Update: A big prairie "Thank You" to all who gave to BSP's November 2015 fundraiser

Update: It's December 1, and we're grateful to all who gave or lent their endorsements.

One of the most interesting donations was a portfolio of original art work by St. Paul artist Ken Avidor. We'll be offering most of the lively pieces--two are already spoken for--to those who contribute to a separate fundraising effort. We're deeply touched by Ken's generosity.

We'll post separately once we've figured out the platform we'll by used for the "bonus" fundraising.

Again, our thanks to everyone who gave , and to our readers who stop by to see what's up on the Bluestem Prairie. [end update]

In the past when we've had fundraisers to support Bluestem Prairie, we've stressed the spade work we do here as an investigative blogger and analyst. In this latest appeal, we've turned to readers for endorsements of our work.

Work like our early and extensive coverage of the proposal to reopen the private prison in Appleton. Or our monitoring of Minnesota's Christian ultra-right in posts like the recent entry MN state representatives attend Wallbuilders' ProFamily Legislators' Conference in Dallas and our digging into the anti-refugee movement in Greater Minnesota in posts like Sane people baffled by tea party fear of "1000 Islamic refugees from Somalia!" in Morrison Co.

If you value this sort of work--and it is work--please consider a non-tax-deductible contribution:

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie's original reporting and analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen P.O. Box 108, Maynard MN 56260) or use the paypal button below:

Email subscribers can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen at gmail.com as recipient.

Here's what some of our readers say--we'll be adding more to this list as they come in.

Not only is Bluestem Prairie the best source of outstate Minnesota Progressive news, but it's one of the best sources of outstate Minnesota news period. There are so many issues and stories they cover that Twin cities media never does. It's a daily must read for me. --Matt McNeil, radio host

As a nearly decade-long reader I can say no one covers rural MN issues w/ the knowledge of @bspinmn @sallyjos -- Robin Marty, reproductive rights author

Written with wit, humor & unparalleled research, @bspinmn is a treasure for anyone following MN politics --Javier Morillo-Alicea, storyteller and labor leader

@bspinmn has been an incredible media partner to The @TheMNColumn with great research and analysis about anti-LGBT forces in Greater MN -- Andy Birkey, editor, The Column

SJS is the busiest blogger in Western MN. In @bspinmn, she offers her take on the region’s often-bizarre/always-fascinating politics. --Andrew Mannix, journalist

Check out some great posts over at @bspinmn. A great source of journalism focused on greater MN. Good work, @sallyjos! --Richard Carlbom, change maker

Read, Trust, and RT @bspinmn for the Win #MNleg --Jackie Craig, CD2 activist

If your morning coffee isn't accompanied by reading @bspinmn, you're not starting the day out right. Or you're not getting a balanced breakfast. --Erik Hatlestad, organizer

"Bluestem is the best little political blog on the prairie!" - Ken Avidor, cartoonist

Bluestem provides valuable, in-depth reporting on rural MN issues" --Johanna Rupprecht, rural organizer

Help us continue to brew our morning coffee and cover Minnesota politics from a west central prairie perspective:

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie's original reporting and analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen P.O. Box 108, Maynard MN 56260) or use the paypal button below:

Email subscribers can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen at gmail.com as recipient.