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...]
Where is your mask?
To the Editor, I come down to see my parents who live in Harmony about once a month and I stay for a few days. I just want to voice my concerns about the lack of compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines. In a town with such a large population of elderly citizens, I was shocked to be the only person in town wearing a mask. Not only were people not wearing masks, the businesses, … [Read more...]
Worrisome trends affecting representative democracy
We’ve seen plenty of evidence lately of the deep polarization in this country. Even in the midst of this crisis, national politicians, the political parties, and their adherents are finding plenty to fight over — even as, for the most part, ordinary Americans have been remarkably united and many governors and mayors have worked hard to handle the coronavirus pandemic … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: The impact of high school teachers
By Alison Freese Students may not realize how important their teacher is to them. Teachers are the amazing people who help us learn what we need to know before graduating and becoming an adult. They know what we are capable of and try to help us succeed. If a teacher sees a student struggling in their class. they will try and find a different way for the student to learn. … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Recognizing teachers in 2020
This week is special because it is Teacher Appreciation Week. Each year for the past four years, the Fillmore County Journal has published a section dedicated to recognizing area teachers. Historically, with our circulation solely focused on Fillmore County, we would only recognize teachers working in the six school districts within the county. With our newspaper’s … [Read more...]
Regulatory capture of MPCA
To the Editor, The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) decision to roll over and permit the doubling of the Daley mega-dairy near Lewiston shows how industry has captured the very agency that is responsible for protecting our environment and neighbors. As an elder who was born and raised in karst country, I remember when the MPCA was established to “protect and … [Read more...]
The poor oil zillionaires
To the Editor, Oh my, all of a sudden people aren’t driving, aren’t flying, aren’t buying plastic or polyester, aren’t making widgets. People who stay home, especially in warmer weather, just don’t need much oil. The oil companies and the demand for their products have had almost unlimited power for most of my 74-year lifetime. Their output has grown like a virus, to the … [Read more...]
Coming together, blaming others?
To the Editor, Coming together, blaming others? As a Preston resident, I have noticed several things that the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked in our small community. I have noticed more people walking around town than ever before, utilizing the wonderful bike trail. Talking more with my neighbors, at a distance, and for longer periods of time has been a joy. Kids are outside … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Made in the Midwest
For decades, America has been battling the outsourcing of manufacturing and services to countries like Mexico, China, Philippines, and India. The United States has lost so many jobs to other countries for a variety of reasons, including labor costs, environmental restrictions, and tax incentives. Most people would be surprised to hear that some newspapers have fallen into … [Read more...]
Still hopeful
It’s amazing how creative and resilient humans can be. Here, in the midst of fear and tragedy, good arises. It was an odd Easter at home. But churches live streamed services. I heard the pastor play his trumpet and it was the most uplifting and triumphant sound coming right into my home. My parents, who are in their 90s and homebound pandemic or not, were able to attend church … [Read more...]