Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

The rain held off Sunday evening to allow the last event of Waterama to go on without a hitch.  The coronation attracts a large crowd to Glenwood’s City Park every year and although it was hot and muggy, the breeze from the lake helped.

It was the last event for outgoing Admiral Angie VanZee and she thanked the city crew for all the work they do during Waterama and thanked the Brass and Waterama Board for their continued commitment to the annual event.  She also had a special thank you to Jill Solmonson of Lakeside for “all the work she does” during Waterama.

Taking over for VanZee will be new Admiral Sarah Iverson.  Heidi Polzin is the new Commodore and Stacey Abraham was named the new Vice Commodore for the upcoming year.  So once again, the Brass is in place and work is already underway for the 69th annual Waterama celebration.

The Honorary Aquatennial Commodore’s Award this year went to Katy Leppa, a perennial community volunteer.  She was presented with a certificate and medal by members of the Aquatennial who were in Glenwood on Sunday.

Leppa said she had a choice between attending the Legion baseball game or the parade.  “I chose the parade, but our Legion Team is going to State,” she said as the crowd erupted.

Not everything is about the economy, but Waterama was again a tremendous success and a good boost for the local economy.

        * * * *

Ever since President Joe Biden decided he would not be  candidate in the presidential election this fall, social media has been filled with misinformation about the election.

  Much of what is being said on social platforms is downright false or very misleading.  And there has been some traction here in Minnesota, prompting a response from our state’s election officials.

Last week, the Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following statement in response to misinformation about the deadline for major political parties to submit candidate information for the November 5 General Election Ballot:

“Misinformation has been circulating on social media sites stating that the presidential ballots in Minnesota and several other states have been finalized. This is not accurate.

Minnesota law makes it clear that major political parties have until August 26, 2024 to report the names of their presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the November 5 General Election. (Sec. 208.03 MN Statutes)

All elections, including presidential elections, are conducted by counties, cities, or townships. Our office will provide the list of major and non-major political party candidates to these local election offices after the August 26 deadline to ensure officials have enough time to prepare, proof, and print ballots.

Voting in the November 5 General Election will begin on September 20.

Minnesotans can find accurate, up-to-date election information any time at

mnvotes.gov   or by contacting their local election office.”