To the Editor, Now that one of our political parties has become a personality cult of shameful values, it seems likely to disappear. In response, it is probable that the two factions of the surviving party will split, with the centrists (composed of those who prefer the stability of measured change) in one camp and the progressives (young people, and those who want to pursue … [Read more...]
Letter about the historical articles…
To the Editor, Kudos to Lee Epps for his historical articles, I find them all interesting, but the one about the Houston County Poor house I remember well because it was an impressive building. When I was a senior at St. Peter’s High School in the early mid 1960s, in Hokah, Minn., the parish priest would send me up to that poor house near Caledonia to transport a resident from … [Read more...]
Incongruence
Watching the Republican convention it seems Republicans forgot Trump was in charge the last four years. He oversaw the greatest unemployment surge since the Great Depression. Trump is the “Unemployment President.” Trump was in charge during the greatest outbreak of racial violence since the ‘60s. Violence related in part, to his encouragement of white supremacists, calling … [Read more...]
Quality trainings for personal and professional growth
In this new virtual world we find ourselves in, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of online events, gatherings and trainings that are being offered on a seemingly daily basis. However, connecting virtually has its benefits and can open doors to exploring new ways of learning and building relationships. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), offering … [Read more...]
Letter about Biden signs being stolen…
To the Editor, I have recently been volunteering to help elect Biden/Harris and other DFL state and national candidates. Many hours of cold-calling likely voters have helped me decide that the election will be decided by voters who, although they don’t have the time or desire to research the candidates and issues, will still vote. Since it is nearly impossible to reach such … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Fire departments will need your help
This week is Fire Prevention Week, which also most likely means that fire departments throughout the region will be conducting their annual fall fundraiser. For many departments, this may be their only fundraiser for all of 2020. Many departments will coordinate a chicken dinner, a dance, or a gun raffle. But, with COVID-19 halting many activities involving large … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Meet the candidates
As of the date of this publication, we are 37 days away from Election Day. This is an important ingredient of our democracy. Over the course of the next few weeks, our staff at the Fillmore County Journal will be coordinating a feature titled “Meet the Candidates.” This is something we do every year in order to help our readers understand who they may be voting for in the … [Read more...]
Letter about Houston County Poorhouse article… To the Editor
The two-part series on the Houston County Poorhouse was very informative. I remember seeing that large building as a small boy – it seemed strange to see that in the country. Lee Epps did a great job putting that series together. I hope to read more by Mr. Epps! Ronald Burfield Houston, Minn … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Complacency is not an option
Over the past several months, as newspaper people we have done our best to cover what we were allowed to cover from a news perspective. Honestly, sometimes it felt like we couldn’t win either way. One day, we’d receive a phone call from a reader saying, “I only see obituaries, city council and school board meetings in your newspaper. There’s nothing else.” My response. … [Read more...]
Letter about Jeremy Miller failed us…
Letter about Jeremy Miller failed us... To the Editor, As a retired teacher, I am happy to hear that Sarah Kruger, running for Senate Seat 28, has been endorsed by Education Minnesota. Jeremy Miller, our incumbent Senator, has failed us in Saint Paul. Sarah faces a hard race. Miller has a lot of money, and he is well-known. What he doesn’t have is a record of wrestling … [Read more...]