Around the corner

Sideways Thumb: It is the time of year when nights get darker a little sooner. Kids know that the summer is winding down and school is just around the corner.

This year, they have more to worry about than finding their classrooms and getting to know their new teachers. The shadow of COVID-19 is looming over schools this year, much like it was last year. School districts in the area are only recommending that students and staff wear masks, but with the rising trends in COVID cases, it is possible that more stringent regulations may be necessary.

The safety of the students and staff should be of paramount importance to school administrators and parents alike.

100 and counting

Thumbs Up: Congratulations to Michael Fruhwirth, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. The New Ulm man says good old hard work has kept him going this long, and judging from his picture in Friday’s paper, kept him young.

He has lived through some of the toughest times in American history, the Dust Bowl, the Depression, World War II. Some of the things we’re going through today must seem pretty tame by comparison.

Happy birthday, Mr. Fruhwirth, and may you see many more.

RR crossing work

Thumbs Up: We’re glad to see the Canadian Pacific crews are working on fixing some of the crossings in New Ulm. In years past crossings had deteriorated to the point where they were a danger to the suspensions and axles of the vehicles passing over them. The maintenance the last couple of years has improved them, and we’re happy to see them being kept up.