The Free Press
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Thumbs up
To the group of local leaders who are pressing the Minnesota Department of Transportation to come up with a better plan to schedule improvements on Highway 14. Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter wrote a letter to the transportation commissioner stating “enough is enough” and he and other local leaders succeeded in getting an audience with a deputy commissioner to talk about the situation.
The Highway 14 Partnership has been pushing the state for decades to expand Highway 14 to four lanes. There is no provision for completing the project between now and 2030. The meeting this week resulted in a strategy to try and break the more than $300 million project into more manageable phases.
That push is no guarantee, but maybe it will get the wheels rolling on a better solution to fixing the dangerous roadway.
Efficiencies needed in snowplowing
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To city officials for beginning the discussion on budget savings through a change in snowplowing policies.
City Manager Pat Hentges brought to the council several proposed changes to Mankato’s snowplowing policies. One, which brought the most discussion, would change the current policy of allowing people to park on a street during a snow emergency once that side of the street is completely cleared of snow. The new rule would have banned parking during the entire snow emergency.
The problem with the current rule, say city officials, is people park on the streets before the block is entirely cleared, thereby forcing plows around the cars and making them return more often to clear snow. It also leads to more towing of cars.
The change failed on a 3-3 council vote.
Still, the discussion needs to continue. All cities and counties are going to face major budget restraints in future years as state funding falls and the economy is weak. Residents — and the council — need to get used to the idea that the services we have become accustomed to aren’t what we can afford. Cutting snowplowing budgets is just one small part of what will need to be a top to bottom review of how public services are delivered.
It’s State Fair time again
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To the Minnesota State Fair, that “Great Minnesota Get-Together” playing to great crowds and beautiful late-summer sunshine as we speak. It’s All-American, apple pie and as thoroughly Minnesota as anything in Minnesota that ever was and ever will be. The food, the rides, the booths and, most importantly, the people make the State Fair as exceptional as any of its type in the country.
To get the most out of the State Fair, it pays to be a people person. They’re everywhere. And when you arrive for another year, it almost seems as if you never left.
As fun as the fair is, however, there’s a hint of melancholy in the air while the fun persists. It’s the last thrill of summer and a warning that, pretty soon, that warmth in the air will give way to crispness in the air. Enjoy while you can. While there’s still a fair, there’s still a summer.
Editorial Board
New fishing pier a beautiful memorial
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My children and I have stopped by the Jacob Thompson Fishing Pier at Spring Lake Park many times, before or after visiting grandparents who live in the area.
It is an awesome addition to the charming lower North Mankato area.
As we walk out to the pier, my children always stop and look at Jacob Thompson’s image, read his name and look at the flags flying overhead.
I explain to them what I’ve read about Thompson and the sacrifice he made for our country. We always say a prayer for him and his family.
During our visits to the pier, we see many others enjoying the beauty of this area. The last time we were there, we chatted with a young boy and his grandfather as they were getting their lines ready for fishing. My sons plan soon to try their luck fishing.
Thank you to all who were involved in making this beautiful memorial.
Mary Drummer
Mankato
Beautiful neighborhood appreciated
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To my neighbors on Bradley Street:
Thank you for your eyes for beauty, attention to detail, and your love for plants, flowers and garden decor.
Your efforts make my daily meander with my dogs Torri and Oscar down your street a summer delight or, at least, bearable.
Marie Crawford
Mankato
