Letter about real freedom... To the Editor, I write as a counterpoint to Jeff Erding’s recent abysmal screed. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison,and Monroe were all Deists who thought human reason was the best way forward for America. Twice Mr. Erding states that Palestinian demonstrators in America are in support of Hamas. Certainly some demonstrators either support … [Read more...]

By Eunice Biel Harmony, MN On Sunday evening, October 29, I received an email from the White House inviting me to attend remarks by President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden Jr. on November 1 at a family farm in Northfield, Minn. I hesitated for about five seconds before I sent in my RSVP. In his comments, President  Biden explained his economic vision to rural … [Read more...]

By Jeff Erding Wykoff, MN Are we a Judeo Christian Nation? America was founded on Judeo/Christian principles. Period. This statement is absolutely true. The fact that the left has managed to  eliminate Bible references and prayer in the public school system does nothing to change that reality. The left is all about diversity and inclusion as long as it doesn’t include … [Read more...]

Letter about respect and gratitude... To the Editor, With respect and gratitude I would like to acknowledge Saturn Ludwig’s informative commentary regarding gender-affirming care. Though I personally cannot accept that a person should feel uncomfortable in the body they have been given, it is with much respect and gratitude that I read this commentary because many people, … [Read more...]

You’ll probably notice a very nice cookbook titled Tasty Temptations in this week’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal. This is our 14th annual cookbook appearing in the newspaper, blessed with recipes shared by your family and friends from the region. On Saturday, October 12, 2023, we coordinated our annual cooking contest at Rushford Foods.  Historically, the cooking … [Read more...]

As you navigate this newspaper each week, you’ll notice we dedicate a great amount of content and space to our area schools.  We consider our schools to be a nucleus of our communities. We cover school board meetings.  We recognize the accomplishments of students in the areas of academics, arts, and sports.  We publish tribute pages when individuals and teams advance to the … [Read more...]

Letter about voting... To the Editor, I am writing to ask everyone who is eligible to vote in the upcoming referendum being held in Preston this November 7 to do so. Voting will be held at Fillmore Central ISD #2198 District Office, P.O. Box 50, 700 Chatfield St., Preston, Minn. 55965. Hours are 5-8 p.m. only. If you are homebound and unable to get to Preston you can vote … [Read more...]

Letter about domestic violence... To the Editor, I wore purple on October 19. This was requested in a recent article by Charlene Corson Selbee, “Won’t You Wear Purple on October 19?” In accord with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I wore purple on many other days in October, with the expectation that it would raise awareness, because, yes, it can happen here. Often rural … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Day seems to arrive pretty fast, as these years keep flying by. We are quickly approaching another feast. And, on this day, our newspaper will be hosting the 15th annual Fillmore County Turkey Day Run. In today’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal, you’ll find information about the annual tradition. I’ve always considered this event a perfect way to start … [Read more...]

Letter about school lunches... To the Editor, When GOP Sen. Jeremy Miller and other Republicans got the opportunity to vote for a simple idea to save money for parents across the state, almost all of them, including Miller, voted against it. This year, students in public schools receive free meals, regardless of their household income. As parents will remember, meals were … [Read more...]

By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Creating a sense of belonging in rural Minnesota can enhance the overall quality of life for everyone who lives there. By embracing different perspectives, cultures and ideas, rural Minnesota can build stronger, more thriving communities. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we offer several … [Read more...]

By Ron Scheevel Vietnam Vet Preston, MN As Labor Day is behind us, the “Old Soldier” has a number of concerns relating to the problems facing our great nation. Most of my opinions are based on what I read and hear on the news channels. I’ve previously talked about the border, the Afghanistan disaster, and our dismal record on curbing crime in our major cities. What a … [Read more...]

What is your story of water and karst? As a person who has friends and family afflicted by cancer, I was captivated by the story of “Cancer Road” in the recent Sunday’s StarTribune. It makes me wonder if state and local elected officials will feel encouraged to delve into the growing bodies of research that highlight the cause-and-effect relationship of nitrate contaminated … [Read more...]