Adaptable. The Class of 2020 unexpectedly ended their school year apart, with the pandemic crashing the party like a giant wrecking ball in motion. For the Class of 2021, it wasn’t going to get any easier. But, for this group of seniors, it was all about adaptability. They had to learn from home, interacting with their classmates and teachers online. Then there … [Read more...]
Walz, vaccines and COVID-19
On May 6, 2021, Minnesota Governor Walz announced his plans to phase out of all restrictions by May 28. And, this included the elimination of the mask mandate by July 1 as soon as 70% of all Minnesotans 16 and older are vaccinated. Effective May 28, capacity restrictions on indoor events will be lifted for bars and restaurants. Gyms, pools and fitness centers will be … [Read more...]
Theft of catalytic converters
Over the past several months, catalytic converters have been a hot ticket item for thieves. According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, they have recorded 14 thefts and attempted thefts in the past two months. “We currently have open and active investigations involving specific suspects. Those cases will be reviewed for charges.” In Mower County, Sheriff Steve … [Read more...]
Real Bites
Branding Iron It was a Tuesday night, which is taco night at the Branding Iron. Dale and Becky Koch, owners of the restaurant, have done an outstanding job. They have been a part of this iconic establishment for many years, cooking, serving, and doing any other job that needed to be done. When they purchased the Branding Iron a few years ago from the Bahl family, it was … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Excessive unemployment compensation stifles job growth
On May 7, 2021, the New York Times published an article titled, “Job Growth Slowed in April, Muddling Expectations.” NT Times Reporter Patricia Cohen introduced the piece with, “The American jobs machine tottered last month, confounding optimistic forecasts of the labor market’s recovery and sharpening debates over the impact of federal pandemic-related jobless benefits on … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Journal team receives 24 awards
On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Midwest Free Community Papers, conducted their annual awards ceremony. The Midwest Free Community Papers organization consists of a free distribution newspapers and shoppers spanning 11 states in the Midwest. The awards categories for the annual conference are primarily focused on news, advertising, and online presence. From 2018 to 2020, the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Relearning how to teach and learn
Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and readers will find a section in this issue of the Fillmore County Journal that includes recognition of the fifth annual Teacher of the Year. Stacy Fritz, ag teacher and FFA inspiration for students at Chatfield Public Schools, was named the 2021 Teacher of the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Teacher appreciation
For more than 12 months, we’ve been navigating a pandemic. A major hurdle that caught us off-guard was how to keep our children moving forward with an education system administered via distance learning or hybrid scenarios. It’s been difficult for students, parents, and teachers alike -- and that’s putting it lightly. None of us signed up for this. If we have learned … [Read more...]
Real Bites- Good Times Restaurant and Bar
I had a meeting scheduled in Caledonia, Minn., recently, and Good Times Restaurant and Bar was the place of choice. Over the past decade, our family has spent quite a bit of time in Caledonia, attending basketball games for our daughter and son. So, we have become quite familiar with Good Times. Restaurant owner Sarah Glasrud runs a fine establishment. Caledonia has quite … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… It’s been one year since our world changed
I don’t have to remind everyone of what we’ve endured for the past 12 months. But, I feel like it is important to reflect on the past and present state of the pandemic. On Thursday, March 12, 2020, our family was gathering in the Twin Cities to watch the Fillmore Central Falcons girls basketball team battle for a state tournament title. I recall standing in line with other … [Read more...]