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Articles by Travis Handt
Contributions of Indigenous People
In addition to being Columbus Day, Monday was also Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Some (maybe many) non-Indigenous people think of Indigenous people as part of American history, not aware that Indigenous men, women and children are very much part of current life. In fact, Indigenous people live throughout every state, including Minnesota, and some are leading us into the future, sharing their traditions, worldviews, and knowledge.
What happens if the operating levy does not pass?
One of the most common questions we hear in conversations about the operating levy referendum is, “What happens if the levy does not pass? What will be cut?” This is an important and very understandable question. The honest answer is that we cannot identify specific cuts at this time.
Voters seek answers From District 29 candidates
I attended the forum for the District 29 and 29A Minnesota Senate and House candidates on Oct. 8. It was a very informative discussion, but there were two subjects that were not addressed, and I would like to know their responses. Question 1: With the tarrifs and the war in Iran driving up fuel costs, our Minnesota farmers are hurting. I don’t see the federal government addressing these issues anytime soon, so it will be up to the states to come up with some relief for our farmers.
Garden club helpswith road clean up
Nine members of the Big Woods Garden Club participated in a highway cleanup Saturday, Oct. 10, along County Road 30 from Highway 12 to County Road 13. This marked the seventh consecutive year the club has conducted the cleanup. The Big Woods Garden Club has approximately 40 members who share an interest in gardening. The club’s goals are to: Meetings […]
Old-Fashioned Christmas returns Dec. 5
Save the date for Delano Old-Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, in historic downtown Delano. The day will feature holiday music performed by local musicians, children’s activities and plenty of shopping opportunities.Families can take holiday photos with Carlson’s Llovable Llamas. Children also can enjoy rides on the holiday train, attend ECFE’s Santa’s Workshop Party and search for their favorite […]
Man who fled deputies on foot in Dassel arrested in Carver County
A Watertown man who fled from Meeker County deputies on foot twice in a Dassel cornfield Sunday was arrested Tuesday in Carver County, the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office said.Steven Oachs, 52, was arrested Oct. 6 on outstanding Hennepin County and Wright County warrants. His Meeker County case has been referred to the Meeker County Attorney’s Office for charges related to […]
This Is My Body; This Is My Blood
I recently had the privilege of preaching on Mark 14:17-26. In these verses, Jesus announces that one of the Twelve will betray him before instituting the Lord’s Supper. Ever since COVID, I have been thinking more about the significance of the Lord’s Supper. It was during COVID that I first had to think deeply about why and how we celebrate the communion.
September Courtesy and Respect Award
Newsletter Enter your e-mail address below to join our mailing list and receive our weekly newsletter directly in your inbox! Email Herald Journal - Winsted Herald Journal - Lester Prairie Herald Journal - Howard Lake/Waverly Herald Journal - Area (all others) Enterprise Dispatch - Cokato Enterprise Dispatch - Dassel/Darwin Delano Herald Journal West Carver News McLeod County Chronicle Arlington Enterprise Hutchinson News Litchfield News Crow River Valley Baseball
DC School Board candidates address key school issues before Nov. 3 election
With the Nov. 3 election around the corner, Dassel-Cokato school board candidates were ask four questions for readers to review before voting. Clinton Scherping Why are you running for school board?I grew up here, went through D-C schools, came back to raise my family here, and now have eight kids in the district, so I care deeply about where this […]
Cokato council approves Broadway curb,manhole repairs; leaves Moore Avenue sidewalk alone
The Cokato City Council on Monday agreed to move ahead with curb and utility repairs on Broadway Avenue ahead of a county road project next summer. It also voted to leave a short stretch of sidewalk on Moore Avenue untouched until the street is rebuilt.Council members also backed a statewide push to share motor vehicle filing fees with deputy registrars, […]
Dassel-Cokato schools unveil enrollment marketing campaign
‘Rooted in Tradition, Growing Opportunities’ aims to boost visibility, retain families Dassel-Cokato Public Schools is launching a year-long marketing campaign to raise awareness of the district, keep current families and attract new students.Marketing specialist Nichole Elke presented the campaign to the Dassel-Cokato School Board at its Oct. 12 work session.Elke cited enrollment trends across Minnesota as a reason to share the district’s story.
