By John Stenen I recall when I was a young man, that I wasn’t sure if there was a God or not. Mainly because of all the ‘evolution’ that I had been subjected to in school. I felt that I was so bad with all the sin I had committed, that if there was a God He would never have anything to do with me. I have come to know that there are multitudes of people who believe the same. The good news is that God knows of all your sin, no matter what it is, and yet, He loves you and wants you to become one of His children. He loves you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die that horrible death on the cross, as your substitute and mine. He offers us total forgiveness; freedom from all our guilt and shame. He will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bring about a wonderful change in our lives to where our lives can bring glory to Him. Are you tired of the chains of bondage? Tired of being a slave to the lusts of the flesh? Then give your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ today, and experience His love and freedom. God bless.

The inspiration for this week’s column came from the current issue of Northern Gardener magazine. By now your garden should be producing well. This means you still need to tend to your garden in addition to hoeing and watching your garden produce grow.

By Kathy Schwartz, Murray County Master Gardner Don’t mow heat-stressed lawns. Containers need to be checked daily.

Words The little purple flowers upon the stamp, upon the envelope, was telltale that something good was within. Little purple flowers noted upon my pathways always seem to refresh.

The Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) celebrated another year of partnerships, innovation and community investment during its 2026 Annual Meeting held Thursday, July 9, at the Heritage Event Center near Taunton.

The Murray County Historical Society is excited to announce the annual Dinehart Holt House Front Porch Concert Series is returning this year. The concert lineup and dates are as follows: Hope Welu, a solo artist singing country pop and originals, July 23, 206.

Are you looking for a place to find more information on your own? There are several places that you can look for information to help people with Dementia or a cognitive issue. If you are looking for devices to help them stay safe there is alzstore.com. Daily Caring is a website with lots of good ideas and tidbits of information at dailycaring.com. If you prefer to watch a video check out Teepa Snow online videos on YouTube.

Please do not request that your name be left off the District Court List. MN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES James T.

7-2-2026 8:26 a.m. - Public assistance requested in Slayton township, deputy responded.

Question: Hello, I live in “cabin country” and it never fails, during the summer months with the influx of traffic, there are always arguments regarding traffic “laws” or “it’s just being Minnesota nice”. There’s been several near misses and I can see both sides of the argument and wondering if you can help clear up an ongoing discussion.