The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate based upon studies of health records that 1-2 infants per 1,000 live births are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS (CDC, 2017). Other studies suggest as much as 5% of children in the United States are affected by this (CDC, 2017). FAS is very descriptive in its title as it is a condition that affects infants … [Read more...]
Letter about 10th anniversary of the Rushford flood…
To the Editor, I was honored to join with others in the observance of the 10th anniversary of the Rushford flood. As I stated in my remarks at the ceremony, the citizens of Rushford who adopted the attitude of “never give up” are the reason that the community not only recovered from the flood, but is now flourishing with a bright future ahead. I am pleased that the Southern … [Read more...]
Nine Presidents
One reason I consider myself fortunate to have led a life in politics is that, over time, I’ve had a chance to work with nine Presidents. From Lyndon Johnson through Barack Obama, I’ve talked policy, politics and, sometimes, the trivial details of daily life with them. I met JFK twice for brief conversations. I don’t know our current President, but I’ve gained valuable … [Read more...]
The devil’s lie
By Aaron Swartzentruber Greenleafton, MN I can’t help but chuckle a bit when I read an article addressing the problem of soil erosion and the same article talks about how evolution thrives and succeeds. I really shouldn’t chuckle too much though, because it is a sad case if you really think we’ve evolved from our closest ancestors that are swinging from limb to limb in the … [Read more...]
Supporting a free press
By Senator Amy Klobuchar In Minnesota, we understand the importance of a free press. It’s hard to forget in our state – Minnesotans are among the most engaged citizens in the country. Last year we again ranked first in the nation in voter turnout. Minnesotans volunteer at the second highest rate in the country. And we usually look to our local newspapers as the first stop … [Read more...]
Help me, Boomers
Baby Boomers, children of the ‘60s, those born somewhere between 1947 and 1965 (if my internet search is to be believed), I need your help. I know we’ve had our disagreements in the past, and I know we’ll have them in the future, but for now I’d like to offer a brief truce to our good-natured horseplay and have a heart-to-heart for a minute or two. I grew up in a Boomer’s … [Read more...]
Dishonesty of healthcare debate
Currently, as well as before Obamacare, one out of every six dollars spent in this county is on healthcare. Our healthcare costs approximately twice as much as it does in any other country. We are 37th in outcomes. What are we defending? If the markets could fix this problem, why didn’t the markets fix healthcare costs and outcomes before Obamacare when it was a free market … [Read more...]
Letter about Our President – flawed and unfit…
To the Editor, If you google Narcissistic Personality Disorder, the Mayo Clinic website is the first one to pop up. It says that if you have this disorder you may come across as boastful and may look down on people you perceive as inferior; you may feel a sense of entitlement and, when you don’t receive special treatment, you may become angry. Your self-image is one of power … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate… Land of plenty
Recently, the Minnesota Commissioner of Health visited Fillmore County to speak of the overall health of Minnesotans and ask residents our thoughts on the matter of well-being. I had a chance to ask the commissioner a few questions and to speak to him of my concerns about soil quality and availability. He said our way of farming (worldwide) is not sustainable and there must be … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Our blank front page?
I know what you’re thinking. We screwed up the front page this week! No, trust me, we didn’t. We intentionally published nothing on the front page to make a statement. This statement was originally fostered by a committee at the Minnesota Newspaper Association. To be quite frank, at first I wasn’t keen on this idea. All newspapers in 87 counties in the State of … [Read more...]