It was a joyous day on Sunday, January 29, 2017 as the new Henrytown Lutheran Church and it’s congregation opened the doors to welcome all of God’s children inside to see and appreciate their new house of worship. After the loss of Henrytown Lutheran Church to a fire on April 16, 2015 the congregation drew strength from God and each other to begin looking forward without … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2017
Wetterlings speak at MNA Conference
On Thursday, January 26, 2017, Fillmore County Journal Assistant Editor attended the Minnesota Newspaper Association Conference in Bloomington, Minn. While at the conference, Ellen Whalen listened to presentations from Pulitzer Prize winners from the newspaper industry, along with a presentation relating to editorial content management and audience engagement. On Friday, … [Read more...]
New name and location for Shear Class in Chatfield
It was two months of hard work, but it was worth it. Vanessa Bren, owner of Meraki Salon and Spa in Chatfield, formerly known as Shear Class, recently changed both the location and name of her salon. Bren and her husband Dustin, both Chatfield natives, have two children, four-year-old Alaina and two-year-old Beckett, and are expecting another daughter on March 1. The family … [Read more...]
The party of Alternative Facts
Today, the only thing more embarrassing than being a Democrat is being a Republican. The New York Times is reporting a record sales recently of George Orwell’s book 1984 first published 67 years ago. Although a work of fiction, it contained elements of prophecy and a warning that a complacent society can be enslaved by technology, “Big Brother is Watching You!” On January … [Read more...]
Beyond equality: Equity as an economic driver
In a recent interview, I was asked to reflect on what it looks like for rural voices to “be heard”, which has been a big talking point during this last election cycle. I referenced an op-ed from a friend of mine, former Congressman Dick Swett of New Hampshire. He stated, “Don’t insist that everybody worship at the alter of global warming, just talk to them about common sense … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… I’m sorry
First, thank you to Jerry Grehl and Jack Bratrud for their thoughtful perspectives offered on the Commentary pages of the January 30, 2017 issue of the Fillmore County Journal. Both of these local readers put me in my place, and I consider this a good thing. Based on the response from my original opinion piece about unions, I came to several realizations. We have very … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, February 6 City of Houston Planning Commission/EDA, City Hall, 5:30 p.m. Lanesboro City Council, City Hall, 5:30 p.m. Preston City Council, Council Chambers, 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 7 Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. Ostrander City Council, Community Center, 6 p.m. Rushford Village City Council, Village Hall, 7 p.m. Wednesday, … [Read more...]
Harmony native chaperones musicians for Presidential Inaugural events
Karen (Whalen) Needham, of Houston, Tex., attended the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. as director of orchestra operations for Virtuosi of Houston, when a “Small Ensemble Orchestra” was invited to perform for several receptions. “When you are attending an event as an adult leader or chaperone, the event takes on an entirely different focus,” states Karen. “As a … [Read more...]
Double-K, No L
It was a perfect week for Kingsland Knight b-ball squads. The boys went 3-0. They blasted La Crescent 97-66. Zach Bubany (24 pts, 6-13 threes, 5 assists), Zach Buchholtz (19 pts, 8-10 FTs, 6 rebs), Jordan Beck (career-high 16 pts, 7-10 FGs, 9 rebs), Matthew Woods (career-high 16 pts, 7-10 FGs, 7 rebs) and Ian Meisner (10 pts, 8 rebs) all hit double figures. Kingsland went 19 … [Read more...]
C-Cubed Equals Burro Bounce-back
Lanesboro boys basketball entered the year coming off back-to-back losing seasons. Prior to that, they hadn’t had a losing season since prior to 2003. The down spell hangs precariously. After a 3-0 week, the Burros have eclipsed last year’s win total. Chris Hanson’s guys beat Alden-Conger (70-44), Grand Meadow (57-46), and Randolph (63-51). The C-cubed trio of Cole … [Read more...]