Darts and laurels; cheers and jeers; pats-on-the-back and kicks-in-the-pants - whatever the terms, following are a few points we think deserve comment.
:) Whether competing in athletic or artistic endeavors, Park Rapids high school students have proven themselves a cut above average. So far this year, hockey players have had a phenomenal season, skating to an as-yet undefeated record. The one-act dramatists also put on an impressive show at sub-sections, and will advance to sections Saturday in Battle Lake for the chance to present their play at the state competition.
:( County commissioners dropped the ball on a beneficial land exchange agreement. The agreement would have given the county a quarter-mile of land bordering the Mississippi River in exchange for an equal part of county-owned forest.
While protecting the forests is important, the chance to own and safeguard land near the source of the Mississippi was a vital opportunity to preserve the health of one of the nation's most important waterways. Commissioners let a dispute over an unrelated strip of land scuttle almost a year of negotiations. It would not be surprising to look back a couple decades from now and see the squabble as a big mistake.
:) The addition of the dog Maggie at Heritage Living Center is a terrific outlet for the nursing home's residents. Part of the national stigma surrounding nursing homes surrounds a perceived clinical attitude over a personal approach to care. Maggie's presence, along with the birds and fish, should do wonders to help residents feel more at ease while at Heritage.
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:) The $5,000 Clean Energy Resource Team's grant put extra wind in the sails of Century School's wind turbine project. The project is a wonderful way for kids to learn real-world applications for math and science. The turbine stands as a beacon for both the direction the country needs to take and the skills needed to get there.
:) The fishing derby is coming up Saturday and the weather forecast is swell compared to the -48 (with wind chill) we endured last year. It is a fun time to enjoy Minnesota winter, the company of friends and neighbors and watching the grins on people's faces as they run to weigh-in their small, but possibly prize-winning fish.
This fun family day gives our spirits and brings a boost to Park Rapids businesses this time of year. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the American Legion for their commitment to this event.
