What is the right thing to do? That question should guide our political discussion not what a party’s position is. Truth should be the basis of debate and discussion rather than party talking points. As an independent voter who has voted for republicans, democrats, independents, greens and democratic socialists; parties are not important. What matters is the candidate’s … [Read more...]
In praise of party politics
By Eric Lee Harmony, MN I am going to state what anecdotally feels like an unpopular opinion, these days. I like party politics. I wasn’t always this way, and it took me a while to get here, but let me take you through my exciting journey. You see, much of my life I have preferred to think of myself as an independent. I can think for myself. I won’t be beholden to any one … [Read more...]
Gratitude
With the barrage of news these days from the ongoing fires and flooding in California to the terror attacks around the globe and of course the consistent thrum of politic divide, it is still important to sit back and reflect on what to be grateful for at this time of year. And, there is so much for which to be thankful for this year. For me, I’m thankful for my family, which … [Read more...]
Sand threats lurk in Fillmore County
The Rein frac sand mine on County Road 12 has a new name and a new operator since it was first permitted in 2013. Although not a single load of frac sand has yet been scooped, the newly named Highland Sand’s new operator Larry Thompson is seeking approval of additional hauling routes to as-yet-unknown destinations north and south of Fillmore County. Meanwhile, their original … [Read more...]
What awaits us in the New Year
As I take down the calendar for 2017 and replace it with a new calendar for 2018, I wonder what lies ahead in the New Year. Last year ushered in a disturbing trend. Truth, facts and reason were abandoned. The social fabric in our country was torn apart. It appears that as a nation we have lost our moral compass. I’ve always thought that life should be a search for the … [Read more...]
What to look for in 2018
Because we live in such tumultuous political times, it’s easy to believe that today’s intense public focus on the Trump presidency is something new — an obsession like none we’ve ever seen before. Yet to one degree or another, the president has always been at the center of the public’s attention. This is because he or she is the central actor in American government. The sheer … [Read more...]
Letter about News from Hillcrest Drive, Rushford…
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...]