Opinion

There comes a time when the senior folks on a farm can no longer do all the work. It may be a result of physically aging or the inability to keep up cognitively. Regardless, the reigns of responsibility eventually need to be passed from one generation to another. That might come willingly with a succession plan, or with an abrupt […]

I remember when a “city” friend moved to town to start a new job. We had many conversations about the transition into LaGrange County, and what was glaringly different from his previous community. As a homegrown LaGrangian (is that a word?), I often chuckled to myself at the comments. One of my favorites that were shared was about the local […]

The current outbreak of Highly Pathenogenic Avi­an Flu (HPAI) in northern Indiana is very serious. There are now over 60 barns currently quaran­tined in LaGrange and Elkhart counties. It is both costly and stressful for our farm families. While HPAI was originally brought to our area through wild birds migrating south, the virus is now being moved from farm to […]

My mind has always been piqued by the unique processes that happen in the brain. Why do people decide what they do, and how do they reach that conclusion? How do some people relate to a certain thing or activity in a certain way? And, why? In my undergraduate studies, I very happily took a Minor in psychology, and I […]

Important news for folks in the Plain Communi­ty who need to get their pesticide and fertilizer licenses! The Indiana State Chemist Office knows that not everyone can sit down in front of a com­puter for a test. That’s why they’re offering a welcome throwback: a special, paper-based exam session right here in Amish and Mennonite Country. Mark your calendars for […]

Happy Turkey Week! As you prepare to put on your stretchy pants and gobble down some roasted turkey (pun totally intended), but first lean into some qual­ity considerations at the beginning of Black Friday deals and festivities. I will continue to beat my Small Business Season drum to share the val­ue around keeping our dollars local, especially during the holidays. […]

A little over a week ago, I had the annual privilege of joining my family in attending the Shipshe­wana Light Parade and Lighting Ceremony. It was a beautiful sight! Floats, trucks, and people (believe it or not!) decked out in Christmas lights of ev­ery color, marching with holiday cheer plastered all over their faces. After San­ta and Mrs. Clause close […]

Every now and then I am invited to speak to a group of school kids or 4-Hers about careers. Usually, the teachers expect me to talk about agriculture-re­lated jobs, tractors, crops, animals, the usual. But instead, I like to take a step back and talk about something a little broad­er: the skills our young people (and adults, for that matter) […]

As the season of Thanksgiving arrives, we pause to reflect with gratitude for the incred­ible community that surrounds The Arc of La­Grange County. This time of year reminds us of the many blessings we share. The kindness, generosity, and unwavering support from our neighbors and partners. Your commit­ment has made a mean­ingful impact, not only on me personally, but on […]

Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining emotional and mental well-being, fostering healthy rela­tionships, and achieving personal growth. Bound­aries define the limits of acceptable behavior and interactions, helping individuals establish a sense of self-respect and self-care. According to psychological research, setting boundaries allows individuals to protect their physical and emo­tional space, ensuring they are not overextended or taken advantage of. […]