Dassel grows its own: Corn takes root in yards across town
If you drove through Dassel this summer, you may have noticed some unusual landscaping. Corn was growing in front yards around town.The planting was part of a project sparked by resident Carolyn Holje, director of the Dassel Area Historical Society, and backed by the Dassel Historical Society, which sent seed packets to 65 people. The effort got statewide attention last […]
Cokato dealership marks 75 yearsas a family business built on faith, community
Holt Motors has sold Fords in Cokato for 75 years. The family that runs it says the milestone owes less to cars than to faith, community and the customers who keep coming back.“We know that we wouldn’t be here today, after 75 years, without our faith in Jesus Christ,” said Kate Keith, the dealership’s president. “He is what gets us […]
Support Rebecca Waxse for an open judicial seat
This fall, voters in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District have the opportunity to elect a new judge to an open seat. We support Rebecca A. Waxse because she has the experience, judgment, and temperament needed to serve our communities fairly from her first day on the bench. For nearly twenty years, Rebecca has practiced as both a public defender and private attorney. She has represented clients in criminal, juvenile, child-protection, and family-law matters and has handled more than 10,000 cases.
Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission proposes reducing sentences for repeat felony offenders
When someone commits multiple felony offenses, those crimes should matter when determining the appropriate sentence. That principle seems straightforward. Yet the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission is considering changes to a longstanding sentencing practice known as “Hernandizing,” which recognizes the cumulative seriousness of multiple felony convictions resolved at the same time. In Minnesota, sentencing is based on a grid.
Our schools need us to show up
School districts in our area are under siege. The attacks come from every direction, from national politicians to neighbors in the comment section on social media, and too often they are built on stories that don’t hold up. When people are unhappy with something, it is easier to invent a villain than to understand the problem. “Woke” and “critical race theory” have become catch-all labels for anything someone dislikes, whether or not it has anything to do with what happens in our classrooms.
National Drug Take Back Day is for Saturday, Oct. 24
Unused medications left in cupboards, drawers and cabinets can pose a risk to loved ones. Properly disposing of these medications helps protect family members, friends and pets.National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., medication drop-off sites will be open at Coborn’s Grocery Store, 5698 La Centre Avenue in Albertville, and Harvest Bank’s […]
McDonald: Minnesota should be lowering fuel costs, not adding to them
St. Paul - Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, is asking Gov. Tim Walz to consider temporary diesel tax relief as high fuel prices continue to raise costs for Minnesota businesses and families.McDonald joined House Republicans in a letter sent Thursday urging Walz to determine whether Minnesota can temporarily allow red-dyed diesel on state highways without state penalties.Federal action taken earlier this […]
Become sober-curious
Great news! Last year, a record low 54% of Americans admitted to consuming alcohol, compared to past rates of more than 60%. More than 50% of Americans now admit that moderate drinking is bad for their health. If you drink alcohol but aren’t yet ready to give up the most commonly used drug in the world, one of the best things you can do to improve your health is to become sober-curious. What does “sober-curious” mean?
