I was in class at Regis High School in Eau Claire, Wis., on 9/11. The history teacher, Mr. Snyder, came over the intercom and announced that there was an attack on the Twin Towers. I felt uneasy and wondered if we were going to war. Nicole Bush Chatfield, Minn. … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Twenty years later
As we approach the 20-year mark since the 9/11 attack, it is still fresh in my mind like other events throughout my life. And, I know I’m not alone. That’s why we asked readers to share their stories in today’s Fillmore County Journal. It’s as fresh in my memory as when I saw the Space Shuttle Challenger explode after lift-off on January 28, 1986. I was 12 years old at the … [Read more...]
The day we become silent
Catherine Glynn Lanesboro, MN It’s been said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” In light of that, I’m choosing to speak out. During Lanesboro’s most recent Buffalo Bill Days, someone stole our Black Lives Matter sign. For some of you reading this, you might be thinking, “good riddance.” I especially urge you to keep reading. To … [Read more...]
Creating a sense of belonging in southern Minnesota
Many of us who grew up in, or currently live in, rural Minnesota know that there is something about our communities that fosters a sense of belonging. It might be that the nature of small towns makes it easier to get to know people, or that festivals, historic downtowns and beautiful natural landscape provide a way to feel connected to a place. However, everyone has had moments … [Read more...]
Lessons from 9/11 that Congress could learn
Most Americans alive 20 years ago remember where they were on September 11, 2001. They remember the airplane hijackings, the attacks, and the collapse of the Twin Towers. They remember the nearly 3,000 who perished. As our nation refocuses on that searing event, it will be tempting to pay attention to the lessons we’ve learned in the decades since when it comes to dealing … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The visionaries among us
A couple of Thursdays ago, Iowa drew a lot of attention when the little town of Dyersville (4,130 pop.) hosted a Major League Baseball game. This was a big deal, considering Iowa doesn’t have any professional sports teams to call their own. The New York Yankees played the long ball against the Chicago White Sox. Dressed like ballplayers from 100 years ago, they walked out … [Read more...]
Hoops are dual-directional!
By Donna Buckbee Rushford, MN Some people may not have noticed, but hoops are dual-directional! Over the past year and a half, the Republicans who refused to take COVID seriously and then refused to mask up and refused to distance are now refusing to get vaccinated. No one is going to tell these “freedom-fighters” what to do. They aren’t jumping on any bandwagon. Nobody is … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Working together for our Veterans
Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com Over the past decade, there has been a collaborative vision focused on serving Veterans in our region. On Nov-ember 11, 2015, Veterans Day, the first Veterans were laid to rest in the second Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery located in Preston, Minn. Nearly six years later, on Monday, August 9, 2021, … [Read more...]
Miken – capitalism hits home
Hokah, MN Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a small, local company does good work, employs local workers, and is a great asset for a small community. Soon enough, the good little company does well enough to draw the attention of the big corporation, who offers to buy the good little company. Now, the people at the good little company know they have two choices: take … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Fighting to keep jobs in America
Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com The battle to keep jobs in America has been ongoing for decades. This past week, we learned that Caledonia is contending with the loss of more than 80 jobs as a result of Rawlings Sporting Goods closing the local Miken Sports facility, a manufacturer of Major League Baseball helmets and bats for … [Read more...]