June 14 is Flag Day. Long before the media and political hacks set out to divide our country into either 'red' or 'blue,' the red, white and blue of our country's flag has been celebrated.

“Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light, and that makes them beautiful.” — Jim Carrey I’m not sure if Mr.

We’ve all heard the age-old question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Lately, I’ve found myself wondering if newspapers have their own version of that debate. Which came first: the advertiser or the content? Most people pick up their newspaper for the stories.

My older sister, Valerie, is two years older than me, and for the past three or so decades, I have considered her my best friend. In high school, we were sworn enemies. I was the younger, annoying, tag-along little sister who always wanted to be around my older, cooler sister and her friends. Her friends thought I was funny and cute; my sister thought I was a brat.

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia I don’t think Diane will mind if I write about one of the signature drinks at Sip Happens. Here’s a deep dive into the Moscow Mule, a favorite among her guests.

For as long as I can remember, Diane has always wanted her own little Jeep - just for fun. Late last summer, she found the Jeep of her dreams: a next-to-new (2017), low-mileage, very gently used and impeccably cared-for four-door Rubicon that had been owned by a couple who kept it primarily at their winter place in Arizona. Diane was sold!

By Sara Goodman Last weekend, we attended yet another graduation ceremony and two more graduation receptions in Grand Forks. In the past four years, we’ve had two nieces, three nephews and two of our own kids graduate, and we have sat through all of those graduation ceremonies between Fargo, Grand Forks and Langdon. They have all been mostly the same – pomp, circumstance, speeches, videos, music and certificate. The speeches given by the students haven’t changed a whole lot from 30 or so years ago when I gave a speech at my own graduation ceremony. A lot of thank-yous are given, memories revisited, futures pondered, good-natured ribbing of teachers and staff, and a general consensus that, overall, high school was a good experience, but everyone is looking forward to what is to come - whether that means college, trade school or diving into the workforce.

As I sit down to write this week’s column, I’m reminded that running a small town newspaper is a lot like gardening. You plant seeds, nurture growth, pull a few weeds and occasionally discover something strange that appeared overnight and no one can explain.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love traveling, especially when it's on my schedule and for enjoyment. But since moving to North Dakota, traveling has often felt like a chore.

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, I’ve been thinking about the people who quietly keep our patriotic traditions alive year after year. They’re the familiar faces we see every summer but may not always stop to thank.