opinion

Question: I was told that the Minnesota State Patrol is involved in teaching a school patrol camp in the summer. Can you provide me with some information about it? Answer: Legionville is a summer camp is where school patrol students are taught the fundamentals of school patrol, school...

The military exchanges have the green light to open their online doors to veterans by Nov. 11, an idea initially proposed by a top exchange official nearly three years ago. Defense Department officials notified the congressional oversight committees Jan. 11 of their intent to open...

The April 21, 2017 Pioneer Press article, "Minnesota Legislature's plans would underfund state military, officials say," covers some of the issues related to the proposed budget shortfalls in the state Department of Military Affairs (DMA) budget. The National Guard Association of...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial...

Question: I want to install a lift kit and put bigger tires on my pickup. I want to comply with all the state laws. What is a bumper height law and the law about tires that extend out past the fenders? Answer: Adding a lift kit and installing bigger tires and rims are very popular...

Thank you for supporting the Wadena County Humane Society The Wadena County Humane Society wishes to thank everyone who participated at our annual spaghetti feed fundraiser held to benefit animals awaiting adoption to forever homes. We are most grateful to those who attended, volunteered,...

Question: What are the most common vehicle equipment violations you see? Answer: In my career as a Minnesota State Trooper, I have witnessed and investigated all kinds of common equipment violations. The most common violations I have seen are: • Window tint violations: No vehicle...

It has come to VA's attention that a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to potentially "mimic" the Veterans Choice Program phone line. This imposter phone line may be intended to reach veterans who inadvertently dial the Veterans Choice Program number incorrectly. We want...

Call your legislator about annual tax conference It's tax time at the Capitol. No, I'm not referring to the state and federal tax forms we were required to submit mid-April. I'm talking about the legislature's annual tax conference committee and why it's important for residents of...

If you are a service member separating from active duty you may qualify for unemployment compensation if you are unable to find a new job. In Fiscal Year 2016, the Army paid just over $170 million into this program which is the lowest it's paid in 13 years. The Unemployment Compensation...

Question: So I lost my driver's license. Physically misplaced it and searched high and low and no luck and couldn't find it anywhere. I went to the DVS and applied for a new one. After a while I got it in the mail. Now, several months later I found my old one. So I now have two driver's...

For the sixth consecutive time, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) was ranked first in customer satisfaction among the nation's top corporations and federal agencies in an independent survey conducted by the CFI Group utilizing the science of...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen D. Black as the new Director of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. "We are excited to bring Mr. Black on board as the new director of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System," said Jan Murphy,...

Question: On most days I observe college students who are wearing dark jackets and hats, listening to "tunes" while walking, or walking in the same direction as motor traffic rather than facing that traffic. This street has no sidewalks so all the walking occurs close to the cars....