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To civic leaders who are launching a marathon and related events in Mankato next October.

The Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau has hired a firm to operate the Oct. 23 marathon, half-marathon, 10K run and kids run. A pasta feed and expo the night before will kick off the events.

Developing a marathon in Mankato is a big task, but one that could pay off well for the city.

There are other big-name and lesser known marathons, including a fall Twin Cities marathon that will be held a couple of weeks before Mankato’s. That could be tough competition for Mankato, but many runners may also be attracted to a smaller and new marathon in Mankato.

The city lost an annual professional bike race, but the marathon could easily be a much bigger event and more beneficial to local businesses. Organizers are hoping for some 800 to 1,000 runners, and many of those runners will bring family members and friends who will stay a night or two.

The beautiful Minnesota River Valley will offer stunning views for runners and those here to watch. A marathon is a great way to show off the area, give a shot to local businesses and develop a run that could become a significant annual event for the community.

New park zoo a hit
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To the city of Mankato’s work on developing the new farm-themed zoo at Sibley Park.

The history of the zoo has been long, rich and sometimes tragic. The original zoo housed many large animals, including bears and lions. That major attraction was ended when devastating floods killed many of the animals.

In recent years the small animal zoo and prairie dog pen had become run down and tired looking.

The new project is a beauty. Bright red and white barns, cows, llamas, goats, a large pond with fish, a great playground and other attractions have made the zoo a big hit with families and people of all ages.

More landscaping and other attractions are still to be added.

Editorial Board

An angel for dogs
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Did you know that Waseca has an angel specifically for dogs? I’d have never believed it but under the heading of “large acts of random kindness” Renata Berg stepped up to the plate and delivered in a large fashion.

In spite of my finances and housing issues being adverse to dog ownership, I recently rescued a dog who had been confined almost all the time to a crate due to safety issues concerning small children and larger dogs.

Things were going well until she got underfoot, as small dogs are prone to do. After four days of not using her hind leg at all, I had decided that it was time to go to the vet, in spite of the fact that it was flexible without apparent pain.

Finances are a big issue and without the recent passing of President Obama’s unemployment extension, I, myself, would be out on the street.

I pondered these issues while taking “Emma” for her morning walk. As I passed the Neighborhood Service Center, Berg stepped from her vehicle and immediately remarked upon her lameness. When I confided to her our situation she did not hesitate to load us both up in her vehicle and take us to her vet at Clark’s Grove Clinic.

Emma’s hind leg was dislocated with slight fractures. Berg waited with me until the vet set her leg and had them put it on her bill. She wouldn’t even take the small amount of money I offered.

How do you thank someone for something so huge?

Patricia Younger
Waseca

Kansas teens should be commended
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Two Kansas teenagers, featured in the recent article “Teens produce ‘artificial tree towers’ to help environment,” should be highly commended for their forward thinking and initiative to help solve our global warming problem.

Our country and the planet need more people like these two, who are willing to tackle the difficult global warming problems we face.

The teens’ project is a very small-scale form of an important technology called carbon sequestration. This technology allows for carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, to be removed from the atmosphere and to be placed in long-term storage.

As these two teenagers demonstrated, we need to be proactive with carbon mitigation technologies. Carbon sequestration will help us avoid climate catastrophe.

Derek Hilding, student
Gustavus Adolphus College