Filing for Re-election

Two years ago the citizens of Minnesota District 25B elected me to my first term as their Representative at the State Legislature. This was an honor that I respected and enjoyed. On July 1, 2008, the first day of the re-filing period with Sec. of State Mark Ritchie (pictured at left) at the Sec. of State Office, […]

Special Education Forum

Bridge Square in Northfield has always been a place for the local community to gather to observe many social events. On Thursday, June 19, once again people from all around gathered to take part in the “Taste of Northfield.” Local chefs and owners of restaurants provided people with a sample of their culinary fare. I […]

Heritage Days Parade, Faribault, MN

The parade celebrating Heritage Days in Faribault, MN on Saturday, June 21, turned out to be a wonderful time as predicted. The weather was perfect, sunny and in the high 70s and not a cloud in sight. The number of visitors and parade watchers that were present surprised me. It was a great opportunity to […]

Historic Bike Ride in Belle Plaine

Recently, I joined about 30 residents of Belle Plaine for bike tour of Historic Belle Plaine. I assisted Park Board members Cary Coop and Chuck Jacobs in being tour leaders. Cary Coop acted as tour guide giving us our instructions and filling us in at various stops on the local history. Our first stop was […]

Minnesota Dept of Agriculture Grant Money

The MN Dept of Ag will award approximately $2.7 million in matching grants to qualified organizations for the purpose of helping MN develop energy sources that displace fossil fuels with renewable energy technologies. Grants are limited to 50% of the cost of research, technical assistance or equipment related to bioenergy production or up to $1 […]

Celebrating Heritage Days in Faribault, MN

Heritage Days is a community festival honoring the rich and diverse heritage and cultures that comprise Faribault. The 2008 celebration theme will introduce a new tradition for the festival: Back Home Days! The event will be held at Central Park in downtown Faribault with rides, food, great music, beer garden and lots of fun. The Heritage Celebration […]

Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy (November 20, 1925 – June 6, 1968)

“The big threat to America is the way we react to terrorism by throwing away what everybody values about our country–a commitment to human rights. America is a great nation because we are a good nation. When we stop being a good nation, we stop being great.” – Robert F. Kennedy The quote from Robert […]

Early Childhood Education – 2008

This has been called one of the most productive legislative sessions we’ve seen in many years. As you know with the tremendous work of members and staff we were successful in passing increases for transportation, education and nursing home workers. We balanced a $1 billion budget deficit, and passed property tax relief, as well as […]

SMIF Seeks AmeriCorps Members

April Johnson knows first hand the joy of being part of a child’s success as she serves as an AmeriCorps member at Faribault’s Three Rivers Head Start. She spends her days helping young children learn to read. She also relishes their smiles as they enjoy a favorite story for the fourth or fifth time. The […]