As the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., presents its rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, area residents are fortunate to see four very talented local youth actors on stage along with seasoned veteran actors and actresses. Siblings William and Vivienne Hoeltzle, children of Michelle Van Hee and Kevin Hoeltzle, both of Canton, Minn., play the children’s … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
Kingsland drivers get paid holidays
The Kingsland School Board met in a special session at 6:30 p.m. on December 1, to address an issue regarding salary concerns from the school’s bus drivers. All board members were in attendance, as well as Superintendent John McDonald. Approximately ten citizens were in the audience. In a recent letter to the editor, the bus drivers stated that, (in part), “In a draft agreement … [Read more...]
Preston property tax increase questioned
Marc Sather, Jailhouse Inn, insisted that the 11% increase in his property taxes is too high. He raised numerous questions at the Preston City Council’s December 6 meeting. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reviewed the numbers in the preliminary budget/levy for 2017 during the city’s Truth in Taxation public hearing. The total levy for 2017 is expected to be $831,494, or a … [Read more...]
Why fake news is dangerous
Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.” He was talking about why education matters in a representative democracy, but it’s a safe bet that had he known about fake internet news, he’d have said the same thing — except maybe with more pointed words. Our representative democracy depends on … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Technology vs. Relationships
With accessibility to continuously evolving technology comes a responsibility for exercising good judgement. I believe parents or guardians are facing a bit of a quandary, and leading by example is always our best bet. What am I referring to, specifically? Tablets, cell phones, video games -- and all of the above. Too often, parents are using technology as a … [Read more...]
What we believe about God is purely an act of faith
Do you wish you would have finished school, majored in another discipline, or pursued another vocation? Do you think you married the wrong person? Do you kick yourself because you once or maybe more than once failed to respond to the obvious interests of an attractive person who you might have lived with happy ever after? Would you be interested in coming to the end of your … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Shopping healthy
By Paige Bennett Eating healthy food can be difficult and confusing, but having the right food in your kitchen can help. It is hard to know which foods are actually healthy. It is important to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, which is where most healthy foods are found. Whole foods, or foods that are not processed and closest to their natural state, are the best … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ 12/12/16
I am quite sure that a majority of the residents of Fillmore County who recycle do so quite well. Some, at times, too well. How can that be, you ask? A lot of questions on what is and isn’t recyclable seem to keep being asked frequently, and that is certainly not a bad thing. Please try to remember that not all paper, not all glass, and not all plastic can be recycled in … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to wrap up road project
Rushford Village is nearing the end of its 2016 road improvement project and there is hope it could end with cooperation from contractor McHugh Excavating. At the council’s December 6 meeting, discussion centered largely on wrapping up the $878,000 plus project and the best path to doing so. The council has been forthcoming with frustrations, but is looking to offer a … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Police Reports – 12-12-16
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Laura Jean Christensen, 20, Decorah, Iowa; 10/13/2016, Speeding (65/55), Fine $210, Total Fees $300. Condition: Defendant can do Community Work Service for fines within 30 days. Keith Allan Crowson, 49, Spring Valley, Minn.; 10/26/2016, Speeding (65/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Julie Lynn Frederickson, 57, Lake Elmo, Minn.; … [Read more...]