— Thumbs up

To getting North Mankato police reserve officer Eugene Cousins the recognition he deserved. Cousins, who died 30 years ago of a brain aneurysm while trying to track a suspect in a ravine, will be inducted in May into the Minnesota Police Officers Memorial. The Memorial Association is raising funds to eventually put all of the names on its memorial on the grounds of the state Capitol.

Along with the official entry into the state memorial, an “End of Watch” tribute sign will be placed near where Cousins collapsed on Lee Boulevard.

North Mankato Police Chief Chris Boyer gets credit for making sure Cousins is recognized for his contributions to the police department that he served for 14 years and was working for when he died. He left behind his wife, Joan, and five children.

His family isn’t bitter about the delay in recognizing Cousins’ service and sacrifice. He’s always been a hero to them. But now Eugene Cousins will finally get public recognition for doing what he believed in — serving the public.

Tools for the vision-impaired

Thumbs up

To the work the Lions Club does to help people deal with poor eyesight.

The New Ulm chapter of the Lions has donated equipment to the New Ulm Public Library that can greatly enlarge printed text. The device can turn any television into a large-print reader. The New Ulm Lions are planning to buy more of the magnifiers if usage takes off.

It makes sense to provide libraries with equipment that will serve the public, especially in communities with aging populations, which includes much of our area.

Visitor kiosk a winner

Thumbs up

To the Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Mankato Growth for their new visitor center at River Hills Mall.

The kiosk is a highly visible center amid the most visited facility in the city. Visitor center staff and some volunteers are on hand to provide information for local residents or visitors to Mankato.

The concept is a good one. Helping local residents discover new things in the community exposes people to things they haven’t experienced before. But it will be especially valuable for visitors, giving them information on everything from local restaurants and businesses to bike trails and parks. Such contacts can do more than just help out a visitor and maybe a local business; it can plant a positive experience to people who may someday move to Mankato or do business here.

Doing good works in Nepal

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To Earl and Beverly Thompson, who have spent years trying to improve the lives of the people of Nepal.

The couple set up the Nepal Social Service Fund, a program for the Nepali to help themselves and focused on providing education in health care, literacy and agriculture.

The couple has been spending months at a time in Nepal since 1984. Earl Thompson has expertise in animal husbandry as a veterinarian and his wife Beverly has been working with the Nepalese on literacy.

They are a shining example of the good average people can do by staying active in their later years. Their dedication to helping people is beyond commendable.

Editorial Board



SCC’s tobacco-free campus

Thumbs up

My compliments to South Central College President Keith Stover and all for moving forward with a tobacco-free campus.

It really is a decision to promote health for students, staff and visitors. For individuals trying to quit, a tobacco-free campus supports their efforts. You cut back by not being able to step out the door and light up.

Many students are at the age where tobacco addiction takes hold. In my rite of passage through youth, I smoked menthol cigarettes on Saturday nights. Thankfully, I gave it up before it became a habit.

I am a two-time graduate of South Central (1974 and 2004) and I have been on campus many times through the years. The buildings and grounds are well-maintained and will be even more inviting without the cigarette litter and containers.

As a nurse, I urge people to love their lungs more than tobacco.

South Central isn’t saying people cannot use tobacco, it’s saying they care enough about people to not allow it on campus. Congratulations.

Sandra Renor, St. Peter