Opinion - The Timberjay

We can no longer pretend our troubles away

With all that’s going on as the elections approach in November, opinions are rampant. I have been giving mine here for some time, but know that I have little influence on anyone, yet still … more

8/16/24

Why we need experienced people in government

As I’m sure you do, I hold family who serve our country in highest regard. Those serving in the military receive special respect, but the folks that run our government and make it … more

8/16/24

In response to the letter from Holmbeck

You’re joking, right? You’re going to vote for the party that is pro-strong military? We already have, under Pres. Joe Biden, the strongest military in the world. But you’re going … more

8/15/24

The coming election could be a major tipping point

Project 2025 is the name of the Republican plan that is designed by the Heritage Foundation as the “road map” for their expected Trump administration. Their recommended … more

8/15/24

The choice could not be more clear

DEMOCRACY and FREEDOM, not tyranny and despotism. The choice is clear, it’s not “tweedle dum and tweedle dee.” The choosing is near; do you want to throw out 248 years of toil and … more

8/15/24

America’s shameful support for killing in Gaza

Gaza, Palestine has fewer people than does Minnesota. Can we imagine 40,000 of us dead because of bombs made in some foreign country? Houses, clinics, schools, universities destroyed in our state. … more

8/15/24

The U.S. will elect a woman president

Editor’s Note: This column was written in June, before Kamala Harris became the candidate on the Democratic ticket. Claudia Sheinbaum made history this month when she became the first woman … more

Lee Hamilton | 8/15/24

Project 2025

We’re likely to hear a lot more about Project 2025 beginning next Monday, when the four-day Democratic national convention gets underway. The nearly 900-page document, assembled by the … more

8/15/24

Project 2025 would exacerbate climate change

I love my grandchildren, all ten of them. And I want them to have a future where they can prosper and raise their families. So, it alarms me when I read many of the policy actions … more

8/9/24

Tall Timber Days was founded on free enterprise not socialism

I’m convinced the candidates you vote for this November could determine the future of the timber industry, mining, and multiple use of forest land in northeastern Minnesota. This past weekend, … more

8/8/24

Sustainable ALS ambulance service for our region

It’s my belief that the Ely Hospital/SafeTech regional ambulance service plan needs to be fleshed out and pursued because it’s a logical opportunity to modernize the service into Advanced … more

8/8/24

Hello from NYC!

Between your beautiful overview of the arc of your dad’s life in your column, and the sharply written editorial column about the President George W. Bush years, I am now a very enthusiastic fan … more

8/8/24

An open letter to the Lake County Planning and Zoning Commission

I am writing to add a bit more context to your upcoming decision on the development of Silver Rapids Lodge. I am a lifelong property owner and resident on White Iron Lake. My father … more

8/8/24

We won’t let Trump turn back history

We are not going back: • To a time when only white men ran our country. • To a time when women had no control over what happened to our own bodies, as it has already become again in several … more

8/8/24

We certainly have a clear choice now

Our national politics are certainly providing entertainment recently. No sooner does Trump name a vice president than President Biden steps down and endorses Kamala Harris, who steps right in and … more

Betty Firth | 8/8/24

We have enough hate

This week, we report in more detail on a troubling incident in Tower that has shocked many in the community, and rightfully so. On July 22, four young men, all teenagers, lured an adult male to town … more

8/8/24

Don’t be misled by the fear and hate

I have been watching TV today as Republican congressmen, who have all taken an oath when they entered office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, say they want to impeach our … more

8/1/24

Silver Rapids public comment period should remain open for now

I attended and spoke at the open planning and zoning commission meeting regarding the proposed project at Silver Rapids Lodge earlier this month. I was surprised and disappointed that, despite the … more

8/1/24

Why the Silver Rapids proposal demands an EAW

I commend you for your extensive coverage of the public hearing conducted by the Lake County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 18 regarding the Silver Rapids Lodge expansion project. This letter … more

8/1/24

Modifiers in need of modification...

In the old comedy film “Animal Crackers,” Groucho Marx famously declares: “One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know.” Groucho … more

Catie Clark | 8/1/24

The Bush years

It’s long been known that wine tends to improve with age. The same seems to hold true of Americans’ perspectives on their former presidents. Even the most disappointing presidents tend to … more

8/1/24

Born in the Depression, my father watched as the world changed

My father, Richard Helmberger, died this past Monday, July 29, less than a month shy of his 100th birthday, one of the last of the generation that came of age in the Great Depression. He was born … more

Marshall Helmberger | 8/1/24

Silver Rapids expansion plan is much too large

Silver Rapids Lodge has been a good neighbor in the past. Upgrading the facility is welcome, and having experienced resort management is a plus. But the idea of expanding the resort to 62 … more

7/25/24

Stauber shouldn’t throw stones

I am writing in response to Pete Stauber’s most recent email in which he asks “all political leaders to take accountability for their words” and to “stop fueling the hatred … more

7/25/24

Heat is also a climate change problem

We think of climate change as causing flooding, drought, physical destruction, wildfires, and hurricanes, blackouts and health issues for humans. Extreme heat, however, is the number one … more

7/24/24