Sports success

THUMBS UP: With all the local student athletes and teams heading to the various state tournaments next week, it’s hard to know where to begin to say congratulations.

Let’s start with the Springfield High School baseball and softball teams, who are both heading to their respective state tournaments. Getting one team to state is an accomplishment; getting two is a sign of good coaching and support throughout.

Here’s to the Sleepy Eye United boys’ golf team, which will be competing together at state. And here’s to all the individual golfers who will be competing in state competition. Nine area golfers have qualified for the individual tournament.

Track qualifying meets are being held this weekend, but New Ulm High School does have a state-bound athlete already, aige Kalis, who is competing in the long jump.

Congratulations to all, and good luck.

Good budget news

THUMBS UP: The state of Minnesota is ending its fiscal year with a bang. On Thursday, the state’s May monthly revenue report showed net general fund revenues totaled $3.306 billion in May, $1.796 billion (119.0 percent) more than projected.

That’s good news heading into the special session of the Legislature the governor is calling on Monday. We hope this will help legislators get the job of crafting a two-year budget before the end of the month, after which the state government would have to shut down without a budget.

Capitol reopens

THUMBS UP: It took 440 days for the Minnesota State Capitol to be reopened to the public, following the closure last year forced by COVID-19. That’s far too long a time for the public to be shut out of the People’s House.

The Minnesota State Capitol is a masterpiece of classical style architecture, designed by Cass Gilbert. It is a building that was built to be seen, to create awe and to give Minnesotans pride in their government. It was renovated in recent years and really dazzles. If you have never been there, it is worth the time to take a tour.