A welcome change

THUMBS UP: Governor Tim Walz has “turned the dial” once again a little more toward normalcy in this COVID-19 world. On Friday he announced that on June 10 restaurants can start serving people inside (with reservations and no more than 50 percent occupancy); that gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios may open at 25 percent capacity; that theaters and concert halls, bowling alleys, arcades and museums can open at 25 percent capacity, and that outdoor entertainment venues for sporting events and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity. (Maybe there will be a baseball season this summer after all.) Churches, hair salons and barbershops may not be open at 50 percent capacity.

This comes as restaurants in New Ulm have shown reluctance to open outdoor dining spaces on Minnesota Street. It was a lot of work, especially at the lower occupancy rate provided.

It’s not business as usual, and it shouldn’t be. Not yet. But it is a welcome change and a step toward normal activities.

Races in elections

THUMBS UP: There are some election years where everyone, when it comes to local elections, seems to be happy with the status quo, where incumbents file and run unopposed. This year there promises to be some excitement locally, even going into the primaries.

In the New Ulm City Council races, Councilor-at-Large Charles Schmitz has two opponents — 4th Ward Councilor Larry Mack, and Mack’s opponent in his last election, Andrea Boettger. This will set up a primary election to narrow the field to two.

In the local legislative races, Rep. Paul Torkelson is facing a primary challenge fromTammy Houle, who is filing as a Republican after several years working with the Constitution Party, a more conservative organization. It will be interesting to see what she brings to the race.

Celebrating seniors

THUMBS UP: We have been enjoying the different ways schools have been celebrating their senior classes as they graduate. Knowing that the Class of 2020 has endured a lot of losses over the past few months, schools have been making the effort to hold different kinds of graduations, from online ceremonies to drive-in ceremonies. The grads have replaced graduation parties with parades of well-wishers.

Whatever the method, we wish all of our graduates this spring the best of times over the summer, and good fortune in the months ahead as they head off to college campuses, vocational training, apprenticeships or whatever field they take on.