Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Opportunity, justice matter

OWATONNA “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” I grew up in the 1960s inspired by these words from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Yet, I am heartsick that today, more than 50 years later, racial injustice continues to be a stain on our national character and a strain on our national unity. Recent tragedies have highlighted how far we have yet to travel in advancing the cause of justice. You might ask: What does the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests have to do with rural Minnesota? More than you may realize. Obviously, the ...

Readers’ Views

Save money on energy To the Editor: There are quick and free ways to reduce your energy and water costs. For example, you can order a free water conservation kit compliments of Minnesota Energy Resources, the natural gas company that serves Fairmont. These kits are free to Minnesota Energy Resources customers and are shipped directly to your home. Each kit includes easy to install low-flow showerheads, kitchen and bathroom aerators, and pipe insulation. Call (866) 872-0052 and press 1 for residential programs, or order online at orders.amconservationgroup.com/mercfreekit Other ...

Readers’ Views

A thank you to local police To the Editor: With what we are seeing in the news within our own state of Minnesota and around the country, hopefully I am in the silent majority of those people who believe in upholding and sustaining the law of the land. The only way our representative democracy works is if the majority of the people have integrity and respect and the laws of the land. The Constitution guaranties us the freedom of speech and the right to assemble and let our voices be heard. This is limited to the extent we obey the laws and do not endanger the liberty, lives and ...

Readers’ Views

Unit serves during civil unrest To the Editor: On June 30, your local National Guard unit was activated as part of the governor’s full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard. Our battalion, 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, is a subordinate unit of the 1-34 Armored Brigade Combat Team. 1-125 FA is made up of units from New Ulm (headquarters and headquarters battery), Anoka (headquarters detachment), Pipestone/Luverne (A Battery), Jackson (B Battery), Fairmont (C Battery) and St. Peter/St. James (F Company). Our battalion was sent to assemble at an armory in the Twin ...

Readers’ Views

People can still help veterans To the Editor: Because of COVID-19, the Welcome Legion Auxiliary Post 553 was not able to have its annual Poppy Day fundraiser. Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The Friday before Memorial Day is National Poppy Day. The red poppies are sold for a donation and are worn to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform. All donations received always go to the Veterans. The Auxiliary would like to thank everyone for their past support, and if you would like to help honor and support our veterans you ...

Readers’ Views

Who is to blame? To the Editor: Having watched all the riots and looting, arson, etc., over the last few days, I’ve come to one conclusion. The mayors and governors of these major American cities and states are to blame. Peaceful protesting is a right we’re given under our Constitution. I don’t know of anyone who condoned the actions of the Minneapolis police officer; he will stand trial. What I’m seeing now is not being done in the memory of George; it’s people using this to loot a business, set a fire and just generally cause chaos. These mayors who condoned this ...