My older brother went off to college in 1995 with a Brother-brand desktop word processing unit. No, not a computer, but a little thing that did word processing, nothing but. However, he did go off to a school that had an internet connection, and he would come home over holidays and breaks to regale us of tales of that primitive web. Now, this may come as a shock to some of you, … [Read more...]
Questions for Jeff Erding regarding FACTS To the Editor,
I just have a few questions for Jeff Erding regarding his “Border security: Facts and solutions” letter to the editor on Monday, January 21, 2019. Is it not a “FACT” that the Republicans were in control of the House and Senate the previous two years while President Trump was in office? Is it not a “FACT” that the wall was not built during those two years? So why is not … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The Driftless
By Hannah Schneekcloth Tucked away in the heart of America there is an area called the driftless area. Covering the areas of southeast Minnesota, northern Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin, and northwestern Illinois, this area of the country is known for the river valleys, bluffs, winding roads, and the multitude of outdoor activities for every season, from boating and hiking in … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Government showdown?
What happened? The GOP-controlled Senate passed a bill by voice-call in the late hours of December 19 with measures that would have provided enough funding for the government to continue functioning into the early part of February. This bill did not have money allocated for a border wall that President Trump had repeatedly stated Mexico would pay for. It was expected this … [Read more...]
Border security: Facts and solutions
Bush 41. Clinton 42. Bush 43. Obama 44. Trump 45. Hillary Clinton. Senator Charles Schumer. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Household names in American politics, and all with something in common. Every one of them has written and spoken publicly about securing our southern border to stem the flow of illegal drugs, terrorists, contraband, and foreign criminals. All have advocated … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… HIPAA, obituaries, and births
Do you remember how excited you were when you heard about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? Yeah, me neither. But, HIPAA has impacted all of us in many ways we may not even realize. Companies had to become compliant with the HIPAA Security Rule by April 21, 2005. That was nearly 14 years ago. The whole reason HIPAA was introduced related … [Read more...]
Neighbors
By Ken Sawle Rushford, MN When my daughters were young, and found themselves in a situation that seemed overwhelming, I would say, “Take a deep breath and a few steps back from yourself.” It seems like vague or simplistic advice, but using a few moments to calm yourself often helps to put things in a warmer light. I’d like to be able to say the same thing to the nation as … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Depression and suicide among farmers
By Maddie Smith 1 (800) 273-8255... This is what Fillmore County dairy farmers read on the bottom of their milk checks each time they sell their freshest shipment of milk — the suicide hotline number. As striking as this fact seems, few people consider the significance of the mental health of farmers. Anxiety, depression, and suicide are serious concerns for farmers … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The clock is ticking
January 19, 2019, is approaching fast. Unfortunately, we are just days away from the iconic Branding Iron of Preston, Minn., closing its doors. KAAL6 News recently broadcast a feature highlighting the dilemma of Baby Boomers wanting to retire from owning their business, but not able to do so because they can’t find a buyer. Our Preston Area Chamber of Commerce/Preston Area … [Read more...]
Fear not!
Americans like “new beginnings”! I hung this year’s calendar on the wall and admired the picture for this month of two cardinals in the snow. (January 1, 2019 ) We pause to assess where we are, who we are and what our goals will be in the coming year. We are grateful to the holidays which renewed the spirit of hope. The power, the engine that has provided the impetus to … [Read more...]