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...]
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...]