Columns

The Muddy Compass

Audio Article
Photography favorites feature family, pets and nature


INTERNATIONAL FALLS – Photography became available for the mass market in 1901 with the introduction of the Kodak Brownie. The Kodak No. 2 Hawk-Eye Junior took 120 film. Introduced in 1931, it was classified as a box camera. Fast forward to circa 1980 when significant advancements had been made in photography. My interest in photography started as a child when […]

Jody is ready for BBQs, picnics and sunny days at the lake

Audio Article
To combat cabin fever, a mini escape might do the trick


We have been lucky or unlucky, depending on how you look at it, with our unusual, freaky winter weather. For some it has been a wonderful reprieve from the constant cold temperatures and never-ending snow removal. For others, it has led to more time indoors as the warmer temperatures have made it more difficult to enjoy favorite winter activities like […]

Wrapping up this series with an Iron Range success story

Audio Article
Natural Harvest Food Co-op has evolved to succeed


Did you know that Natural Harvest Food Co-op was born in the basement of Mesabi Unitarian Universalist Church? In the early-to-mid-1970s, a health-conscious group of Iron Rangers met regularly in the basement of Mesabi UU church in Virginia to put together a bulk order for whole grains and natural peanut butter and other healthy stuff. They called in their order […]

March weather outlook: Super El Nino will eventually slide away

Audio Article


The long, warm winter is now being called “Super El Nino” because this is one of the strongest El Nino Southern Oscillation events ever recorded since the effect was named by Peruvian sailors in 1892. The pre-Colombian name for the effect, which has been around for centuries, has been lost to history. The term “super” means this year’s El Nino […]

Grown on the Range #99

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Many retiring farmers don’t have a transition plan


This is column #99 of Grown on the Range, and I’ll be retiring from writing this column at #100. I’ve tried to write the stories of as many farmers and growers as I could find on the Range over the past number of years, and lately, I’ve been thinking about retiring farmers. There’s lots being written about the average age […]

The Muddy Compass

Audio Article
KALLIE’S ESCAPE: Go 40 miles south to Big Falls and the Big Fork River


International Fall: Escape. Some people escape reality by reading books; others watch movies; others go for a drive; while others lose themselves in the woods. Personally, I prefer to drive 40 miles southwest of International Falls to the town of Big Falls and the surrounding area. Many people may not have heard of this town; the population as of 2020 […]

It’s a good day on the lake

Audio Article
Fish and photos, ice thunder and the wolves howling


It is 7:30 a.m. The sun is peeking through the window. I slept 9-1/2 hours! It is nice not to have to get up in the dark like most days. I must have slept like a rock after spending yesterday in the sun trudging through snow from hole to hole on the lake. My muscles are feeling a little sore […]

Healthy for Life

Audio Article
I heart you with love and some heartfelt suggestions


February greetings to everyone! This month has much to offer to keep ourselves in perspective. The lighter days can bring a renewed sense of energy to start up or keep up with your to do or wish list. With Valentine’s Day approaching, besides chocolate, flowers or jewelry the heart has been the main symbol to express the day. Our heart […]

Starting a new chapter in life

Audio Article


“Parting is such sweet sorrow” is a partial sentence quote from the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the meaning of which I interpret as saying goodbye is difficult, but there are other good things to come. It is with torn feelings that I have made the decision to retire as a staff writer and columnist for Hometown Focus. […]

Abbi ’s Classics Corner

Audio Article
A warm welcome with a review of Pride and Prejudice


Hello everyone, and welcome to the classics corner. You may be wondering, “What is Classics Corner?” Well, I hope to make it a place where you can come and read about books that fall under that slightly vague descriptor of “classic literature.” I know that is a term that plenty of people find daunting, but take it from someone who […]


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