Springfield Pageant

THUMBS UP: The Springfield Nativity Pageant is being presented this weekend, a Christmastime tradition that has been carried on for 37 years. It is Springfield’s Christmas gift to people throughout the county and beyond, presented free of charge.

The outdoor pageant is special for its attention to detail, with real donkeys and camels to carry the Holy Family and the Wise Men. It is held outdoors, so it takes a real commitment and lots of warm clothing to put it on.

An undertaking like this doesn’t last 37 years without true commitment from the community. Congratulations to the Springfield Area Nativity Theatre Association (SANTA) for their gift to us all.

Leaf vacuums?

SIDEWAYS THUMB: The New Ulm City Council is getting ready to pass the city’s budget soon, and one of the big ticket items ($260,000) on the expense side is the purchase of a pair of leaf vacuums. These are large, industrial sized vacuums that are pulled along city streets to vacuum up piles of leaves that people have raked to the boulevard.

We understand it would be a nice service for people who don’t want to bag up their leaves and haul them somewhere, but we wonder if it is a nice service or a needed service? Buying the vacuums would add nearly 3% to the city’s tax levy, which is hovering at a 10.25% increase at the moment.

We urge city property taxpayers to let your councilor know if they really need this service and are willing to pay the extra taxes to fund it.

Christmas charity

THUMBS UP: Christmas is a time when people open their hearts and their pocketbooks to give to those who might not have a lot this time of year. Last week the Sertoma Club held its Santa’s Closet to provide toys for children in needy families.

Various other groups have donated to the New Ulm Food Shelf, adopted families, participated in mitten trees and provided warm clothing and food. We applaud all who give to those in need at this time of the year.