With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… So many talented people
In this week’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal, our readers will notice a full page recognizing every member of our recently expanded team. And, as you scan that page, you’ll probably recognize a few familiar faces -- all local people serving local people. That’s right, our team (and company Christmas party) just got a little bigger. We gained all of this talent when … [Read more...]
Some Memorial Day ceremonies commenced
Memorial Day, the day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, was not forgotten. Out of 22 veterans organizations in Fillmore, Houston and Mower Counties, including American Legions, VFWs, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, the majority of organizations canceled their programs amid concerns relating to the coronavirus and social … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… For the Class of 2020, this is just the beginning
Helen Keller has been quoted as saying, “The highest result of education is tolerance.” It’s been said that this statement relates to how all learning should result in personal change. In a special section in today’s newspaper, we are recognizing 355 graduates from the Class of 2020, representing 10 school districts: Chatfield High School, Fillmore Central High School, Grand … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Reopening the economy
I never thought in my lifetime that I’d see... A day when we couldn’t go to church. A day when our children couldn’t attend school, but would have to continue their education from our home. A day when all school activities would be cancelled. A day when graduating high school seniors couldn’t have a traditional graduation ceremony. A day when cities would take down … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Small town survival
Our small towns have been hit hard with the coronavirus. Not the virus itself. Our COVID-19 numbers have been low for quite some time. As of press time, there have been 13 cases identified in Fillmore County and two cases reported in Houston County. With an average of 25 people per square mile in Fillmore County and an average of 33 people per square mile in Houston … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Recognizing teachers in 2020
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...]