Politicians and commentators these days like to point to an array of threats to our constitutional system. There’s one, though, that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should: our national debt. We may not yet be in imminent danger of fiscal collapse, but we’re moving into uncharted waters. We are among the most indebted nations in the world, and it’s only getting … [Read more...]
Consequences of reading the Bible as literal history
In a reader’s response to my article several weeks ago entitled “New Testament misconceptions and fallacies,” he makes the mistake that is typical of those who read the Bible literally. Without a substantial knowledge of Christian history and scholarship, one becomes trapped in a literal box filled with the many scriptural contradictions, mistranslations, misinterpretations, … [Read more...]
Good old fashioned morals and common sense
By Pastor Bobbie Horning Ostrander, MN I am writing to oppose, in love, of course, a commentary written last year titled “Give me that old time secularism.” (Fillmore County Journal, December 4, 2017) The article bashed God, Christians and the Bible. How awful and sad and untrue the things that were stated. First of all, the really real Christians are never violent towards … [Read more...]
More ramblings from the “Old Soldier”
By Ron Scheevel Preston, MN As I’ve had a chance to travel a bit this winter, I’ve made a few observations about the way we live in our modern society. This is mostly a commentary on our use of electric devices that have evolved over my lifetime. First, let me explain that I am totally inept at the use of almost all new technology. The exception to this may be the electric … [Read more...]
Letter about Mabel EDA/City Council clarification…
To the Editor, Mabel city officials recently learned of concerns regarding the construction financing of a city-owned incubator building. The Economic Development Association (EDA) and city council want to provide clarification. Interim financing for the approved $450,000 incubator building, which the city will lease to a private daycare provider, has been secured for up … [Read more...]
Your appendix: Friend or foe?
I drew the unlucky straw recently of having appendicitis. There are few things in this world that are more uncomfortable than the pressure, bloating, nausea, and vomiting related to this condition. It landed me in the ER one night and the next morning I was ready for an appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix). It went by in a blur. It went great! However, to my dismay in … [Read more...]
Letter about Kingsland building referendum…
To the Editor, I am going to vote yes Tuesday, May 8, on the Kingsland building referendum. The reasons are pretty straight forward. The Kingsland school board, our elected representatives, have decided that the school campus in Spring Valley is in need of an indoor air quality (IAQ) project for asbestos abatement, mechanical, lighting and Americans with Disabilities Act … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… More than an education
The week of May 7, 2018, is Teacher Appreciation Week. And, Teacher Appreciation Day is on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. This past week, our newspaper presented the Golden Apple Award to Ms. Maryellen Dean, a long-time teacher at Rushford-Peterson Schools. She was nominated by two individuals: a parent and a student. Both nominations were submitted to the Fillmore County Journal … [Read more...]
Divided we stand!
In our political discourse we hear the words, “Our country has never been so divided!” Americans have a history of disagreeing with each other. During the Revolutionary war there were Loyalists and Patriots. In the Civil war the North and South fought over slavery. Following this, we were torn between Industry and Labor, Catholicism and Protestantism, Jews and Gentiles … [Read more...]
Is Kingland’s May referendum extortion?
By Bob Rowe Wykoff, MN In my opinion the notification that the community of the Kingland School District received about the upcoming vote for an $8.2 million referendum, basically amounts to extortion. Vote the way we want or we’re going to cost you more money. On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, Kingsland District residents must make the choice to vote “yes,” costing themselves $17.5 … [Read more...]