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...]
Christmas reflections
Eric Lee As I am writing this, we are fast approaching Christmas. If you are like me, you have been rushing headlong toward this time. Every year, I intend to make time to sit in stillness amidst the cold, dark quiet of winter, and every year it seems I fail miserably. But I have had one great fortune this year and last. As an actor at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, for … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Teamwork and sportsmanship
What are we teaching our kids? I recently attended both seventh and eighth grade girls basketball games in a school district in a land not-so-far away. At this event, I witnessed something quite disappointing. Much to my dismay, the referees didn’t appear to care about the safety of the players. They rarely called fouls, charging, traveling, or double-dribble. As I said … [Read more...]
You can lay the groundwork for reforming congress
The first three words of the U.S. Constitution are, “We the People.” The Constitution itself, our institutions of government, the democratic process — all were established to give Americans a voice in their own governance. We are still striving to make that vision real for all, but we are closer than ever. So let me ask you some questions about Congress today. Do you think … [Read more...]
Celebrating small businesses – supporting our local economies
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation We have a lot to be thankful for and much to celebrate at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). The businesses we invest in each and every day through our various loan and equity programs, technical assistance and other programming are reaping benefits not only for these local entrepreneurs, but for all of southern Minnesota … [Read more...]
Enough is enough with the Bible bashing!
By Pastor Stuart Weist Preston, MN I have been reading, in ever increasing frequency, articles and commentaries which make outrageous, false, and audacious claims regarding the Bible, faith and Christians. In the December 4 commentary section of the Journal was one such article written by Donna Buckbee. In her comments she attacks various aspects of the Bible, as well as … [Read more...]
Letter about County Board making the right decision…
To the Editor, The Fillmore County Board of Commissioners made the right decision in not approving the sale of the Larson farm to the DNR as reported in the December 4 edition of the Fillmore County Journal. The DNR doesn’t need another 100-200 acres of cropland under their control, even if some of it is highly erodible land. Most of the farmers in the east end of Fillmore … [Read more...]
Give me that old time secularism!
By Donna Buckbee Rushford, MN Here is some common ground: Everyone who has ever read the Bible — Christians, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, atheists, everyone — agrees that there is much in the Bible to revere. Of course, each person engages in a process of selectivity to determine which passages they find worthy of reverence. Personally I find repugnant those passages that … [Read more...]