This week is special because it is Teacher Appreciation Week. Each year for the past four years, the Fillmore County Journal has published a section dedicated to recognizing area teachers. Historically, with our circulation solely focused on Fillmore County, we would only recognize teachers working in the six school districts within the county. With our newspaper’s … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Made in the Midwest
For decades, America has been battling the outsourcing of manufacturing and services to countries like Mexico, China, Philippines, and India. The United States has lost so many jobs to other countries for a variety of reasons, including labor costs, environmental restrictions, and tax incentives. Most people would be surprised to hear that some newspapers have fallen into … [Read more...]
Sheltered in violence
Throughout the United States, police departments are responding to a surge in domestic violence calls at the same time a shelter-in-place order keeps many people in close quarters. According to www.thehill.com, “Police departments in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle have said publicly they are seeing increases in domestic violence allegations. Chicago reported … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… CEOs have nothing on small business owners
I recently read an article about a CEO of a large corporate chain restaurant, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. He gave up his annual bonus plus base salary this year to pay his chain’s workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The total amount donated to employees from the CEO amounted to about $1 million. This has been shared all over the national media. Some … [Read more...]
Supporting our local churches
The Fillmore County Journal has always been a supporter of local churches in our coverage area. Readers will notice a church directory published in the newspaper each week. This is free for the churches in our circulation area, and this is only possible with the support of sponsors. Thanks to all of these sponsors! Church supporters may contact our newspaper staff at … [Read more...]
Phillips retires
When most people retire from a job, they get to turn in their keys to the office, walk out the door, and start enjoying every day like it’s a Saturday. When a person owns a business, it doesn’t work like that. If they want to retire, they have to find a buyer, which can take many years. David Phillips, who just turned 65 in February, has been looking forward to … [Read more...]
Journal expands
With the discontinuation of all six newspapers published by the Bluff Country Newspaper Group, the majority of advertising and news content will be absorbed by the Fillmore County Journal. As a result of this transition, the Fillmore County Journal will assume the role of official legal newspaper for all cities, schools, townships and county government previously served by … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Now more than ever
As many of our readers grapple with the change that has taken place with our community newspapers over the past couple weeks, we are working behind the scenes at the Fillmore County Journal to expand our news coverage. With this transition, we realize that we have become the only newspaper serving all of Fillmore County and portions of Houston and Mower Counties. This is … [Read more...]
Health Officials Confirm First Case of COVID-19 in Houston County
Houston County Public Health & Human Services was notified late on April 4th, 2020, by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a lab confirmed case of novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19 in Houston County. The patient is currently in isolation at home and is recovering. Houston County Public Health & Human Services is working with MDH and health care partners to … [Read more...]
Area schools implement distance learning
Area schools have unexpectedly experienced a major shift in the way they educate children. With the global threat of COVID-19 prevalent in 34 out of 87 counties in Minnesota, Governor Walz issued an executive order to temporarily close all schools from March 17, 2020, until March 27, 2020. On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Walz announced that he was extending that executive … [Read more...]
Churches staying connected
If you’ve ever arrived late for a church worship service, that won’t be a problem for the foreseeable future. You’ve just reduced your travel time. And, you don’t have to get all dressed up in your Sunday best. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can relax in your pajamas, sit back on the couch, and watch your worship service on your phone, tablet or … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Compassion, selflessness, and humility
On the back page of this newspaper, our readers will find a full page presenting the message “STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES.” We encourage our readers to display this page in their windows as a sign of solidarity. While we are asked to stay in our homes due to the risks associated with spreading COVID-19, practicing our newly found social distancing skills, we are all in this … [Read more...]
Impact of pandemic
It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Starting March 17, mandated by Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota’s school-aged children were sent home with the possibility they may return to school on Monday, March 30, 2020. Rumors have circulated that students will finish their school year at home with online learning. As of March 19, 2020, at least 92,000 public and private schools … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… We are all in this together
On Thursday, March 12, 2020, our family was joining friends at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis to watch the Fillmore Central girls basketball team battle for an opportunity to earn a state title. Before we left Preston, Minn., for their first game, there was speculation that the state tournament was changing to a single elimination format. By the next day, on Friday … [Read more...]
Sheriff DeGeorge regarding COVID-19
In response to concerns relating to COVID-19, Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge has instituted a few operational changes to minimize risk to the public and staff. According to DeGeorge, “When someone calls 911 or our non-emergency line for help, dispatch will likely ask a few questions to determine if the call may involve someone who is at risk for having COVID-19. Some … [Read more...]