Editorial Columns

Waiting on the weather in Wisconsin is a full-time commitment

Published by admin on Wed, 10/21/2020 - 9:48am

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, at least it was on Oct. 16 when I was helping a friend celebrate her birthday. We had taken a drive from Eau Claire to Durand, and the sun was shining and all was right with the world.

We went to Jean Accola’s art gallery to take in one last look at her fine art before she closes the gallery and moves with her husband, Yata, to sort-of retire in northern Wisconsin. Retirement has a vague definition for artists and musicians, as there is generally no defining time when they actually quit doing what they’ve spent a lifetime doing.

Minorities should support Trump this election

Published by admin on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 4:24pm

I wish that we would stop calling Americans Black, Hispanic, Native or Asian Americans and just say American.

Confessions from a disorganized mind

Published by admin on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 9:13am

I’m guessing there was something I missed either in school or just traveling through life in general about learning how to break down a large project into manageable steps. It’s the difference between being organized or disorganized.

Some people have an easy time with this. They’ve learned to look at a large project and break it down into small steps that are easily accomplished, ultimately reaching the desired goal. Fascinating concept — but so out of my wheelhouse.

Careful monitoring of coronavirus is keeping WBSD safe

Published by admin on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 9:07am

I hope this time of the year finds you all doing well. The fall season is definitely my favorite of the year. It’s just a great time to get outside, take advantage of the often nice weather and do some things with family that the other seasons typically don’t afford.

As I write this newsletter, we are entering our seventh week of the 2020-21 school year. It hasn’t been a traditional start, but I am thankful for our families and staff and their willingness to go the extra mile in supporting the district as we continue to combat the challenges the COVID-19 virus has presented.

Time to pass the torch of women’s rights

Published by andynewsengin on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 10:57am

Calling all women voters: This election is crucial to your rights as women.

Falling behind in the spring cleaning department

Published by admin on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 3:51pm

I made some pretty bold declarations when the pandemic first closed everything down. Fortunately, they were only in my head, so I’m guessing I can’t really be faulted for my lack of follow-through.

Postal service doing disservice to newspapers

Published by admin on Tue, 10/06/2020 - 3:13pm

It’s no secret that newspapers have been attacked on all sides. The tech giants (Facebook, Google) co-opted our local news content and related audiences, redistributing our content without reimbursing us for it. Amazon and other web-based firms usurped large retail store channels and devastated their revenues. The pandemic has temporarily or permanently closed many small- and medium-sized businesses that relied heavily on newspapers to bring customers into their stores.

Laugh and the world laughs with you, unless you’re single in a pandemic

Published by admin on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 9:33am

“Nothing is sacred but the circus” was the quote written on a piece of sheet rock in the basement of Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop. The quote was from the man himself who started his life as the son of circus performers, a profession that made him a world traveler and seasoned performer.

Eventually Riggs ended up in Minneapolis and in 1958 started one of the very first theaters in the country doing satirical sketches and improvisational comedy. I suppose for him, everything was a target for satire, but the circus life was the one thing he revered.

Bring on the fall colors

Published by admin on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 1:44pm

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Yes, I know those are the opening lyrics to a beloved Christmas song, but for me fall is the most wonderful time. I enjoy the bit of chill in the air. Sweatshirt weather is my favorite weather. The coziness of putting on a sweatshirt to avoid an early morning or early evening chill is almost better than getting a hug. Notice I said “almost,” because there is nothing I’ve missed more this year than the giving and receiving of hugs!

Living the single life

Published by admin on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 9:25am

There are so many advantages to being single.

After having roommates for so many, many years, it’s great to have a big house all to myself. I can go from room to room knowing everything is right where I want it to be because I put it there. If a room is messy, I know it’s my mess and I’m not having to navigate around anyone else’s mess. If a room is sparkly clean, it’s because I hired a good and trusted friend to make it that way!