Editorials
- By Mark Jacobson, Winona Peer support specialistMarch 08, 2022The mental health system in the United States is currently in a state of crisis. Consider the following: •In 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 19.86 percent of adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness, equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. •Suicidal ideation continues to increase among adults in the United States, with 4.58 percent of adults reporting serious thoughts of…
- By Dale Walker, Patriotic MillionaireMarch 01, 2022The IRS started off the 2022 tax season ringing the alarm bells, warning that they do not have the resources to return filers’ tax returns in a timely manner and will likely be overwhelmed by the number of returns. You might think that this means that you won’t have to pay your 2021 taxes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you will. Unless, of course, you’re wealthy. Report after report…
- February 15, 2022It’s time again to review the Rock County Star Herald “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” for local bright spots and disappointments over the past several weeks. Thumbs up — to local efforts to protect drinking water sources. Gravel is an important economic resource but mining in sensitive areas can lead to water pollution. Manure is also an important economic resource, but again we need to protect…
- February 08, 2022This week, Feb. 7-11, is National School Counselors Week, a time to consider the unique contribution of school counselors in U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counselors Association, highlights the significant impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The 2022 theme is “School Counseling:…
- By the Senate Republican CaucusFebruary 01, 2022Senate Republicans recently announced session priorities that will focus on helping Minnesotans afford everyday life, reducing crime and empowering parents. “Senate Republicans are focused on getting Minnesota back on track by making life affordable for Minnesotans, tackling crime, and improving education,” Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne) said. “We focused on the issues important to you, not on how…
- January 25, 2022January is National Blood Donor Month and the nation’s blood supply remains at one of its lowest levels in recent years. In recent weeks, blood centers across the country have reported less than a one-day’s supply of blood of certain critical blood types — a dangerously low level. If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, life-saving blood may not be available for some patients when…
- January 18, 2022This week’s Star Herald features a story on Generations’ next steps in their mission to improve senior nutrition in Rock County. Senior nutrition used to be a poverty topic for the community group, Luv1LuvAll. Luv1LuvAll grew out of a Blandin Foundation initiative called “Leaders Partnering to End Poverty,” and senior nutrition was identified as one piece of the poverty puzzle. Now, fully…
- January 11, 2022The critically important role of health care workers has never been more apparent than now as we enter a second winter with COVID-19. Minnesota’s nursing assistants, RNs, respiratory therapists and many others have saved thousands of lives during the pandemic. They need more Minnesotans to join them in this noble and lifesaving work. That’s why Governor Walz has proclaimed January as Health Care…
- January 04, 2022Maybe it’s the promise of a new year, or maybe we really do live in a great community, but this round of Star Herald “thumbs” are all pointed up. Thumbs up — to the city workers who combed the field east of Blue Mound Avenue to pick up all the recycling that blew out early Monday morning. Thumbs up — to the city of Beaver Creek for approving new “Welcome to Beaver Creek” signs at the city’s…
- December 28, 2021The Star Herald news writers each year at the end of December consider and recap top stories that made headlines throughout the year. This year’s final edition again attempts to recap 12 months of news with a series of sub-headlines in a single (albeit long) story. Just like last year, and the years before that, the annual review recaps Rock County’s tragedies and triumphs that build on our…
- December 21, 2021Christians believe “God so loved the world that he gave his only son” to take away the sins of the world (John 3:16), and as such, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus as told in the Bible’s second chapter of Luke: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. … And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of…
- By Joseph KertisDecember 14, 2021The Covid-19 pandemic put many of last year's holiday festivities on hold, so these holidays are the first opportunity that many have had to gather and celebrate. But this could also mean that many people who've become addicted to drugs and alcohol are seeing their family again, which could bring a lot of things to light. That's because the Covid-19 pandemic drastically worsened…
- December 07, 2021The Star Herald this week doles out “thumbs up and thumbs down” for a variety of topics that have frequently come up in local conversations. Thumbs up — to the volunteers, organizers and sponsors of the Nov. 28 Santa Train, fireworks and park lighting. Everything was well-organized and executed, which results in holiday cheer and goodwill all the way around. The evening drive through the park is…
- By Jodi Harpstead, commissioner of Minnesota Department of Human ServicesNovember 23, 2021All children need safe, loving, permanent families. But right now, too many Minnesota children aren’t getting the basic building blocks of support, stability and love that families can offer. During uncertain times, the safety that families provide is more important than ever. Foster children face their own upheavals, not only dealing with the turmoil of the world around us, but also with day-to-…
- November 16, 2021Have you thanked a teacher lately? If not, you should. And while you're at it, you might thank a school administrator, support staff and school board member. Few people are undertaking the challenges these folks face on a daily basis. They literally have the lives of our children in their hands, yet we often don’t consider what that’s like and what it means for the individuals on the job at…
- November 09, 2021It’s time again for the Star Herald news team and contributing commentators to share another round of Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down for a number of issues, good and bad, in the community. Thumbs up — to the completion of the Chris Ashby Trail and the meaningful dedication ceremony in October. Our hearts go out to Barb and Gene Ashby who have been living without their son since 2006 when he died in a…
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