April 2020

This was going to be the year.

Patrick Minchow was coming back as a starting junior shortstop for the Benson baseball team and sophomore Isaac Minchow appeared ready to take over the starting spot at second base or right field.

Baseball is a passion for the Minchow family of Benson.  Patrick and Isaac have been playing fall baseball for MN SWAT for many years, which is a team of west central players, and the two student-athletes from Benson would quickly name baseball as their favorite sport.

“Baseball is our favorite sport, but we spend tons of time together whether it’s on the baseball field, golf course, or playing video games,” said Patrick Minchow.  “Isaac usually gets sick of me because of how often I try to talk him into going outside and doing something.”

By Reed Anfinson
Publisher
Swift County Monitor-News

Though Nov. 3 is many months away, it may not be enough time for many states to prepare for the general election in a time of fear about the spread of the coronavirus and the deadly disease it causes, COVID-19.

At the top of the ballot will be the presidential candidates. At this point, there is an assumption that the two top candidates will be Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat former Vice President and Delaware U.S. Sen. Joe Biden. It will be a contentious election with potentially a record voter turnout.

Some speculate that the virus might not be around come the fall or won’t be much of a factor in people casting their votes. We wish. On the contrary, it is very likely going to have a significant impact on how we will conduct our elections in November.

By Reed Anfinson
Publisher
Swift County Monitor-News

With no elective surgeries allowed and many out-patient services greatly reduced, Swift County-Benson Health Services has seen a drastic reduction in its revenue.

Now another problem is adding to that financial crunch and potentially endangering the health of area residents – many are afraid to go to the clinic or hospital for care.

“People are very nervous to be out and about, and do not want to come into the hospitals or clinics,” Co-CEO and Chief Nursing Officer Melissa McGinty-Thompson said. There are patients who should be spending a night in the hospital who are insisting on going home. They are afraid of being exposed to the coronavirus in a clinic or hospital...