For as long as I can remember, there has been talk about high school students and mental health. There are many different levels involved in mental health, stress being one of the leading problems among youth and even adults. Stress can potentially lead to many other mental health issues such as: depression, anxiety, and many others. Everyone says that they want the best for … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The small school advantage
In the September 16, 2019, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, I wrote a commentary titled “One Moment, Please... A population crisis.” In that commentary, I said, “We need to work more diligently to sell our communities as the best place to live and raise a family.” I talked about how we need to promote what we have to offer in order to grow our population. We have … [Read more...]
As the good book says
So I got some more feedback on my last column, a column where I asked you, the reader, why we aren’t working less hours with better healthcare and more time for leisure despite massive improvements in technology and productivity... and some folks seemed to think that meant I wished I was rich instead, even trying to pull out the Bible to shame me into accepting that nothing … [Read more...]
Political priorities
Much of human behavior is petty4; the most powerful person in the world tweeting nasty things about a 16-year-old environmentalist. Some of it is nonsensical; believing in an imaginary friend with magical powers. Some of it is disconnected from reality; denying the evidence of climate destruction. I believe in freedom of speech and religion and I would defend anyone’s right … [Read more...]
Impactful stories of 2019
With 2020 just days away, I am reflecting on Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) many accomplishments in the past year alongside our regional partners and collaborators. It was a year filled with incredible stories of people doing amazing things for this region. I am thankful that SMIF was able to play a role in moving this part of the state toward an exciting … [Read more...]