Opinion

Good afternoon, neighbors,

Three months ago we sold the newspapers to Cherry Roads Media. I’ve spoken to people in many of the communities that they have taken purchased the local newspapers and the people I spoke to were very happy with Cherry Roads. For the last few months my mother – Edna Albertson – continued to work for them to ensure a smooth transition. I continue to write my Dad’s column because it was important to him – I don’t have the political voice that he did instead I try to change up the column.Well after 47 years Edna has decided to retire. It has been hard for us to keep it running without Gary, but mom (in my opinion) did an outstanding job of trying to fulfill his role and continue to do hers. My sister and I tried to help when we could, but we have our own careers. It was very stressful and difficult to help. So, retirement for Edna means (well she is still going into the paper every day to make sure that everything is covered). However, the last 2 weeks of the month she is going to go down to the twin cities and help her grand daughter Zoe. My sister retired a week ago and she and Warren are going to Asia for 2 – 3 weeks. Zoe works 2 jobs and must look after 2 dogs and a cat while her parents are away. Personally, I’d rather go to Asia, but mom said she’d help with the pets. It will be interesting to see if she calls into the paper every day. I know she wants to go out to Green Bay where she grew up and visit with several of her siblings. Hopefully she will be able to do that in summer. She has another brother up in Egg Harbor in Door County next to Lake Michigan. I think it is one of the most beautiful spots in the country – especially during the summer. Many of us look forward to retirement, but when that time arrives it is very stressful – which is the opposite of what it should be – questions like did I save enough, what should I do, everyone thinks these are easy questions, but they are not. When you do the same thing for 47 years – working has become a big part of who you are and what you do. I was amazed last week I was at the house and there were virtually no mosquitoes. I hope that lasts. However, I took the ATV down Holmes Logging Road there are a plethora of trails. I pulled up at one of the lakes back there and was swarmed immediately so they might not be by the house but they are in other spots. I also went fishing on Lake Vermilion – nothing just one bite and I lost it. Still a good day very relaxing – enjoy the summer it will be gone before we know it.

The energy in the auditorium was already electric. Every single act in the middle school variety show received thunderous applause, a standing ovation. It was the last day of school and the audience was determined to love everything. Then the next act brought out a T-shirt gun.

I don’t write much about politics; I know, my father did. I believe

Mesabi Metallics will power up a new mine and taconite production plant over at Nashwauk in

I was in Chicago driving through one of the suburbs and there was a protest taking place. Signs were in support to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported on a judicial order. People are calling it a mistake. In 2011, he illegally entered the United States, however, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation on grounds he might be persecuted by gangs in his own country. Watching these protests I’ve been bothered by what we are asking for in our country.