August 2024

Remember what’s vital in a representative democracy

If you’re at all like me, it probably feels like we’ve already been through at least three different presidential election years so far this year. And given the pace of events, it’s a good bet that between now and November, there’s more to come. The presidential contest has so thoroughly dominated our attention — not to mention news cycle after news cycle — that even the Senate and House races have pretty much disappeared from view. In this environment, the central role that ordinary Americans play — except as poll respondents — isn’t even an afterthought.

Read MoreRemember what’s vital in a representative democracy

The web of learned gender behaviors

I spend many summer days with my great-niece, Lily, while her dad works 12-hour days. Lily turns 3 at the end of February. She is a fish, so we swim and play water games. We are happy mermaids, because I love to swim. Lily also is a monkey and climbs anything and everything. I do not follow her climbing antics. I keep both of my feet solidly on the ground while encouraging Lily to be brave and climb.

Read MoreThe web of learned gender behaviors

Ridgewater honors society officers, advisors receive honors

Recognized during an international event in Orlando, Florida, students from the Ridgewater Willmar and Hutchinson campuses earned the 2024 PTK Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. Honored were student officers Brian Wagenius (nondestructive testing student, Gaylord), Christopher Larson (nursing and liberal arts and sciences, Waconia), Jude Roberts (liberal arts and sciences, Benson) and Melissa Rosenow (nursing, Hutchinson).

Read MoreRidgewater honors society officers, advisors receive honors

LAYNE F. KENNEY

Layne F. Kenney, age 71, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M.

Read MoreLAYNE F. KENNEY

HELEN F. GREENBERG

Helen F. Greenberg, 91, of Dassel passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Lakeside Generations in Dassel. Memorial Service were held Saturday, July 27, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment at a later date in Ripley Cemetery, Litchfield.

Read MoreHELEN F. GREENBERG

IF YOU GO

What: Hutchinson Theatre Company’s summer musical, “Matilda” When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2-3, 9-10, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, 11. Where: Hutchinson High School Auditorium, 1200 Roberts Road SW Admission: Tickets can be purchased at hutchinsontheatre.org. For more information: Visit hutchtheatre.org or the HTC’s Facebook page

Read MoreIF YOU GO