Finally getting a handle on things

I’ve decided that whoever came up with the idea of putting handles on bags was a genius. Since I’ve started commuting to work, I’ve especially gained an appreciation for bags with handles. Especially the sturdy ones. Because every day, it seems I drag anywhere from two to six out the door with me.

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A big opportunity missed

Wednesday was a big day for big-time college football programs. In early-morning gatherings, high school seniors nationwide formally declared their intention to play for Michigan or Ohio State or Florida or whatever other schools have a high-profile team these days. I don’t watch much football. Is Princeton still good?

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Editorial: Development will be a big job

The city of Farmington is in a difficult spot when it comes to its budget. It finds itself with a $370,000 hole to fill next year, and not a lot of easy ways to fill it. The city took one step toward making needed cuts this week when it eliminated the position of economic development specialist.

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Mary Lebens: A yoga adventure as cold sets in

As the biting cold set in last week, I struggled walking the block from my house to the gym. The wind caught the narrow strip of exposed flesh between my boots and my track pants with searing pain. Sticking to those New Year’s resolutions about exercising more is hard when the weather is actively trying to kill you every time you leave the house.

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Student column: Class registration is a big step

Determining what classes you want to take the next year is a big step that comes every January. In the last week students have been given the choice to decide what they will learn next year, and in the long run, what will help them get into college.

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Column: Grappling with a fruit problem

You could say I have an aspirational relationship with fresh fruit. I’m not sure exactly why you’d say that, there being a nearly infinite selection of conversational topics more interesting than my attitude toward produce. But were you to say it, it would be accurate.

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Letter: Legislation's real goal is busting unions

State Senator Dave Thompson of Lakeville posted on Facebook and Twitter earlier this week that he intends to introduce what he is calling an “Employee Freedom Bill” as an amendment to the Minnesota’s Constitution. This type of legislation has been in the works across America for decades, and is more commonly referred to as “Right-to-Work” legislation. But don’t let the phrases “Employee Freedom” and “Right-to-Work” fool you.

Editorial: Liquor stores provide valuable funding

In the span of a week, the city of Farmington has progressed from a discussion about whether to relocate one of its liquor stores to a much bigger-picture examination of whether it should be in the liquor business in the first place.

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Column: Big decisions don't come easily

I’ve been wrestling with a big decision in my life lately. I’ve decided that the time has come for me to step down as president of the Farmington American Legion Auxiliary, but it’s not been an easy decision by any stretch of the imagination.

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Student column: Be happy with who you are

It takes a lot to surprise me. Waking up to find the world ending in the morning would probably be a shock, but still, I’m fairly difficult to surprise. A couple days ago I pondered on the question, “what makes you beautiful?” Then while I was talking to my friend the question changed. It was no longer, “what makes you beautiful?” but instead “How could this beautiful girl not see that she is?”

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Column: Winter has to come sometime

A little more than two months ago I wrote in this space about the arrival of winter in Minnesota and the predictable howls of disappointment and surprise that accompanied it.

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Editorial: Firefighters are important to Farmington

Last week the Farmington Fire Department held its annual year-end banquet. Among other things, the department recognized its firefighter and Explorer of the Year. You’ll find more information about both of those individuals on the front page of this issue of the Independent.

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Student voices: When it comes to electronics, who's in control?

Everyone has some kind of electronic device in their life: a cell phone, a computer, a TV, an iPod. Have you ever stopped to think about the role they play in our lives? They make certain things easier, but they also make some things take longer.

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Column: Going high tech to keep resolutions

When I worked out at the downtown Minneapolis YMCA, every January the exercise classes were jam packed. By the middle of February, class sizes were back to normal and I no longer waited in line for a treadmill. The shelf life of New Year’s resolutions is limited, at least for the ones that involve sweating a lot.

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Letter: Louis Schmitz left a legacy in Farmington

I just wanted to take a moment to thank Mr. Louis Schmitz for all he has done for my family and for all of Farmington.