By John Stenen A great lesson to learn in life is to be prepared for the worst whenever possible. However, it saddens me that so many people who should be prepared for what is coming on earth, are not prepared.

There’s a Sliver Embedded Deep Within And so it came, a thought or two about slivers embedded within. As those thoughts continued, I pondered the fact that that when left unattended, the deep weeps.

Monday, April 8: Beef Pepper Steak or Liver, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Bread w/Margarine, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, 1% Milk. Tuesday, April 9: Chicken a la Orange, Broccoli Florets, Rice Pilaf, Pineapple Tidbits, Wheat Dinner Roll w/Margarine, 1% Milk.

In recent years, corn and soybean diseases typically observed further south have made their way into Minnesota. “Tar spot is one of these emerging corn diseases in Minnesota,” states Dr. Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota Extension plant pathologist. It was first reported in north central Illinois and Indiana in 2015 and confirmed in southeastern Minnesota in 2019. While it has been detected at low levels in additional Minnesota counties since then, the highest disease levels have remained concentrated in the southeastern corner of the state.

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture. Foreign persons who have purchased or sold agricultural land in the county are required to report the transaction to FSA within 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA form could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property. County government offices, realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements. The data gained from these disclosures is used in the preparation of periodic reports to the President and Congress concerning the effect of such holdings upon family farms and rural communities. Contact your local FSA office for more information on AFIDA.

First Independent Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon Finck as its new President. Brandon will also assume a position on the Bank’s Board of Directors. Brandon comes to First Independent Bank from Bank Midwest in Jackson, MN, where he held the role of Market President. Prior to that, he served as Vice President/Lender at Minnwest Bank’s Ortonville office. Hailing from Tripp, SD, Brandon continues to manage his family’s farming operations there. With 25 years of experience in agricultural and commercial lending, Brandon specializes in serving large operations. Brandon will oversee the day-to-day management responsibilities previously held by Bruce Pogatchnik, who will continue as CEO and Board Chairman. Kathy Neels, Bank Director and former COO, remarked, “Brandon’s extensive banking experience, combined with his background in farming and strong work ethic, align well with the beliefs of First Independent Bank.”

By Arnold Krusemark We are now in April and we remember the slogan: April showers bring May flowers. We sure need the rain this year.

The Murray County Historical Society Lunchbox Lecture featuring Janet Timmerman is canceled. Thank you for a wonderful season.

Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them? Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts. School buses are safer because of their large size and design.

Murray County 4-H will be hosting their first ever Livestock 101 workshop available to all Murray County 4-H families. The workshop will be at 6 p.m., Friday, April 18 at the Murray County 4-H Building, 3048 Broadway Ave., Slayton, MN.