I recognize it has become popular for conservatives to be against aid to Ukraine and other foreign endeavors. But honestly, anyone who has bothered to understand the underlying intent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the potential consequences of the collapse of Ukranian statehood with Russian victory, knows it shouldn’t be so easy to turn a blind eye to their situation.

What time is it? I don’t know much about my great grandfather and the more I learn the odder he seems. We never met, of course, since he was born in 1839 and died in 1922 at age 83.

Earl Watt When Democrat Chuck Schumer decided to dismiss the impeachment charges against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas without a trial, he continued to erode the fabric of the republic. The vote against Mayorkas in the House was partisan, with all Republicans voting to impeach and all Democrats voting against impeachment.

Feels like spring is finally here. I’ve noticed an increase in bird activity. I checked the migration at the Linn Lagoons last Wednesday. I was particularly excited to call up a Common Yellowthroat (a wetlands warbler) from the backside lagoon. This is pretty early for this species. It never sang while there, but that is how most folks will experience this species in the wild.

The newspaper of my youth is closing. I was born here in Washington County, but spent my elementary and early teenage years in Hutchinson, Minn., before returning as a junior in high school.

Gardening season is underway at the Thalmann homestead. After steady consumption of post-apocalyptic reading and other entertainment, I’m committed to ramping up our home food production.

JOE PHILLIPS Dear Me... Wham.

“I don’t want to end up looking like the Kardashians.” With that statement, my grandson, Keaton, wearing a mouth and lip full of stitches totaling somewhere between 10-15, expressed his thoughts about going to a plastic surgeon. Earlier in the week, he had suffered the injury during a gym class at school.

A number of variables affect how much engaged couples will spend on their weddings. Personal preferences, location and the season in which couples get married are just some of the factors that can affect the final cost of a wedding. However, one aspect couples can count on regarding wedding spending is the reception will likely require the most significant financial investment. The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was $30,000. The study also found that the biggest investment couples make is the venue. Couples indicated they spent about 37 percent of their overall budget on a wedding venue. Though some couples may spend more than that and others may spend less, engaged couples currently planning their weddings should know that the cost of the venue where they will tie the knot will likely end up requiring the most significant investment of any component related to their wedding.

“Happy Holy Week”! OMG! My initial reactions to seeing Trump selling Bibles and declaring this to be ‘Happy Holy Week” were disbelief and disgust; only disgust remains because Trump is capable of anything. “Happy Holy Week” is a clear indication that the man has no understanding of Holy Week; there’s nothing “happy” about betrayal and arrest, a final last supper of Jesus and his disciples, anguished prayers in Gethsemane, the mockery, the horror of the crucifixion, and the agony of a death on the cross.