Dear Minot: Research shows that the average adult speaks at least 7,000 words in a day. Obviously, depending on your personality and your job, you might speak far more than that, or considerably less. But for the sake of this column, I’ll use 7,000 as average for a day. Words matter – ...

As we are a caught up in the churning currents of the Endless Present, it is healthy to grab ahold of the shore from time to time, to catch our breath and take stock of everything this force has left in its wake. If 2022 taught us anything, it’s that the house we’re all collectively in is ...

Even though the laws relating to rape have not been repealed, victims are not getting justice in the present system. Administratively, rape gets no priority.  Right now, North Dakota has 271 rape cases – doubled since December 21, 2021 – gathering dust because the criminal justice ...

There’s been mountains of hay made over the last few years diagnosing the causes behind the “death of discourse,” but it mostly devolves into people standing around the corpse casting blame around like a bad game of Clue. For some reason I’m compelled to join the throng and throw an ...

Many have been rushing around buying Christmas gifts for family and friends, decorating their homes inside and some outside, and enjoying cookies, candies and all those special treats. It’s the Christmas season and a time when family and friends get together. But there are many who ...

Dear Minot: I have been blessed in so many areas this year. My family has grown, my children have found careers – and my mother even moved back to Minot.  Of all the personal blessings, the highlight has to be the honor of being chosen to serve as your mayor. Honestly, there is ...