RENU has been good for New Ulm

THUMBS UP: People in New Ulm made a good decision 20 some years ago when they approved a half-percent municipal sales tax. The money raised funded a great improvement in local recreational facilities, including a new to sheet ice arena, an expanded community center, and an improved recreation center.

A couple of years ago, the people voted to extend that sales tax, and the funding from that was used for the RENU (Reinvest in New Ulm) program. We have a spledid new aquatic center, a gymnastics center, and an upgrade at historic Johnson Park. Those projects are being wrapped up, and thanks are due to all those who served on the RENU committee and helped bring these projects about.

In another 10 years or so, people will be thinking about whether to renew this sales tax again, and what improvements to New Ulm can be financed with it. It’s an exciting prospect, given what New Ulm has accomplished with this municipal sales tax.

Healers

THUMBS UP: Two doctors with over 60 years of medical practice in New Ulm were honored this week. Dr. Mario DeSouza and Dr. Joan Krikava are hanging up their stethoscopes this fall. Dr. DeSouza retired in September, and Dr. Krikava is retiring on Nov. 21, after putting off retirement last year to keep working during the demands of COVID-19.

That sort of dedication is an example of the kind of service and care New Ulm has been getting through the doctors, the nurses and all the staff at New Ulm Medical Center.

Congratulations to our two departing doctors, and may they have a happy retirement.

Cameras in courts

THUMBS UP: Minnesota’s courts have been living in the past — the past where court artists sketch rushed, barely recognizable scenes of what’s happening in the courtroom while the rest of the world is using cell phones to shoot movies.

This week the judge in the trial of ex-Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter reversed her decision and will allow video coverate of her trial for the shooting of Daunte Wright. Minnesota’s one experience with video coverage was the trial of Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd. That trial proved that cameras in the court can work, and provide a vast public the means to see how justice is working.

A state advisory committee is planning to meet some more in January to examine the issue and make some recommendations. We hope they will see the benefits to the public and recommend bringing the courts into the 21st century.