Letters to the editor: Fighting the good fight

The Pine Knot’s April 17 story, “Health care centers prep for a surge in cases,” along with other articles, deserves a thank-you after showing where our county is with the COVID-19 preparedness. We all recognize this contagious disease, like several others, has shaken our way of life. It is with leadership — families, federal, state and local help — that we are able to begin the process of removing this enemy.

Cloquet Community Hospital CEO Rick Breuer has displayed again his strong leadership. He has continued to triumph through some very challenging times. When authorization of Essentia's presence in Cloquet was finalized, he strongly raised the concern of the investment recently made at CMH with the cooperation between Raiter Clinic and CMH. He has ably described the importance of maintaining and utilizing staff economically and efficiently.

Being retired allows reflection on how, overall, our nation is handling this COVID-19, and the damage being done by shutting down businesses and way of life. I believe many Americans really do know how to protect, to act, and to help themselves, their families, and society overall, and to not be so dependent on any governmental “one size fits all” direction as our president and many governors recognize.

Prayers for all to stay well, healthy, and remember: Wash your hands. Special prayers for our president, vice president, and team and all the service workers.

Please continue to support local businesses in any way you can.

Betty Anderson, Mahtowa