As we approach the nation’s birthday, we look to our flag waving in the wind, the red and white stripes and the stars in a field of blue, representing our 50 states, and we feel pride and joy. No matter our differences, today we are united, one large family under the dome of heaven! As I was writing this, my husband Glenn reminded me that the stripes in the flag represent … [Read more...]
Letter about America’s healthcare plan…
To the Editor, The Republican House and the Republican Senate have been working very hard to take healthcare away from over 20 million Americans. Trump is supporting these efforts which would kill thousands of Americans. It would also either raise people’s insurance costs and/or give crappier coverage. Seventeen percent of Americans support Trumpcare, but they still may pass … [Read more...]
Why we need to scrap the debt ceiling
Back when I was in Congress, I got a call from a constituent one day. I’d recently voted to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, and the man was more than irate. “Don’t you understand that we’ve got a serious spending and debt problem in this country?” he asked. “Why did you cast this idiotic vote?” He was right about the problem. But he was wrong about the vote. With Congress … [Read more...]
Mental health check: Pregnancy and anti-depressants
Since beginning my own pregnancy journey, I’ve dabbled in the regular online groups, forums, chats, etc. about anything related to having a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes these places are extremely wonderful for having a support group and getting heartfelt advice. Other times it can be a battlefield when discussing controversial issues like circumcisions, vaccines, having a drink … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Birthdays, anniversaries, and memoriams
Throughout each year, at the Fillmore County Journal, our team evaluates what we publish and discusses how we can make improvements in print and online. Our team takes great pride in producing things that may not be so common in our industry. Back in February of 2016, we presented a hardcover book titled Boots & Badges: Honoring Fillmore County Veterans - a two-year … [Read more...]
Letter about recent storm in Lanesboro…
To the Editor, Last Friday night Lanesboro experienced a severe wind storm that brought down numerous large trees and caused property damage across town, including Sylvan Park. Within minutes, our city crews responded and did an amazing job to clean up the park to make it ready for the following day’s Art in the Park. I even witnessed a police officer with a chain saw! Not … [Read more...]
The rural philanthropic version of Itasca Group Minnesota Initative Foundation leaders discuss “the rural impact”
When people try to find Minnesota’s secret sauce to our high quality of life and seemingly common sense (comparatively speaking) approach to government, there’s sometimes mention of the Itasca Group. This is a group of top Minnesota business leaders who get together every Friday morning to discuss ways to collaborate and advocate for a stronger Minnesota. Itasca Group … [Read more...]
The new American pragmatism
Pragmatism. The word has reached a near-sacred status in the last decade, particularly since the awkward campaign and embarrassing loss of Hillary Clinton, but like all words, it can be bent to say what you want it to. The formal definition of pragmatism says: “1: A practical approach to problems and affairs tried to strike a balance between principles and pragmatism,” and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County: Increasing community philanthropy
In 1991, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) help seed our first community foundation in Wanamingo as a way to increase local giving. Even though SMIF serves a 20-county area, we realize that people want to give hyper-locally. SMIF is now the umbrella organization for 26 community foundations and 37 designated funds in our 20 counties. A big part of regional … [Read more...]
Letter about Senior meal changes at The Cracked Egg in Lanesboro…
To the Editor, We have come to a point in our business where we have had to make a difficult decision. Our time spent serving meals to our aging community has come to an end. We would like to thank the citizens of Lanesboro who have participated in this program at our restaurant. We have enjoyed your company, your wisdom and yes, even your humor. We want to also … [Read more...]