Opinion
Ask a Trooper
Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol as practicable, water, dirt, or other material being thrown up and to the rear by the wheels of the vehicle.” So every vehicle MUST have fenders.

From the Editor’s Desk
I don’t think I mentioned this before but I am old. I graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1973. There wasn’t much for girls to do in those days. A couple of girls sports were added around that time but it was too late for me—I was already not athletic.

Are we in a pickle?
Beyond Reason by Rob Perez There is a craze sweeping the nation. People of all ages have flocked to this, um, well, I would call it an activity or a game but others call it a sport.
SAVVY SENIOR: Cheap basic cell phone plans for penny pinching seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, A few months ago, I read a column you wrote on extremely cheap smartphone plans for budget-conscious seniors. Can you do a similar column for those of us who still use basic flip phones? My old 3G flip phone is about to become obsolete, so I’m looking for the cheapest possible replacement. I only need a simple cell phone (no data) for emergency calls when I’m away from home. Penny Pincher Dear Penny, For many seniors, like yourself, who only want a simple basic cell phone for emergency purposes and occasional calls, there are a number of super cheap plans available from small wireless providers you may have never heard of. Here are some of the best deals available right now.

From the Editor’s Desk
This evening—Thursday, Aug. 4—is your community’s Night to Unite! This is time for the community to gather and visit with friends, or make new friends, and learn more about the city departments that take care of the safety, comfort and well-being of the residents of St. James.
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:Just a note to our Butterfield-Odin community that you may be seeing a number of “Vote Yes” signs around. We wanted to clarify that Butterfield-Odin School District is having a specialLevy Vote at the November 8 general election.
Ask a Trooper – Extended carrier laws
Question: I see vehicles go by with extended carriers attached to their hitch with several full gas cans. We discuss what could happen if a driver was not paying attention and ran into one such vehicle. How safe can this be? are there any laws in place that makes this unlawful?
Big Tech is steamrolling America’s newspapers
Google and Facebook have enormous economic and political power in society – especially over the news industry. Many ask if they have played a role in the misinformation that erodes our free press and plagues our democracy.
Report examines state of state’s small meat processors
Livestock farmers in Minnesota are facing limited meat processing access due to processor closures and fully booked processing appointments, according to a new report, “Solving the Meat Processing Workforce Bottleneck.”

From the Editor’s Desk
Thank you to everyone who has sent photos and press releases for the Plaindealer. And thank you to our freelance writer, Lee Carlson, who has been doing an awesome job covering so much local news.