To the Editor, It was thought now that the controversial Hillcrest Drive Project is mostly complete as I have received the official notice of my special assessment, and it is at a reduced rate, but still about six times greater that the annual real estate taxes on my home now! At a recent council meeting, one council member asked if there was a more effective way to prepare … [Read more...]
Letter about Original haul route is enough
To the Editor, Fillmore County is considering granting extra haul routes for the Rein frac sand mine near Highland. The original route toward Winona that was agreed to in 2013 is still open, available and not fully utilized. Extra routes mean extra troubles for locals. I drive through Trempealeau County, Wis., a couple times a week. My route includes a section of state … [Read more...]
Something’s got to give
2017. Not the best year, was it? Some of the country’s on fire, some of the country’s under water, some of the country’s getting snow where they never do, and some of the parts that usually get snow could use a little more. And, to top it all off, me even saying some of the words might get me dragged off to a camp or slapped for saying the no-no words about climate change. … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Was it an eagle or a hawk?
On the first day of 2018, at approximately 9 a.m., I traveled from our home in Fountain to the Fillmore County Journal office in Preston. It was a frigid morning with the combination of wind chill and temperature dipping down around negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Just after passing over Watson Creek, on the right (west) side of Highway 52, I saw a large dead bird resting on … [Read more...]
The coming King
By Aaron Swartzentruber Greenleafton, MN At Christmas time we celebrate the first coming of Christ. Thank God for the first coming but, much more, thank God for the promise of the second coming of Christ. So many of us worship baby Jesus instead of King Jesus. Baby Jesus can’t save anybody. Only the crucified, buried, resurrected, and glorified Lord Jesus who is alive at … [Read more...]
Taking stock as we begin a new year
This may seem odd, but as I look ahead to a year we all know will be momentous, you want to know what I feel most strongly? Gratitude. I’ll tell you in a moment how much work we have ahead of us to strengthen our country. But I’m mindful of just how strong we already are. A resilient economy has been performing well for several years now, avoiding both rampant inflation and … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Challenges of us
When looking back at 2017, what challenges do you feel will be brewing in 2018? One issue I see is the evermore difficult matter of non-confrontational conversation. How do we bring up concerns with neighbors who may not share similar sentiments? I sometimes feel there are efforts from small-but-noisy forces designed to dismantle and divide people based on a mere handful of … [Read more...]
Non-partisan League of Women Voters to meet in Preston
By Nancy Bratrud Preston, MN Who is in charge around here? The people are, the voting citizens, we make the choices to keep our communities strong and fair. You, me, and each of us, through voting and public discussion of local issues make elected officials aware of citizens’ choices. This is our responsibility as American citizens. We all need to know what is going on … [Read more...]
Al Franken should not resign from the U.S. Senate
By Ken Tschumper Former Minnesota State Representative La Crescent, MN If you came of age during the ‘60s and ‘70s, you certainly were like likely to form a negative sense of our country, how the ideas and expectations in our Constitution were ignored, violated and contradicted by people in positions of power. But most of us have matured with a better understanding of … [Read more...]
What to look for in 2018
This was an interesting year that’s just passed, wasn’t it? And here’s the thing: I suspect 2018 will be just as intriguing. Let’s start with some good news. The economy had a good year in 2017, seeing overall growth, subdued inflation, progress on wages, and even some signs that economic growth is reaching the poor. The question is whether this can continue. For one thing, … [Read more...]