I’ll begin with dictionary definitions, before divulging my own personal opinion on this matter.

Casserole: Noun. A kind of stew that is cooked slowly in an oven.

Hot dish: Noun. Hot food cooked and served in a deep covered dish.

I’ll note that the definition of hot dish was difficult to find, as most major dictionaries don’t have it as an entry.

This fact feeds my belief that the casserole is a superior supper. There it is — I think casserole is better.

State Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, visited Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Crosslake on Friday, May 3, to hear concerns from citizens.

She spoke to a crowd of around 15 people, from both inside and outside of Golden Horizons, on a wide range of topics, but mainly on health care and long-term care.

“I think the state’s priorities are going in the wrong direction,” Ruud said.

She said she’s working to raise awareness for the need for funding for long-term care, saying it’s been cut to the “bare bones.”

Despite rainy weather and cool temperatures, many young bicyclists turned out for the fourth annual Bike Rodeo at Eagle View Elementary School on Saturday morning, May 4.

The bicyclists learned riding techniques and safety, including swerving, straight line riding, good stopping and slow riding.

Police officers and reserve officers were on hand to help children through the obstacle courses and teach them about bike safety. Trailblazer Bikes was also at the rodeo to service bikes.

Twelve Trailblazer bikes were given away in a drawing.

The Ox Lake Tavern in Crosslake has closed and will reopen under new ownership as The Bourbon Room sometime before Memorial Day.

The building is undergoing a complete interior and exterior remodel and will have an old rustic saloon feel.

When it opens, The Bourbon Room will carry a full liquor license, while it previously had beer, wine and set-ups.

The menu will also be changed, and will feature what the owners called “Mom’s old-style cooking.”