Going with the grain makes life easier

Before becoming a journalist I pursued a career in automotive mechanics through a local trade school. After graduating I realized I was ultimately pursuing a path that while practical was against the grain of my artistic focused personality. I then began focusing on what my strengths really were.

What good local leaders are made of

Last week, someone told me I should run for mayor. Well, I figured it was about time to make the announcement here so you can tell all your friends and neighbors that you read it in the Reporter & Farmer first – that will never happen.

Ole & lena

Ole says: “Never tell people your troubles. Half of dem don’t care... and da odder half is glad it happened to you.” ~~~ Ole was reading the paper. “Lena, he said, “dis is really interesting. De bathtub vas invented in 1850 and da telephone vasn’t invented until 1875. Yust tink...

Make room to accomodate your own and others’ needs

If living on my own has taught me anything, it is that no one is going to fulfill my every day needs but me.

Turn out to support the new thing

Right now at my house, we’re working to get our kiddo to expand his palate beyond a milk diet by offering him solid foods to eat. The thing is, he’s not the most receptive to trying new things.

The growth, change and challenges a year can bring

As most kiddos across the land are beginning their journey with a new school year, and adjusting to their new daily routines, I’m left in a position of watching my own little boy grow up much faster than I am mentally prepared for. And as time marches on, our family’s routines are changing too.

Our unconsciously learned behaviors influence who we are

A few weeks ago while driving around town I passed another driver and in unison we both raised our pointer fingers to acknowledge each other. Suddenly, I became aware of something – this is not something I used to do when I lived in Florida.

George Stewart knew I cheated, reminiscing on a former Webster industrial arts teacher

As a fifth grader moving to a new older house in Webster in 1970, finding out I was surrounded by teachers was not good news. To the east was local teaching legend Dorothy Garrick and husband Carlyle. To the west was George Stewart and family; Nila, Gregg and Scott.

We need readers, advertisers to remain local news source

Early last week we received a call at the office from a reader who was concerned we were closing our doors. They told us they had seen on the internet that Reporter & Farmer had gone out of business.

Embracing openness in rural leadership is rooted in resilience

Rural communities across South Dakota are rich with tradition, resilience and a deep sense of place. These qualities form the backbone of our rural life. Yet in today’s rapidly changing world, our community values must be paired with an openness to new ideas.