Carver County Sheriff’s Report 10-2
Sept. 21 - 19:59 - 212 Newton Ave NE, Watertown, PD AccidentSept. 24 - 13:23 - 1374 Foxtail Gln, Mayer, Assault, Adult Mayer Female Arrested/ Misdemeanor Domestic AssaultSept. 25 - 16:47 - 405 Bickford St NW, Watetown, Assault, Adult male, Watertown, arrested Felony Threats of Violence and Misdemeanor Domestic Assault.Sept. 26 - 1:08 - 1044 Trebbiano Ln S, Watertown, Fire […]
McLeod County Sheriff’s Report 10-2
Friday, September 18, 2026Responded to an alarm on South St, in Stewart. The deputy cleared with case notes.Responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of 120th St & CR 2. Glencoe Fire and Allina Ambulance also assisted. Vehicle #1 was a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, owned and driven by Steven Luedke, age 59, of Winsted. Vehicle #2 was a 2020 […]
Howard Lake Police Report 10-2
Sept. 21 - 7TH ST - Civil Complaint - A resident called the department to complain about multiple things and hung up after a short discussion. The individual had also called WCSO dispatch multiple times the same morning.Sept. 21 - 7TH AVE - Stoparm Violation - The HLWW SRO was dispatched to a school bus stop-arm violation. A citation was […]
Meeker County Sheriff’s Report 10-2
Sept. 18 - 09:05:20 - Arrest Warrant MN HWY 15 Dassel Twp ArrestSept. 18 - 09:34 - DASSEL - MN HWY 15 JUDKINS, GERALD SCOTT, 65, Warrant ArrestSept. 18 - 09:52:01 - Theft TODD ST City of Dassel Report TakenSept. 18 - 11:39:27 - Motor Vehicle Accident PARKER AV W City of Dassel Report TakenSept. 18 - 23:11:20 - HRO […]
Wright County Sheriff’s Report 10-2
Sept. 21, Ara Rashae Davis, 28 of Minneapolis was arrested in Buffalo on two Wright County warrants for 1st Degree Controlled Substance.Sept. 21, Laura Ursula Dimler, 50 of Elk River was arrested in St Michael on a charge of 2nd Degree DWI.Sept. 21, Ashley Alison Goodson, 23 of Kimball was arrested in Sherburne County on a Wright County warrant for […]
Be on guard
Each day is one day closer to the return of Jesus. Until Jesus returns, how are we to live? Jesus answered this question in the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13:14-23. Jesus instructs the disciples on how they ought to live before the temple’s destruction and informs all followers how to live until he returns. From these verses we can learn five things about living as followers of Christ while we await his return. First, followers of Christ are to flee from false messiahs.
Grove City woman airlifted after stabbing
On Sept. 20, 2026, at 9:25 a.m., the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stabbing in the 800 block of Maple Lane in Grove City.A 44-year-old woman was stabbed in the chest. Family members in the residence rendered aid until EMS arrived and detained the suspect until law enforcement arrived.The victim was transported to Meeker Memorial […]
‘Flavio Betrayed’ brings slapstick comedy to Dassel History Museum stage
A local theater company is betting that audiences need to laugh right now, and it's staging a swashbuckling comedy to deliver it.FungusAmongus Players will present "Flavio Betrayed: A Commedia" Oct. 9-18 at the Dassel History Museum, marking the directorial debut of Rick Wyman, a longtime local actor stepping behind the scenes for the first time.The play, written by local director […]
Voting began Sept. 18 for Nov. 3 General Election
Voting in the Nov. 3 general election will began Sept. 18 in Minnesota.There are three ways to vote in Minnesota:By mail: Minnesotans can vote by mail by requesting a ballot at mnvotes.gov/absentee beginning Sept. 18. About 150,000 Minnesotans live in mail ballot precincts and will be mailed a ballot automatically if they are registered to vote.To be counted, absentee ballots […]
Wright County board approves 6.54% preliminary levy increase for 2027, delays action on satellite station resolution
The Wright County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15 unanimously approved a preliminary 2027 property tax levy of $113,130,222, a 6.54% increase driven largely by state and federal cost shifts and rising health insurance costs.The figure is a ceiling. Commissioner Kirby Moynagh noted that the levy can be lowered before final adoption but cannot go higher. A truth-in-taxation public hearing […]
Growing uphalf a world away
My son Nick has spent the past three years finding his footing at St. John’s University in Collegeville, about an hour from our home. Close enough that independence always came with a safety net. He built confidence, made friends and found his place on campus, but home was never far — a quick drive, a familiar language, a comfort zone he could return to whenever he needed it. That changed this semester when Nick decided to study abroad in Rome. We were thrilled for him.
