To the Editor, David and I purchased our home in the old Lanesboro school house 20 years ago. It was an empty shell but there was energy and vision. I love my corner of the old school house but I do not stay for my precious corner. I stay because this community cares for one another. Vote. We must vote on specifics not name recognition or past contributions. I value all the … [Read more...]
Letter about local candidates…
To the Editor, Dear Candidates...Thanks and Good Luck! Local candidates are putting themselves out there to be considered for election on November 3rd. Thank you! You’re committing yourself to spend hours (out of no doubt busy lives) to serve our communities. It ‘s not easy work. You’re to be commended. That needs to be said. But let’s underline something Mary Bell said in … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates Pt. 4
In the October 5 candidate Q&A section, Nicole Johnson was mistakenly noted as running for La Crescent School Board. She is in fact a candidate for Houston School Board. We apologize for the error. Please see her Q&A responses below. Nicole Johnson Candidate for Houston School Board 1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Nicole (Nickki) Johnson. I grew up in the … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates Pt. 3
Crystal Freese Candidate for Caledonia School Board 1. Tell us about yourself. I am a mother of three, licensed athletic trainer, and farmer. I grew up in rural Spring Grove and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bethel University. My career has largely been in high schools and in the clinic setting, working with athletes of all ages. I have also been a … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates Pt. 2
Candidates represented in this feature each paid $50 to participate. Ron Reisner Candidate for Mayor of Fountain 1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Ronald R. Reisner, my wife Mary and our three children Tina, Jeremy, and Nella moved to Fountain May 1, 1989. I retired in June 2017 and owned my own business, Ronella Lawn & Landscaping, which I have been running for … [Read more...]
2026 Candidates Part 1
Cherie Johnson Candidate for State Senate District 26 1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Cherie (“shuh-REE”) Johnson, and I am passionate about creating a better future in Minnesota. I am a proud wife, mother, teacher, and Christian. My husband Ben and I have raised our seven children in Southeast Minnesota, and I am determined to make sure Minnesota can always be a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Leading Up to 2026 Election
It’s another election year, which means our office is a busy beehive. Our Journal team has been fielding questions from phone calls, e-mails and readers at the front desk, asking about the policy for submitting Letters to the Editor or purchasing an advertisement to endorse their favorite candidate. Here’s what readers can expect. Letters to Editor As has been our policy … [Read more...]
Primary Sets the Table for November
On August 11, 2026, the votes were collected and tallied for the Primary Election to determine who will have their name on the ballot for Election Day on November 3. History will be made in Minnesota, as two women will face-off for the governor’s race for the first time. Lisa Demuth (GOP) drew 43.44% of the votes from her constituents, beating out the Trump-favored “My … [Read more...]
Trump Wins Again – What About the Local Races?
The Presidential race was another one for the history books. In 2016, when Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, Trump prevailed with 304 electoral college votes compared to Clinton’s 227. In that race, Trump won the electoral college but had fewer popular votes than Clinton – a point of contention among some voters. Trump had 62,984,828 compared to Clinton’s 65,853,514 … [Read more...]
Meet The Candidates 2024
Tara Morem Candidate for Harmony City Council Tell us about yourself. I grew up on a farm right outside Preston. After graduation from Fillmore Central, I attended NICC Calmar for cosmetology and began my career with moving to Harmony in 2006 and joining the Dacia’s On Main team. I changed careers in 2010 to better suit our young family and joined the Special … [Read more...]