“Twenty-three years on, as the brutal attacks of 9/11 slowly fade from memory to history, I still deeply believe: ‘We don't live in America ... America lives in us.’” — columnist Shelly Palmer.

Written by Palmer, while remembering the neighborhood heroes from FDNY Engine Co. 16 Ladder 7 who, like so many other brave first responders, rushed to protect those impacted and never came home.

Q: What’s the history behind Farm Safety Week?

Both presidential candidates fiscal proposals differ widely, which is an understatement, but with one major similarity. That is that neither put the country on any fiscal track to getting any closer to alignment of government expenditures with tax revenue. Neither project a balanced budget in the next decade.

Welcome spring and create continuous color for several months with a collection of spring-flowering bulbs. After planting in the fall, you’ll enjoy an array of flower colors that combine nicely with other spring-flowering trees, shrubs and flowers.

Nearly 36 years in the making, Hollywood proves it all out of ideas, bringing back Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder as unresolved love interests Beetlejuice, an undead, love-starved demon, and Lydia Deetz, the object of his affections.

When I walked into the county courthouse, an officer demanded that I empty my pockets and proceed through a metal detector. Then I moved to Iowa. I walked into the courthouse, with no guards or metal detector in sight. A passerby kindly asked, “What are you looking for?” and helped me find my way.

The Clay County Fair is upon us, in all of its American glory. Whether you show up for the food, the rides or the agriculture, going to the fair has probably been at least a little bit significant in your life.

I, for one, can remember attending the fair from a very young age, when I was 4 years old and new to Spencer. It was exciting getting to see my friends and mine 4-H projects that won blue ribbons, and especially the exhibits that were great enough to get to the state fair.

For those of use fighting Summit Carbon Solutions proposed CO2 pipeline, we recently got some very good news. It all stems from a South Dakota farmer, Jared Bossly, who was working in his field miles away from his home. His wife was at home recovering from a surgery and was in the shower when she heard someone open their front door and yell inside.

Well, the big “debate” is in the can. Literally? Let’s keep on enjoying The World’s Greatest County Fair. And it wouldn’t hurt to recall the words attributed to Alexander the Great: “Whatever possessions we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.”

So this week is the debate. Built up to be the debate which will decide the future of America. Will it? Your guess is as good as mine.

Q: What comes to mind with the 9/11 anniversary this month?

Matted down, grassy trails in the lawn and missing bark on trees and shrubs in late winter and early spring might be when you first become aware of voles in your landscape. Fall is an important time to protect plants from damage.

Voles are herbivores actively feeding on plants, seeds, bulbs and the trunks and roots of various trees and ornamental plants year-round. Soon after planting you may discover voles have devoured young plants and dug up newly planted seeds and bulbs.

From his childhood to his failed marriage to his rise among the Motion Picture Association leadership and eventual presidency, “Reagan” shows the ups and downs of an iconic leader.

What is the reason a person should take an hour or two off on a Sunday morning and visit a church building?

It has been just over a week into the school year, and many of my peers and I are wishing the summer back again.

Normally, I welcome the school year. I usually like the classes I’m in, and I enjoy being with my friends. This year, however, may be different.

Junior year is famously tough — we aren’t seniors who have all the privilege of ruling the school, nor can we coast through classes by being unaware underclassmen.