nathan Column – Battles, creativity and determination were displayed on the State Capitol steps last week, and I’m not talking about the stadium debate. Several hundred parents, educators, students and state legislators listened to, and honored 38 students, ages 5-18, whose essays were judged best from among the 1,857 submitted. Students were asked to [...]
