Our view: Some praise for the sunshine

Sunshine Week is an annual initiative to promote open government and journalism’s role in it. It is celebrated in the second full week of March. It was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors — now News Leaders Association.

The Pine Knot is a strong proponent of what Sunshine Week represents, keeping a light on government so everyone can stay informed. We are excited SunshineWeek is here (March 12-18) and proud to join good government organizations, media organizations and civic groups in promoting the

significance of government transparency and

accountability.

You’ve seen this newspaper take on government bodies to ensure more access to public meetings and righting wrongs when we see them in their actions. We won’t ever pass on opportunities to enlighten readers with the information you deserve.

The Pine Knot News is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, which provides the following useful information regarding Minnesota’s open meeting law:

The Minnesota Open Meeting Law, originally enacted in 1957, is intended to protect the public’s right to be informed, afford the public an opportunity to present its views, and to prohibit actions from being taken at a secret meeting. The law applies to any state agency, board, commission, or department when required or permitted by law to transact public business in a meeting; the governing body of a school district however organized, unorganized territory, county, statutory or home rule city, town, or other public body; any committee, subcommittee, board, department, or commission of a public body; or the governing body or commission of a statewide public pension plan or local public pension plan.

The Pine Knot covers a lot of ground when it comes to public meetings in the county. We are a watchdog, but we can’t keep up on everybody, all the time. If you witness questionable behavior by a public body, let us know. We are also happy to provide residents with information on state meeting laws and access to information.

Stop by and let’s talk.

In the meantime, here are some online events you may want to take part in next week:

• The National Archives and Records Administration will kick off Sunshine Week with a panel discussion on “Making Access Happen: Freedom of Information Act at the National Archives” at noon Monday, March 13. The event will be live-streamed on the National Archives YouTube channel.

• Duquesne University’s Institute for Ethics and Integrity in Journalism will host a seminar on access to public records from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16. Register for free online access at https://bit.ly/41UXKyj.

• On Friday, March 17, from 10-11 a.m., American Oversight will be hosting a Freedom of Information Act seminar to highlight the procedures, practices, and pitfalls in the search for public information. Register at https://bit.ly/3ZMDv3K.