Wright County officials clash over federal rule shielding Starlink satellite hub from local control
A satellite ground station under construction on farmland in Rockford Township has become the center of a monthslong dispute between Wright County officials and a federal regulation they say leaves them almost powerless to stop it.SpaceX and its Starlink subsidiary are building the facility at 2337 5th St. SE, one of eight satellite ground stations the company is placing around […]
Ground rules: Wright County board rejects satellite station halt, turns to ordinance rewrite
The Wright County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 Sept. 16 against Resolution 2659, which would have directed the zoning administrator to revoke his determination that the county cannot regulate satellite ground stations under construction in Rockford Township. Commissioners then moved to send the county's zoning ordinance to its revisors committee to draft stronger rules for future projects.The vote came as […]
Dassel council moves forward on new fire hall, hears state legislative update
The Dassel City Council voted Monday night to move ahead with a request for proposals for engineering and architectural services on a new fire hall, after council members spent close to an hour reworking the document's scope, size and timeline.Council members trimmed the building's projected size from an earlier estimate of roughly 20,000 square feet down to about 15,000 square […]
Cokato officials weigh levy options as insurance, borrowing costs squeeze 2027 budget
Cokato city officials here are moving toward a 2027 budget shaped by rising insurance premiums, stagnant state aid and the high cost of borrowing, with City Administrator Brad Potter recommending the city council settle on a preliminary property tax levy increase of 7.5%.The council is scheduled to set that preliminary levy this month, with a final decision to follow at […]
Carver County Sheriff’s Report 9-25
Sept. 14 - 17:19 - 318 Arnica Dr, Watertown, Suspicious ActivitySept. 15 - 17:22 - County Road 33/County Road 20, Hollywood Twp, PD AccidentSept. 15 - 20:43 - 421 Morse St N, NYA, Miscellaneous Criminal, Adult male, New Germany, cited MSD Forestry-Failure to Extinguish a FireSept. 16 - 6:39 -Highway 7/County Road 23, Watertown Twp, PD Accident MV/Deer, PD accd […]
Howard Lake Police Report 9-25
Sept. 13 - VICTOR TWP - Agency Assist - An officer assisted WCSO in Victor Township with a medical. Patient was transported to Ridgeview Hospital.Sept. 14 - CO RD 6 - MVA - No Injuries - An officer took a report of a possible crash in the high school parking lot.Sept. 14 - 7TH ST - Citizen Aid - A […]
Winsted-Lester Prairie Police Report 9-25
Sept. 14 - Responded to a 911 Hang-Up call in the area of Main Avenue West.Sept. 14 - Investigated a report of suspicious activity in the area of 6th Street South.Sept. 14 - Took a report of a loud noise disturbance call in the area of Andy Avenue West.Sept. 14 - Responded to a juvenile complaint in the area of […]
McLeod County Sheriff’s Report 9-25
Thursday, September 10, 2026Responded to a driving complaint in the area of Hwy 7 & Cable Ave. Winsted Lester Prairie Police also assisted. The deputy located the vehicle, spoke with the driver and cleared with a warning.Assisted the Hutchinson Police with a report of fraud. The deputies cleared with case notes.Spoke with an individual over the phone regarding a dog […]
Meeker County Sheriff’s Report 9-25
Sept. 14 - 12:40:57 - Trespass - PARKER AV W City of Dassel Report TakenSept. 14 - 16:52 - LITCHFIELD - N GILMAN AV KELLER, RHYLEE JAMES, 25, Warrant ArrestSept. 15 - 09:44:05 - Trespass - ATLANTIC AV E City of Dassel Handled By Officer / DeputySept. 15 - 14:32:13 - Arrest Warrant - N RAMSEY AV City of Litchfield […]
Wright-Hennepin Police Report 9-25
Sept. 11 - Disturbance - 1400 block of Meadow Lane, Maple Plain. Officers were dispatched to a disturbance of people arguing while kids in the neighborhood were waiting for the bus. Officers arrived and spoke to the homeowner who advised he had some friends staying over and they had been up all night drinking. There was a verbal altercation about […]
