Every abortion is a tragedy
To the Editor:

Released by the Minnesota Department of Health, the news from Julyís annual abortion report is tragic. ÝAbortions increased five percent overall (to 14,065) and a startling 16% for minor girls. ÝWhy?

Planned Parenthood performed more abortions than ever in 2006ó21 percent more! The state abortion total rose by 700; Planned Parenthood increased its total by 645, capturing nearly all of the increase.

After Planned Parenthoodís first "express" mall clinic opened in June 2006, its monthly abortion totals increased significantly. These clinics target young women and make referrals for abortions. Suddenly, the astonishing rate increase for minor girls seems not so surprising.

Planned Parenthood opposes requiring children as young as 12 years old to have their parents involved in contraceptive decisions. Rep. Ken Tschumper voted to deny parents this involvement (House Journal pp. 6700-6701).

History has proven that when you fund organizations that advocate for abortion, it results in more abortions. Thatís why MCCL sought to deny such grants to abortion-performing organizations. Rep. Tschumper voted against this common sense amendment (HJ pp. 4309-4310).

Additionally, Rep. Tschumper opposed an amendment to stop tax dollars from funding abortions (HJ pp. 4075-4076). Each year Minnesota taxpayers spend over $1 million on abortion. ÝFor Planned Parenthood, abortion isnít just a morally acceptable "choice"óitís an industry from which to profit.Ý

With legislators like Rep. Tschumper in office, casting vote after vote in support of abortion, the human toll continues to climb. Every abortion is a tragedy. ÝI wish Planned Parenthood and Rep. Tschumper agreed.ÝÝ

Leo LaLonde, President
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

Tireless effort results in VA claim resolution
To the Editor:

My husband and I wish to publicly recognize Robert Gross, the Veterans Service representative for Houston County for his tireless work regarding a VA claim. Not only did he file the claim for us he never gave up and helped bring it to resolution.

We also appreciate Bob Laguban, a claims representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Paul. Last but certainly not least we acknowledge U.S. Congressman Tim Walz and his assistant Chad Larimer for their intervention and efforts on our behalf. We are fortunate to have Mr. Gross, Mr. Laguban, Congressman Walz and Mr. Larimer as our county, state, and federal representatives. They helped my husband secure the compensation he was due.

As a military officer and Viet Nam veteran his service disability has finally been recognized and rewarded. It is clear that veterans are important to these four men. We are grateful to them.

Chief Warrant Officer Richard N. Penrose, Ret.
and wife Gerry Penrose
Caledonia, Minn.

Brownsville has successful blood drive
To the Editor:

The Red Cross held its summer blood drive in Houston County, starting with Brownsville on July 17.

Good hours, from 2-7 p.m. enabled 37 donors to come, and with only one deferral 36 actual units were collected, one over the estimated quota. We were so very pleased with this wonderful result, the head nurse was obviously too, she put a smiley-face behind the 36 on her report!

Mr. Steven A. Peter came from Caledonia to complete his sixth gallon. What a milestone achievement! Two first time donors were welcomed, Shelly Carlon and Joseph Macejik, both of Brownsville. We hope you had a good experience and will be regulars like all the others who came.

We do appreciate your dedication, your willingness to share your precious blood with others, and for making this VFW Auxiliary sponsored effort so rewarding. The Blood Services motto was Do Good - Feel Good; I hope it was so for you!

Zion Evangelical Church always provides a nice location (its Pastor Cuda was first in line to give blood). To all who helped and provided food, and blood donors, it sure was fun to see all of you again at this important event!

Sigi Skare
Brownsville Coordinator

Support our local farmerís market
To the Editor:

There is a new place in town to gather on Saturday mornings ñ at the Farmers Market located in the parking lot of Wagner Insurance, next to the Redwood in Caledonia. Last week it was just like a little village there with all the vendors and buyers milling around.

This was started by the Houston County Master Gardeners right after Easter and has been growing each week. We plan to continue through October. We have vendors who have been with us almost every week from the beginning and others that show up as they have items to sell. We have fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables in season. Right now we have onions, cucumbers, zucchini, kohlrabi, herbs, raspberries, green and wax beans, and many other items changing from week to week. You have to stop in to see what is available.

We also have fresh bread, pie, and other baked goods, fresh eggs, honey, and lots of jams, jellies, and pickles. There is a vendor who sells wicker furniture and another who sells cement bird baths, benches, etc. Another one sells bat houses, bird houses and other rustic items for outdoors.

For further information please contact the Master Gardener coordinator, Loretta Knutson at 724-2140 or e-mail lorlaw@peoplepc.com.

Loretta Knutson
Caledonia, MN

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Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475

E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com