Space hostage

THUMBS DOWN: Some people have been complaining over the past several years about the American space program’s lack of access to space. Since the space shuttle program shut down in 2011, U.S. astronauts have been dependent on hitching a ride from other nations like Russia to get into orbit, while NASA has waited for private space flight developers to become a reliable alternative.

They are still working on it, and our dependence on Russian space flights is suddenly turning nasty. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the U.S. sanctions against Russia in retaliation, an American astronaut aboard the International Space Station has become a pawn in the war. Mark Vande Hei, a flight engineer aboard the ISS is due to return to earth on March 30 with his two Russian colleagues after nearly a year in space. As a result of American sanctions, the Russian space agency is threatening to leave him behind when the two cosmonauts return.

This is what happens when you don’t have a reliable space program of your own.

Farm Show

THUMBS UP: One of the sure signs of spring is the New Ulm Farm City Hub Club’s Farm Show, which is taking place this weekend at the New Ulm Civic Center. The show started Friday and continues today with loads of exhibits and information about farming and all the different kinds of businesses that support it.

This is a fun and entertaining way to learn about the impact that Agriculture has on our area. Be sure to check it out today, if you haven’t already. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

State athletes

THUMBS UP: Congratulations to all the local athletes who have participated or are battling to qualify for state tournaments going on this month. Last weekend several area wrestlers participated, including New Ulm Area heavyweight Jaden Drill, who finished fifth in state, and New Ulm Area’s Ellie Dake, who finished second in the girl’s 152 pound bracket. Sibley East’s Draden Morton finished his high school career with a 48-1 season and a second place finish in the state tournament at 145 pounds.

This week basketball teams have been competing for the chance to make a state tournament trip next week.

Congratulations to all.