By: Mike O'Rourke on January 25, 2011 - 10:45am - Add new comment

Civility in government is the latest buzz phrase and if it causes politicians to actually curb some of their wilder, less than accurate statements, I'm all for it.

Many Republicans and Democrats have decided to cross the aisle and sit with members of the opposing  party during the president's State of the Union speech. That's a small gesture and one that seems like a no-brainer from the perspective of a small town journalist. It's not unusual for political rivals in Crow Wing County to see each other in church, at service club meetings or at the grocery store.

By: Mike O'Rourke on February 10, 2011 - 10:48am - Add new comment

Just as purchasing a ticket to a baseball game grants one the privilege of yelling at the umpire, buying a music concert ticket probably gives a person the right to grouse about disruptive fans.

By: Mike O'Rourke on April 15, 2011 - 1:54pm - Add new comment

 Garrison is notable for being the smallest city in the United States with a McDonald’s, but USA Today reported Friday that restaurant offers the least expensive hamburger in the mega-chain.

By: Mike O'Rourke on August 3, 2011 - 11:34am - Add new comment

Seniors have always been my favorite category of people to interview. They  combine perspective, knowledge and the willingness to say exactly what’s on their mind. As a result I was pleased to be asked to talk about the Brainerd Dispatch at The Senior Morning Club at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center on Aug. 3.