Within the past two weeks, a new publication has appeared in the Chatfield area. The Chatfield Tourism Center has been the host of many tourists year after year, and the volunteers have been handing out publications for other communities such as Harmony, Lanesboro, and Preston -- but never anything for Chatfield. There wasn’t any promotional piece to promote the community, … [Read more...]
We could all stand to listen more
By Eric Lee Harmony, MN On April 3, House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman called to break up the “100% white male card game” occurring in the retiring room. Many readers of the Fillmore County Journal are represented by Rep. Greg Davids, who following her remarks, called on Rep. Hortman, not only to apologize, but to resign her position. Frankly, I was disappointed by his … [Read more...]
Who does the federal budget actually benefit?
As with any budget, there of course needs to be cutbacks in order to benefit another area of the budget. Even within households we have budgets. For example, do we scrap our subscription to satellite radio in order to payoff our credit card debt a little sooner? It is a highly important subject to be sensitive about and make sure it is followed fairly strictly to ensure … [Read more...]
The Kingsland facilities dilemma: a common sense solution
Area citizens are well aware of the struggle the Kingsland District has endured in recent years regarding facilities. The defeat of a dual referendum last fall that would have built a sizable addition in Spring Valley, [allowing the District to abandon the Wykoff facility] and increase district income per student did not make the situation any easier. Enrollment continues to … [Read more...]
Healthcare vs. wealthcare
It’s been very tempting to just copy the phrase “people should be taken care of if they get sick or hurt” one hundred times and submit it as my article, but I don’t think that would make it past the editors. But in truth, that’s the whole idea. Following the non-start of the American Healthcare Act (which some of you might know better as TrumpCare or RyanCare) America’s … [Read more...]
Letter about the reason for Easter…
Letter about the reason for Easter... To the Editor, “Jesus didn’t come to save civilization from wreckage, He came to save man from the wreckage of civilization” –Adrian Rogers. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He didn’t come to bring peace to the world, but to bring division. (Matt.10:34) Because the world does not believe God and those of us who do … [Read more...]
We need to safeguard the “public” in public office
For the last few years, I’ve been keeping a file of clippings about the erosion of transparency and candor in government. I’m sorry to report that it’s getting rather full. This is not a good thing. Public officials should feel strongly obliged to do their business in an open and upfront manner. If they don’t want to be scrutinized, then the burden surely has to be on them … [Read more...]
Smarter government for smarter kids
Whether you prefer small government or big government, perhaps the better conversation is around what smarter government could do. Smart government requires collaboration and a long-term vision. It helps when you can start from a place of shared interest. An op-ed in the Star Tribune on March 9 talked about ending the current “hodgepodge approach to early education in … [Read more...]
Devil’s advocate… Veil of ignorance
Have you ever been asked the question, “If you were stranded on an island, what three items would you bring with you?” or something similar? I find these questions very fun to think about. You get to be inventive, funny, or really buckle down to think critically on it. Virtually everyone has been given the opportunity to split something in half to share with … [Read more...]
Catholics at the Capitol
By Eleanore Jones Spring Valley, MN Speakers Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebr., spoke on how we must build a culture of life and love. Our state needs us. He said three things were needed: 1. Success of democracy depends on leaders like you. They say that our faith should stay out of the public square. Our founding fathers believed that we are needed … [Read more...]