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Former Director thankful for support Letter to the editor: Many thanks to everyone who has offered their kind words and support during this difficult time. I have always taken an immense and profound pride in the work I’ve accomplished over the years. Red Rock brought true happiness to my life, and it is overwhelming to realize that so many of you recognized and appreciated that dedication. I hold my head high, forever proud of the work I’ve done from the ground up. The foundation of the Red Rock was built on care, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to every one of our ...

No community center, no amenities?

Local Editorials

This week many people in the community felt a great loss when the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation (FACC) announced that it would end efforts on pursuing the project. Even though a structure was never built and shovels never even made it into the ground, some people still mourn the thought of what could have been. In speaking with a few community members about it, most everyone admitted to being frustrated or disappointed by the news, some no doubt relieved, but hardly anyone said they were surprised by it and I think that in itself is sad. While it was 10 years in the making, ...

Readers' Views

Letters to the Editor

Tour of building bittersweet experience To the editor: Recently, through the kindness of Senator Amy Klobuchars’s office, a friend and I had the opportunity to participate in a brief tour of the U.S. Congress building in Washington, D.C. It was an honor to be there and hear about the sacred history of this country as told by our tour guide. But I could not help thinking about what happened in that building on Jan. 6, 2021, the day that Congress was to certify the 2024 Presidential election. On that day, thousands of people stormed this building, broke doors and windows, ...

Olsen’s concertina puts smiles on many faces

Local Editorials

"Is everybody happy.” Larry Olsen yelled out that more than once when he played his concertina with his brother Leon, who was also working his magic on the musical instrument well known in polka circles. While Larry hails from the Lake Benton area, his brother resided in New Ulm. But the two brothers often got together to share their love for polka. Leon Olson died on Oct. 22 after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 72. When it comes to polka music, Leon Olsen’s resume is extraordinary. He definitely leaves a musical legacy that rates among the great ones. He recorded ...

Searching for book deal with agent anxiety

Columns

Some years ago, I got the idea of putting together a book of my collected works. A publisher is needed to embark upon such an adventure, and in order to get a publisher you need a literary agent. After a few timid excursions on the stormy Sea of Literacy, I came into contact with Mitch, a literary agent from New York. Mitch seemed like a nice guy and appeared to be knowledgeable regarding all things literary. Mitch explained that as a first-time author I was trapped in a Catch-22: an author generally can’t get published unless they have already been published. After languishing in ...

Court decision deals blow to female sports

Columns

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled biological males have the right to compete in female athletics, a decision Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, said threatens the safety of girls and undermines fair play. House Republicans introduced a pair of bills earlier this year to provide clear protections for female athletes and ensure fairness in competition, but House Democrats blocked them from passing. The Preserving Girls Sports Act (H.F. 12) specifically states that only female students may participate in school sports restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls. Swedzinski ...