Medina Police Report 9-25
Sept. 7 – Utility Check: Police responded to the noted address in reference to the A/C unit leaking water onto the floor. A patron put out a trash can to catch the water. Police attempted but were unable to contact management. The issue would have to be resolved when management comes into the business in the morning. Address: 5100 block […]
Wright County Attorney’s Office 9-25
Berning, John Paul, age 46, of ALBERTVILLE, sentenced on 09/17/26 for Malicious Punishment of a Child to 90 days jail, 89 days stayed on 1 year probation, must serve 1 day, fine 300.00.Blackketter, Bradley Michael, age 37, of WATERTOWN, sentenced on 09/16/26 for Probation Violation for Drugs - 5th Degree - Possess Schedule 1,2,3,4 or paraphernalia residual - Not cannabis/hemp […]
Carver County Sheriff’s Report 9-18
Sept. 1 - 11:29 -210 Territorial St E, Watertown, Property DamageSept. 1 - 20:26 - Highway 25/River Pkwy, Watertown, Traffic Stop, Adult Maple Plain Male arrested for Gross Misdemeanor DAC-IPS and Misdemeanor Operate Unregistered vehicleSept. 2 - 7:04 - Highway 25/County Road 20, Watertown Twp, PI Accident, Single vehicle Personal Injury accident involving adult male, Winthrop. No citation. Rpt by […]
Winsted-Lester Prairie Police Report 9-18
Sept. 3 - Took a harassment complaint report in the area of 1st Street North.Sept. 4 - Assisted the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office with an open door in the area of Highway 7.Sept. 4 - Assisted Norman County Social Services with an investigation.Sept. 4 - Investigated suspicious activity in the area of 5th Street North.Sept. 4 - Investigated suspicious activity […]
McLeod County Sheriff’s Report 9-18
Tuesday, September 1, 2026Responded to a parking complaint on Main St W, in Silver Lake. The deputy cleared with case notes.Responded to a medical on Mimms Ave, in Silver Lake. Silver Lake Fire and Allina Ambulance also assisted. One individual was transported to the hospital. The deputies cleared with case notes.Responded to a medical on Major Ave. Hutchinson Fire and […]
Meeker County Sheriff’s Report 9-18
Sept. 9 - 18:41:17, Suspicious Vehicle 705 AV Collinwood Twp WarningSept. 11 - 11:10:10, Suspicious Person 263 ST Dassel Twp ClearSept. 11 - 12:10:41, Harassment MN HWY 15 Kingston Twp Report TakenSept. 11 - 12:16:29 Repossession 325 ST Kingston Twp ClearSept. 11 - 13:09:32, Suspicious Vehicle CSAH 15 Dassel Twp Gone On ArrivalSept. 14 - 12:40:57, Trespass PARKER AV W […]
Medina Police Report 9-18
Aug. 31 – Theft Report: Police dispatched to a phone call to take a theft report. Ongoing investigation. Address: 3700 block Linden Dr WAug. 31 – Hangup 911: Police dispatched to the noted location for a cellular 911 hang up. Upon arrival, Medina Police went to the front door of the residence, and everything appeared to be ok. Police contacted […]
Howard Lake Police Report 9-18
Sept. 6 - US HWY 12 - Traffic - Complaint - An officer was dispatched for a traffic complaint.Sept. 8 - 7TH ST - Fire - Electrical - An officer was dispatched for an electrical fire at Golden Dale Apartments.Sept. 8 - 6TH ST - Check Welfare - An officer was dispatched to a welfare check and was unable to […]
Wright-Hennepin Police Report 9-18
Sept. 4 - Arrest - 1400 block of Budd Ave, Maple Plain. Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations. Officer spoke to the driver and observed signs of impairment by a suspected controlled substance. Officer administered Field Sobriety Tests and a Drug Recognition Evaluation. The driver was ultimately arrested for suspected DWI. During a search incident […]
Wright County Attorney’s Office 9-18
Allen, Larry, age 68, of WOODBURY, sentenced on 09/04/26 for Theft-Indifferent to Owner Rights to 364 days jail, 363 days stayed on 2 years’ probation, must serve 1 day, fine 50.00.Brenny, Christopher Quinn, age 57, of MONTROSE, sentenced on 09/04/26 for Probation Violation for Traffic - DWI - Operate Motor Vehicle - Alcohol Concentration 0.08 Within 2 Hours to 3 […]
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