To place an obituary, please email the following information to [email protected], as there is currently no option to place obituaries through our website. For any questions, feel free to contact our obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
**General Information Required**
– Your full name
– Address (City, State, Zip Code)
– Phone number
– An alternate phone number (if any)
**Obituary Specifications**
– Name of the deceased
– Obituary text
– A photo in JPEG or PDF format is preferable; TIF and other file types are also accepted. We will contact you if there are any issues with the photo.
– Ad run dates
*Note:*
There is a discount for running the obituary more than one day, but this must be scheduled at the time of the first run to apply. If a photo is included, it must be used on both days for the discount to apply. Contact us for further information.
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**Policies**
**Verification of Death:**
To publish obituaries, we require the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. We will contact them during business hours to verify the death. If the deceased’s body has been donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, that program’s phone number is required for verification. Please allow sufficient time for this process, especially during limited weekend hours. Alternatively, a death certificate is acceptable. Only one form of verification is necessary.
**Guestbook and Outside Websites:**
We are not permitted to reference other media sources, guestbooks, or obituaries placed elsewhere when publishing obituaries in print and online. We may include a website for a funeral home or a family email for contact. Contact us with any questions about this policy.
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**Obituary Process:**
After submission, a proof will be emailed or faxed for your review before publication. This proof will include pricing and the scheduled days of publication. Please review it carefully and notify us of any errors or changes before publication deadlines. We are not responsible for errors after the final proofing. Changes to online obituaries can be handled through the obituary desk—please call us for assistance.
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**Payment Procedure:**
Pre-payment is required prior to publication and must be made by the deadline. After receiving and approving the proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
– Credit card payments are accepted by phone only, due to PCI (Payment Card Industry) regulations.
– Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments are accepted by phone; please provide routing and account numbers.
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**Rates:**
– Minimum charge: $162 for the first 12 lines.
– Each additional line: $12.
– Ads under 12 lines are charged the minimum rate of $162.
– Obituaries exceeding 40 lines receive a 7.5% discount per line.
– Second run date: 20% discount on both first and second placements.
– When placing three obituaries, the third placement is free of charge.
– Photos cost $125 per photo per day. For example, two photos running for two days would cost $500 (4 photo charges).
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**Deadlines:**
To ensure your obituary publishes on your requested day, please adhere to the deadline times. For hours and deadlines, please contact us.
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**Memoriam (Non-Obituary) Requests:**
Memoriam submissions are remembrances rather than obituaries and have different rates. For memoriam information, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
– Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed weekends and holidays).
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**Contact Information:**
– Obituary submissions: [email protected]
– Obituary desk phone: 651-228-5263
– Memoriam submissions: [email protected]
– Memoriam phone: 651-228-5280
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**Public Opinion and Letters to the Editor**
*Subject: Political Divisions and Democracy*
David Brooks highlights how the two political parties fuel the fires of degradation in democracy (“The death of democracy is happening within us,” Oct. 25). While it is hard to disagree, there is more to our disunity. Recent politics focus on division, encouraging like-minded groups to rule separately, leaving others unwelcome. This ‘divide and conquer’ strategy has become central this century. Every four years, people are subjected to the worst passions of politics. It is clear who is eroding democratic norms individually, but collectively the issue is complex. Excessive political heat may lead to anarchy among the people, followed by tyranny in the Executive, or vice versa. Our distrust depends on whether our duties to the nation align with divisive interests.
— Julia Bell, St. Paul
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*Subject: Immigration Policies*
Regarding the report on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit and protests of President Trump’s immigration crackdown, one should also mention President Biden’s “unprecedented open borders policy,” which allowed millions of migrants to enter the U.S. illegally.
— Dave Racer, Woodbury
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*Subject: Job Losses and Corporate Downsizing*
Reviewing my work history might suggest issues with drugs or alcohol—but that is not the case. Four job changes resulted from mergers or economic downturns with downsizing. To Target employees recently affected, take solace in the thought that things eventually improve. Traditionally, termination involved a supervisor escorting you to meet HR, a personal conversation, and a parting gathering. For Target to tell over 1,000 employees to await termination e-mails from home seems impersonal and contrary to their team message. Perhaps it is “a sign of the times.” Blame COVID if you like, but this feels classless.
— Jim Finnegan, Roseville
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*Subject: Drug Policies and Venezuela*
Is Trump’s campaign against drugs from Venezuela just fear-mongering? Are the claims of “boats bringing drugs” true? My mother warned me not to believe fear-driven stories—“Chicken Little” tales. Remember failed prohibition laws; current drug laws repeat this pattern. For example, Portugal decriminalized drugs 25 years ago, leading to fewer drug-related deaths.
— Mark Nupen, Anoka
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*Subject: Voting in Local Elections*
Local elections matter as city governments shape our neighborhoods. In St. Paul, we will vote for mayor, a school referendum, and a city ballot question—decisions that impact the city’s future.
I support Melvin Carter for mayor. He has led through COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the opioid crisis, and tumultuous federal administrations with empathy and courage. Projects like Highland Bridge are moving forward, adding hundreds of housing units, vital for the city’s economy. The “Common Cent” sales tax funds infrastructure improvements, and public safety has improved with fewer shootings and homicides. The mayor opposes federal pressures like ICE cooperation and supports gun-control ordinances demanded by the community.
The school referendum is essential. Budget cuts have led to position losses and service reductions. Voting yes provides necessary funding to help our children succeed.
The city ballot on Administrative Citations gives enforcement tools to hold violators accountable for wage theft, unsafe housing, and other issues.
My vote is simple: rank Melvin Carter first; vote Yes on the school levy and administrative citations.
— Saura Jost, St. Paul City Council Member, Ward 3
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*Subject: School District Funding Support*
Like a recent letter-writer, I have taught over 40 years in both public and parochial schools, and my family has benefited from the North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale (NSP) School District.
Our district currently has no technology levy, unlike neighboring districts. Voting yes on this levy will cost me about the price of one beer per month—a small price to pay.
The other levy is for general funding to keep up with inflation. Our district is behind neighboring districts on funding from local levies. Despite conservatism in spending, delaying funding is no longer feasible. Voting yes would cost about the price of dinner and dessert at Mac’s Diner.
Quality schools maintain property values and support our communities.
— Dennis Fendt, Oakdale
https://www.twincities.com/2025/11/02/letters-theres-something-more-to-our-disunity/
