By Wenda Grabau February, though a short month, is known for several notable things. Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays are among them. Valentine’s Day, another occasion, is included in the mix of memorable dates, reminding us of special people to whom we can express our love. This year our shortest month of the year has an extra day, giving us another leap year. … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project 17 years of climate change
By Makayla Braaten Since the third grade I was passionate about learning more on marine life and all life on Earth has to offer. As the years went by, my passion for the underwater world and life on land began to become more in danger. Within my lifetime, there have been an absurd amount of tragedies within our climate, which is exactly why I’ve chosen to write about it. … [Read more...]
A campaign for southern Minnesota
At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we are proud of our ability to adapt and address the needs in our region. We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to economic development, early childhood and community vitality. But, responding to the needs of southern Minnesota depends on the longevity and financial stability of our organization. Through our … [Read more...]
The Plant Lady
By Jessi Jablonski Stay sharp in the winter During these chilly winter months, I often dream of flowers swaying gently in the breeze and the sun shining on my face as I’m digging in the garden. Even though I can’t get a shovel in the ground, that doesn’t mean that I won’t see my garden tools all winter. Cool months are a great time to prepare your tools for spring. The … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Ambulance service meeting January 22
By Andrea Walsh Lanesboro, MN The Fillmore County Journal, December 9, reported the Lanesboro Ambulance Service may lose its Advance Life Support License due to a shortage of volunteers and I assume, funds. This certainly should be a concern for all residents locally and in the rural areas served by the Lanesboro Ambulance Service. In addition to serving the City of … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate… Caucuses and primaries
Caucuses and primaries are approaching. What is the difference between the two and what does Minnesota have this year? Perhaps more importantly, why should you care? In 2016, legislation was passed which established a presidential nomination primary for Minnesota. This legislation did not do away with the caucuses, which will still be taking place on February 25. The … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… A puzzling winner
Since December 30, 2019, the Journal office has received a flurry of entries submitted for the 2019 Cabin Fever Word Search Puzzle Book contest. For our last issue of the decade and of 2019, we published our first-ever word search puzzle book. For this contest, all participants who submitted a completed and accurate puzzle (that appeared on the back page of the puzzle book) … [Read more...]
The fracturing of our civilizing imperative
One of a country’s most critical processes, if not the most critical, is the peaceful transition of ruling power from one political party to another after elections. Even if they loathe and detest each other, their differences must be secondary to everyone’s belief in and commitment to a smooth and composed changeover. If this doesn’t happen, there will be, at the minimum, … [Read more...]
Fixing the system is up to all of us
You no doubt remember the old line attributed to Ben Franklin when he was asked what kind of government the Constitutional Convention had created: “A republic, if you can keep it!” Well, I’ve noticed an interesting thing in recent years: it’s got bi-partisan appeal. Last fall, for instance, within a few weeks of each other House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used it when she … [Read more...]
Letter in support of Flip Huggenvik
To the Editor, I was recently pleased to read an accurately written assessment of Islam by Flip Huggenvik. He supports his claims using historical realities and Qur’anic texts. A key element in making his case is his explanation of the doctrine of abrogation. This lies at the root of the Qur’anic debate. There are essentially two divisions within the Qur’an, the earlier … [Read more...]
Reflect, acknowlege, strive
By Amy Jeffers Greetings, With the holiday season behind us and the New Year under way, I want to take a moment to extend my gratitude to the community for its support of what we do, to the staff for their ongoing dedication, and to the students for their hard work and achievements! Without these three pillars of excellence, we would not be able to showcase some of the … [Read more...]
Where do we go from here?
Welcome to 20-20. We have a new year to mess up! We like new beginnings. We envision the opportunities that await us. We see a bright, shiny road ahead of us leading into the future. For now at least we can put aside the anxiety and insecurity that has crept into our lives in recent years. Technology has accelerated the uneasy feeling that everything that matters is … [Read more...]
Of pilots and politicians
Occasionally, something really good appears on social media. Here’s a letter to the editor that recently appeared on Facebook attributed to Steve Garrington of Davenport, as he described his thoughts on the pilot of a plane he was on. He described watching the pilot enter the cockpit and thinking to himself how odd it seemed to be putting his life in the hands of someone he … [Read more...]
How presidents get their facts
Here’s a basic truth about people who make decisions on public policy: they rarely have all the facts they want. Over the years, I’ve sat in countless meetings in which, after we’d reached a sticking point, someone said in exasperation, “Well, what are the facts?” We’d all look around the room because, no matter how much information was already on the table, a key fact that … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Ripple effects of tragedy
This past year has been full of tragedy for the Mabel-Canton School District, Mabel and Canton residents, the Amish community, and all associated emergency responders. There have been a number of vehicular accidents that have claimed lives. To say it has been emotionally taxing would be an understatement. In smaller communities where people are more connected — … [Read more...]