Thumbs up: To the leaders of South Central College, who earlier this week announced plans for a “lockdown drill” at the campus. We live in a country where, all too often, forward-thinking strategies to prepare for emergency situations are talked about but never implemented until something bad happens. Many examples of unpreparedness can be seen at various government levels, for instance.

So it’s noteworthy when public or private institutions take the time, spend the money and do the considerable advance work to ensure readiness.

Well-publicized assaults on college campuses elsewhere, and most recently the shootings at Fort Hood, have encouraged SCC to check its own emergency measures. SCC thought it through from the outset, notifying as many people as possible about its plans to avoid unnecessary confusion. “We want our students, faculty and staff to know what to do (in an emergency situation),” said Vice President for Finance and Operations Karen Snorek when announcing the planned drill. Good example, SCC.

Just a really long walk
Thumbs down: To the volunteer dog walker who showed up at the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society and either took the dog on a really long two-day walk or who temporarily stole a 9-month-old dog from the shelter.

The woman walked the dog on Monday and didn’t return it that day. Two days later — after the missing dog account was published in The Free Press — a woman returned the dog, claiming to be “fostering” her, as in being a temporary caretaker.

The Humane Society is a charitable organization that relies on the good will of people to support it. Taking an adoptable pet, and doing so before the animal has been spayed, is a disservice to a group that needs payments to help cover its costs.

Whether it was a change of heart, the publicity or a really misguided good intention that influenced the dog walker, the good news is that the dog is back and will soon be available for adoption to a responsible owner.

MnSCU diversity
Thumbs up: To the surge in enrollment of underrepresented students in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

The system, which includes MSU and SCC, has always had difficulty attracting underrepresented students, including minorities, the poor and students whose parents didn’t attend college.

This fall, compared to last fall, enrollment of new underrepresented students is up 22 percent, or over 14,000 students. Low income student numbers alone are up 37 percent.

MSU, SCC and other MnSCU schools have long worked to attract a more diverse student base. The increase is a good sign. All students and all of society benefit from more students gaining access to higher education.

— Free Press editorial board

Skilled musicians contribute to community
Thumbs up: As a lover of live music and friend of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, I write to say that Sunday’s concert was the best I’ve ever heard our symphony sound.

Under the direction of Ken Freed, Beethoven’s music was exhilarating and powerful, making for a most memorable afternoon.

Having an orchestra the quality of Mankato’s with skilled musicians contributing to the community is not something to take for granted. The love, time and money these musicians and staff put in are a small price to pay for the soul-lifting gift they give to the community. In addition, these musicians play from September to May, playing in the schools, teaching children, contributing to music in the churches and special events, as well as teaching in local universities.

Please support the continued efforts of the MSO by attending the next concert, the annual Candy Cane Concert and Christmas Sing-a-Long 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Mankato West High School Auditorium.

Mary Scheller

St. Peter