To the Editor, As members of the Spring Valley Discussion on Race (SVDoR), we feel it’s important to speak out about the events sweeping the nation and the world regarding the latest claiming of a black life by the police. Why is it important when we are so far away from the cities where protests are happening? As citizens of the rural U.S. in the midst of economic and health … [Read more...]
Letter to the Editor: Caring concern for life
Caring concern for life To the Editor, In this time of uncertainty, anxiety, and grief with the pandemic of the coronavirus attacking America, we are dedicated to doing what we can to stop this great loss of life. This concern for others has brought us together with love and caring for our fellow Americans. We see the death and pain it has brought and we want to help to ease … [Read more...]
Letter to the Editor: Let us out!
Let us out! To the Editor, Going on two months now, we’ve been staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In that time, Fillmore County had 13 cases [the time this letter was written]. As of your current issue, 12 have recovered and one has died, leaving the county COVID free. The one Houston County case must have resolved by now. There is no further need to keep our … [Read more...]
Fact checking Jeff Erding’s fact checkers!
By Tommy Thorson Ostrander, MN Mr. Erding is a brave man. With all of the people attacking him, it is amazing he keeps trying! Regarding Kathie Haynes’ article in the FCJ on Monday, May 18, 2020, I will respond to only one issue: her #2) Medicare for all. “Facts” are easy to produce: just decide what you want to prove, then eliminate anything that proves you wrong! Name … [Read more...]
Capitol update – funding for rural broadband
By Sen.Jeremy Miller May 4, 2020 Greetings from the Capitol, I am back at the Capitol today for another round of bills, including a bill that will help more rural Minnesotans get high speed internet access. You can read about those bills below. At the Senate, we are continuing to take the coronavirus situation extremely seriously, but we are also working to return to some … [Read more...]
Grand Meadow Lions withdraw support for Meadowfest 2020
By Greg Lamp Grand Meadow Lions Although most people in Grand Meadow know me, for those that don’t, my name is Greg Lamp. I’ve lived in the Grand Meadow area my entire life, I’ve been active with the GM Lions for 16 years and I’ve been the Coordinator of Meadowfest for the past 12 years. For the past six weeks I’ve been monitoring multiple health institution websites looking … [Read more...]
More from the “Old Soldier”
By Ron Scheevel Before I get to far into this commentary, I need to give another big Thank You to everyone who made it possible for Pat and I to be Grand Marshals of last year’s Trout Days celebration. What a great honor for us to represent our city and community. As Memorial Day comes around this year, many of our programs and ceremonies have either been canceled or … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… For the Class of 2020, this is just the beginning
Helen Keller has been quoted as saying, “The highest result of education is tolerance.” It’s been said that this statement relates to how all learning should result in personal change. In a special section in today’s newspaper, we are recognizing 355 graduates from the Class of 2020, representing 10 school districts: Chatfield High School, Fillmore Central High School, Grand … [Read more...]
Letter to the Editor Time to ponder
To the Editor, I used to feel guilty sitting around the house doing nothing. Recently doing nothing has been elevated to a new level of respectability. It is now noble and patriotic! The suggested response to the coronavirus pandemic is staying in isolation. I begin my day sitting in my easy chair by the north window of my living room with my toast and coffee looking … [Read more...]
Letter to the Editor Why the left hates America and Trump
Opinions expressed here are those of the author and not of the Fillmore County Journal. To the Editor, Kudos to Jeff Erding for writing “Fact Checking the Haters,” April 20, 2020; as a counter to the misinformation and outright lies put out by the left-leaning mainstream media. As expected, the leftist media is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to smear him as a complete … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Reopening the economy
I never thought in my lifetime that I’d see... A day when we couldn’t go to church. A day when our children couldn’t attend school, but would have to continue their education from our home. A day when all school activities would be cancelled. A day when graduating high school seniors couldn’t have a traditional graduation ceremony. A day when cities would take down … [Read more...]
Fact checking Jeff Erding
By Kathie Haynes On April 20, 2020, Jeff Erding wrote a commentary titled, “Fact checking the haters.” He says that “the haters” are the leftist writers who attempt to make a case against the Trump administration. I would like to make a case against Jeff Erding’s facts. 1. “Did Trump fire the pandemic response team?” Jeff says that is a nasty lie. The truth is Trump … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Future awaiting
By Makayla Braaten As I step out on stage, I look to my left and to my right, I think to myself “How have I made it this far? Is this actually real?” I close my eyes and take in the crowd’s energy. I look behind me to the drummer and nod, “This is it,” I tell myself, “We’re finally here!” For my last student writing article for this year I wanted to switch things up a bit. … [Read more...]
COVID-19 in America – the Hagedorn Report
By David Webb, MD Lanesboro, MN In his May Day report to constituents, Congressman James Hagedorn wrote that he was “grateful to President Trump and Vice President Pence for their leadership throughout the pandemic.” It makes one wonder what he must be smoking. Thanks largely to the disingenuous, self-serving, and utterly inept response of the President to the unfolding … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Small town survival
Our small towns have been hit hard with the coronavirus. Not the virus itself. Our COVID-19 numbers have been low for quite some time. As of press time, there have been 13 cases identified in Fillmore County and two cases reported in Houston County. With an average of 25 people per square mile in Fillmore County and an average of 33 people per square mile in Houston … [Read more...]