Opinion - The Timberjay

Letter to Canada

We’re often reminded that there’s a reason for old sayings, such as the one that advises us to remain silent on an issue and only appear uninformed rather than weighing in and removing … more

7/17/25

So many promises unfulfilled

Our government derives its power from the ‘consent of the governed’ – in other words, the people. We call on our leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, to use the power entrusted … more

7/17/25

Look who is calling the kettle black

This week I received a fund-raising appeal from Sen. Hauschild, expressing his anger because the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that just passed Congress gave “billionaires in the largest … more

7/17/25

How about another conspiracy theory?

Pete Stauber is concerned about air quality coming from the Canadian wildfires, and he wants something done about it. So, my advice to Stauber, is the following: Get ahold of “fearless … more

7/17/25

A fact check on letter’s claims re: Twin Metals

Dan Hernesmaa’s letter in the June 27 edition contains incorrect statements about important matters relating to the Antofagasta/Twin Metals proposal to mine copper upstream from the Boundary … more

7/17/25

Stauber shows environmental leadership, sort of

I am writing about Rep. Pete Stauber on the pages of the Timberjay because I don’t believe he reads mail sent from outside his district. Although I own property in St. Louis County, … more

7/17/25

Enough of the man who doesn’t give a damn...

Many people in northern Minnesota recognize the name Pete Stauber. But recently, I’ve discovered that a lotta people don’t. Some folks say that they “kinda know who he is,” … more

Kathleen McQuillan | 7/17/25

Rural health care

Back in May, health care officials in our area were incredulous at the scale of the Medicaid cuts passed by the U.S. House in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but remained confident that the … more

7/10/25

Is this where America is heading under Trump?

Freedom of conscience. That’s been one of the guiding principles of life in America since its founding— a recognition that we all have a right to our own views, our own religion, or our … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/10/25

A hippie screen printer’s Fourth of July reflections

Well, another Fourth of July has come and gone, and I enjoyed the entire week ramping up to the holiday by bunting my deck rails, in addition to Porch Lady and adding some colorful lawn spinners to … more

Scarlet Stone | 7/10/25

America’s birthday

Today is America’s 249th birthday, and that is cause enough for the usual celebrations and flag-waving with family and friends. But given the current state of our nation, we would hope readers … more

7/2/25

A reminder of our history of making good, necessary trouble

There is trouble in the land, and this week’s celebrations of the 4th of July stir layers of mixed feelings for many Americans, those who yearn to be Americans, and those around the world who … more

Betty Firth | 7/2/25

Plenty of time to find the answers on copper-nickel mine

I can’t agree with Carla Arneson’s letter to the editor. Her claims are all hypothetical in nature. No actual facts based on this potential mine. If she wants, she can Google Dr. Rens … more

6/27/25

An open letter to Rep. Pete Stauber

Rep. Stauber…what will your response be to the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shooting of Senator Hoffman and his wife on July 14? We need more than your prayers. I … more

6/26/25

Letter writer misses the mark

Dan Hernesmaa’s letter in the June 13 edition of the Timberjay was long on Twin Metals talking points but short on facts, science, and law. Antofagasta’s Twin Metals did not lose lawful … more

6/26/25

Comparing Trump’s promises with the reality

As July 4 approaches and the celebration of the people and our country begins, one evaluates what was promised with pre-election rhetoric, comparing such with what’s happened recently. • … more

6/26/25

The people ARE waking up

The letter writer from Florida in the June 13 issue makes complete Trumpian sense, meaning no sense at all, in attacking Barack Obama’s attempts at some much-needed diplomacy after the Bush … more

6/26/25

Shootings appear based on religion, not ideology

By now, everyone knows the basics of what happened in the early morning last Saturday. I’ll skip trying to write yet another narrative. Suffice it to say, too many good people were injured and … more

6/26/25

An approach-avoidance relationship with technology

I recall, and not so fondly, my early days at the University of Kansas and my very first, and only, computer science class. We had a large computing center on campus, a standalone building, filled … more

David Colburn | 6/26/25

People making a difference

It’s said that good things come to those who wait. That may be, but even better things come to those who persevere. That’s certainly the case with two recent success stories in our area, … more

6/26/25

Big money is weakening our democracy

Without some revision of the Federal Election Committee (FEC) oversight of political donations, our democracy could be on the ropes. It took only six wealthy individuals to donate $800 million … more

6/18/25

Science versus mining industry hype

In response to Mr. Hernesma’s letter in last week’s Timberjay, I have been researching the copper-nickel sulfide mining issue for twenty years. The following was sent to me by an eminent … more

6/18/25

Political violence

Minnesotans were left in shock this past Saturday morning as they received news of the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman, the DFL’s top leader in the Minnesota House, and the attempted … more

6/18/25

Keeping the keel down through troubling times

Have you ever awakened with a touch of the blues, even on a morning with clear blue skies and air cleaner than you’ve seen all week? Has the smoke from forest fires burning out of control … more

Kathleen McQuillan | 6/18/25

This session, we had the Iron Range’s back

From Hoyt Lakes and Tower to Babbitt and Ely, Iron Rangers know what it means to stand together when times get tough. This year at the Minnesota Legislature, I made sure that spirit was reflected in … more

Grant Hauschild | 6/18/25