Opinion

2022 Seniors . . . Well, here you are about to graduate. I’m sure you’re pinching yourself at the prospect of reaching your goal of the last 12 years. I think of you all as caterpillars. You’re about to leave your cocoons; your high school and homes, to emerge as butterflies and fly away to your futures.

On August 9th, Crookston Public Schools will be asking voters to vote on whether or not to build a multiuse facility on district owned land north of Crookston High School. This facility will consist of a 8 lane track; turf field for soccer, football, and softball; pressbox and seating for 750+, and a concession/bathroom building that will be built partially by our CTE students.

While we here in the northland rarely see or hear singing northern cardinals (their sharp and loud whistles are unmistakable), we do have one bird that comes close to not only the striking beauty of a cardinal, but they can belt out an aptly competitive tune, too. The handsome and animated Baltimore oriole is back in town.

As Putin’s heavy hand uses Russia’s power over oil and natural gas as a weapon against Europe and the people of Ukraine, it’s impossible not to wonder how we can mitigate the damages he’s causing. Simultaneously, it’s a devastating reminder of the freedom we so often take for granted and a warning to increase our energy independence as a nation. There are many ways we can, but one of the best is to follow the lead of the European Union and quicken our transition to green and renewable energies.

What: Agassiz Audubon is recruiting volunteers (adults and kids accompanied by adults) to help with spring maintenance of the NW Minnesota Pollinator Garden. Volunteers will be weeding, moving plants, edging the garden paths and monitoring bird nest boxes (kestrels, martins and bluebirds). No experience necessary. Register for lunch: 218-745-5663 or AgassizAudubon@gmail. com. Bring garden gloves and your favorite garden hand tool (pruner, cultivator, clipper, hoe.) Agassiz will also provide some tools. Please wear closed toeshoes hats and sunglasses. It may be cloudy, muddy and wet - or hot and sunny.

Greetings from the University of Minnesota Crookston! A big shout out to all who helped our community this past month. As you probably saw in the photos, our faculty, staff and students were among the hundreds who heed the call for help.