This month in Explore Leader Land, our regular feature on communities in the Inter-County Leader’s area, Grantsburg Village President Rick Lind talked about current projects, new businesses, …
The 2026 election for Polk County Sheriff has taken quite an interesting turn in the last week. I can’t remember ever covering a scenario like this, at least at the local level, in my 20-plus-year …
Have you ever noticed how quickly kids can make their problems our problems? “Mom! I can’t find my shoes!” “Dad! I forgot my homework!” “There’s nothing to do!” “My brother …
“Autumn has trailed light fingers across the byways and in the wake of that cool touch, the leaves flush or blanch and sink earthward in a silent swoon … The passing of days is swift and soon the …
Traveling to San Miguel is always a little tumultuous. My husband, Peter, and I spend a part of every fall and winter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It is not an easy place to get to. …
If we step back in time 150 years to 1876, we see a very sparsely populated Burnett County. Though there had been tremendous population growth since the 1860 census recorded only 12 white people in …
LUCK – The 52nd annual Tri-County Land Judging Contest was held on Wednesday, Sept. 30. This annual event rotates between Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties. This year’s contest was hosted by …
Both questions this week find their writers wanting to get other people on the same page, but they’re not sure how.
I have covered nearly 25 years of political campaigns so far in my news career. Much of that time I was television news reporter and producer in the Milwaukee area and would have easy access to …
Last month, the county funding for public libraries in Polk County was in jeopardy. Thankfully, the board voted to keep library funding at the current rate of 95%, and the funds for 2027 are now …
When my friend Deb and I launched my canoe on Gunflint Lake in northeastern Minnesota, the gentle tailwind that pushed us north toward the narrows could not have been more different than the gusty …
The crystal-clear waters splashed against the pebbled shore as we gathered up our gear. Conifers of every size crowded the distant banks, beckoning us into the wilderness. Our group was full of …
Aaron, Wisconsin. If you enter that information into an online search engine, a number of results will appear, but it’s unlikely that any of them will be the settlement of Aaron in Burnett County. …
Over the years, my take on bullying, teasing, and harassment has taken a change. I’ve come to realize that all of the effort, time, and resources used to stop these unfriendly behaviors, although …
By the time this column runs on Wednesday, Oct. 7, Polk County will have been without a single movie theater for the first time in more than 100 years. The lone holdout, the St. Croix Falls Cinema, …
Sometimes I have to give myself a talking-to. I got back from my whirlwind library tour and had a lot to do. I tried to get things done and felt like I was spinning my wheels, leaving tire …
As fall arrives, summer’s prevailing songs met seasonal newcomers across decades in living history. Take the opportunity for a trip back in time to see what was put on the platter and played on car …
There is a certain saying that says, “go out on top” or “leave people wanting more.” Unfortunately, in national politics, this is far from happening … but maybe it should. …
Every partnership faces differences, and this week’s column explores two examples.
I was driving back to my little motel after my first two talks of the week. Earlier this year, I attended a national conference for librarians. My publisher wanted me to be there to sign …