It’s been noted quite often throughout my lifetime that if you want to get something done, give it to a busy person. Most often, I’ve heard this said while involved in volunteer organizations.  It seems like those who volunteer for things have a hard time saying no.  So, they keep volunteering for whatever needs to be done. These volunteers, with their time and talents, are … [Read more...]

Letter about Air. Water. Money... To the Editor, Air. Water. Money. I really like drinking water that is safe and clean. I really like breathing air without putrid manure odor and feedlot dust particles. I do not want my neighbors, friends, relatives, colleagues, county citizens, grandkids, or any child to be subjected to air or water that will harm them. I do not want my … [Read more...]

By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we are starting off the new year by reflecting on how we have worked to strengthen the fabric of our region over time. In part, we do this by celebrating a handful of our partners through stories in our Foundation’s annual Impact Report. In the first … [Read more...]

By Harvey Benson Harmony, MN No.  As part of MLK week I believe it is time to recall his words when he said, “The choice today is not between violence and nonviolence.  It is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” Please reflect upon these words.  What has happened in the decades since he uttered these words? Have we moved closer to his thoughts? Most definitely not.  Since … [Read more...]

To the Editor, Americans are alarmed by the violence increasing in our country.  If we are to confront  what is happening, we need to examine the origins of the problem.  We can tighten gun laws.  For 50 years the NRA  has lied to us, claiming their main concern is protecting the “Second Amendment.” Actually, they are a lobby for the gun manufacturers and fight any … [Read more...]

By Lee Hamilton As Congress and many state legislatures get under way for the year, there are lots of new lawmakers out there starting to learn the ropes. It’s an exhilarating, exhausting time, and they’ll have plenty of questions about the challenges. But here’s one thing they might not even have imagined: The hardest part of their new jobs may be the most basic — casting a … [Read more...]

By Lee Hamilton The 118th Congress convenes January 3, and while it’s impossible to know in advance what it will or won’t accomplish, it’s a fair bet there will be drama. With the GOP taking control of the House, a tightly divided Senate, and a presidential election less than two years away, sending political signals — as much to the party faithful as to Americans in general … [Read more...]

By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com I think we’ve all attended a high school sporting event and witnessed some behavior from a fan that made for an awkward situation.  It sets the tone and become a toxic situation for all involved. Some people are more expressive than others, but there is a point at which a line is crossed.  … [Read more...]

By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation At the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) our motto is collaborating for regional vitality, and we do our best to live up to that commitment. In each area of our work – early childhood, entrepreneurship, and community vitality – we are mindful of partners in the state and region with whom we … [Read more...]

To the Editor, Seasons of great celebrations often carry shadows of sadness, grief, and deep hurt.  Many of us have the brightness of the holidays dimmed by loss and the memories of times shared with loved ones. It can be helpful to actively reflect on these people and experiences to acknowledge the feelings which are surfacing in our lives.  Writing down or verbally … [Read more...]