Thursday, July 17, 2025

Rural Minnesota: Embracing Our Unique Identity by Dimming Outdoor Lights

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In Clitherall, Minnesota, a persistent outdoor security light owned by the power company has become a source of frustration for a local farmer, dimming the beauty of the rural night sky. The light, which shines continuously due to its automatic settings, disrupts the tranquility and natural darkness that characterize country living. This blog entry highlights the broader issue of light pollution, which affects wildlife and obscures the Milky Way for many Americans. Despite the farmer’s repeated requests to disconnect the light over the past 15 years—reflecting a desire for a return to a less illuminated environment—the power company remains puzzled, noting that most customers prefer increased outdoor lighting for safety. The piece poignantly captures the tension between modern conveniences and the preservation of a once-untouched nighttime landscape.

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