Allina in Springfield

Thumbs Up: It makes a lot of sense for Allina Health, which owns and operates the New Ulm Medical Center, to step in at the Springfield hospital and clinic, which the Mayo Health System is leaving in March.

Allina has a strong presence at the New Ulm Medical Center, which has become a regional health provider. It should be able to expand its services to Springfield and serve an even greater portion of Brown County.

New Ulm Medical Center has been an award-winning health care provider for a long time now. We’re sure it will provide excellent service for the people of Springfield.

Open the bridge!

Thumbs Up: According to MnDOT, the Highway 14-15 bridge over the Minnesota River in New Ulm could be open as early as next Wednesday. We don’t know what the weather is supposed to be like on that day, but whatever it is, it will be a bright, shiny day for the people who have been rerouted 15 or 20 minutes out of their way to get across the river and into New Ulm for the past two years.

We hope everyone enjoys the new convenience.

Welcoming refugees

Thumbs Up: President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order calling for states and counties to signify in writing that they consent to accepting refugees for resettlement.

“The inn is not full in Minnesota,” Walz said in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Minnesota has a long history of accepting refugees from other countries, especially war-torn countries like Somalia, Laos, Vietnam and Liberia. The idea that the state should refuse more is ludicrous.

So far Kandiyohi County is the only Minnesota county to officially consent. We hope Brown County won’t be far behind.

Get a flu shot

Thumbs Up: The Minnesota Department of Health reported the flu season is off to an unusual start this year, with the Influenza B strain emerging first, ahead of the A strain.

During the first week of December, outbreaks of flu were reported in 13 schools. About a quarter of the 176 reported cases of flu involved children.

The best defense against the flu is still getting a flu shot. Even if the season has already started, there is still a long winter ahead. It’s better late than never.